Best/Favorite Falafel &/or Hummus in Israel (and Pita too)

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salsaboy
salsaboy

I'm interested where the best places are to get hummus and/or falafel in Israel.

A few years back, I had phenomenal hummus in Um El Fachem. Abu Gosh was a disappointment for me. There is a place in Akko that I've often heard about -- never been and can't recall the name -- which many people say is the best. As I'm not a resident, I don't have inside information. Yet, I'm heading back to Israel on a business trip soon, and I'd like to try some new places.

As for falafel, years ago people said Shuk Betzalel in Tel Aviv was the best. Later, I heard the vendors were using motor oil to fry the falafel (can't be true, but the point was well-taken). A place called Falafel Devorah near Hadera, I think, was supposed to be great, but I didn't think so. The Afula bus station, however, was quite good. I'm interested in hearing insiders' views on great falafel as well.

Finally, about fifteen years ago I had the best pita ever from a small Arab shop in Lod, I think. Could that be? Lod? Does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about? That pita was something special. Any favorite pita places in the country?

I'll take any location -- Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Arad, Ashkelon, Metulla, the Golan, wherever -- from anyone -- Jew, Arab, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, and Bahai. I'd appreciate the insight.

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travelintex
travelintex

For hummus, my favorite is in Ramla, small town not too far from the airport. I can't remember the name as I was taken by a friend but its in the old part of town. I thinkits well known for the hummus so if you get close, you could probably ask and get pointed to the right place. Get there early though, I think they shut down after lunch.

The place in Akko you were talking about is also supposed to be real good. I've heard rumors of lines starting in the early hours of the morning just to get it before they sell out. I'm not that dedicated for the hummus. I walked by late in the day and its inside the old city as well.

Enjoy!

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gordoosh
gordoosh

Always found the guys in the street around the Tel Aviv bus station to have tasty felafel as it moves fast and is always fresh. A couple of them serve hot foul from bubbling pots which I love.

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yarden
yarden

The place in Ramle is called Khalil - pretty good Hummus theyve got

In Tel Aviv - my favorite is called HaSuri (The Syrian) - but it has no sign... its in the Yemenite quarter and a bit tricky to find. If you head down from Allenby on Najara Street youll run into a restaurant called Maganda. Take a right and then immediately a left. Now youre on Yihye Kapah Stret. Your second alley on the right is where he is; on the right hand side. All they have is Hummus Tehina and Fuul. Ask for Komplet - a dish with finger liking good hummus; tehina, fuul and a sliced egg. Go early - they start serving around 8 am and are usually closed by 3 pm...

Best Falafel is difficult - Gina is delicious - mainly because they have the best pitot in the business, baked fresh on the spot. There is a branch on Shocken street, in south Tel Aviv just north of the junction with Kibbutz Galuyot.
Also good, but with the occasional fall is Falafel Benin - aka Jonny - on Tchernikhovski; not far from the corner with Allenby -

Other landmark Hummus joints accross the country are:
Jaffa - Abu Hassan - on HaDolfin Street.
Kfar Yassif - Abu Adham - they also have a branch in Tel Aviv on Ibn Gvirol street - but i havent tried it
Akko - Saeed - in the market

Go early - Hummus is a breakfast food!

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ros85
ros85

In Jerusalem try Abu Hassan just off Salah ad-Din st in East Jerusalem - it's tiny and very authentic - or Abu Shukri in Beit Hanina (north J'lem) where the felafel and hummus are fantastic (there's also a branch in the Old City but I don't think it's quite as good). Their msabaha is also great.

The best hummus I ever had was at the Shepherd Hotel in Bethlehem, although I don't know if they made it themselves. It was in-cred-i-ble, really.

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yarden
yarden

Abu Shukri in the old city is shite...
I havent tried the one in Beit Hanina - but now I must!

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roeeb
roeeb

I hope my answer is still relevant to you.

The famous hummus in Akko is probably Saeed (pronounced Sa-eed). Very crowded on Friday. I've never eaten there.
There is also another good one in Akko called Suhilla (pronounced Soo-hi-la), I've eaten there once - very nice.

There are many famous in Tel Aviv. One of them is called Abu-Hasan (located in Jaffa actually), he has 3 branches I think. His hummus is not so great but he has Masabaha (which looks like hummus but it's not) which is very good.

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derekbilldaly
derekbilldaly

Directly opposite the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem is the finest falafel I have ever tasted and also one of the cheapest!

I had the one mentioned above in Jaffa but I far prefer the falafel that I had in Jerusalem. I stayed above it in the hostel so had my dinner there or lunch there almost every day I stayed in the city

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