If you’re a regular reader of Bruised Passports, you’ve probably realised by now that we’re a couple of gastronomes. Nothing can stop us from trying out local delicacies wherever we travel. So far sheep’s head in Morocco and pig’s intestines in France top our list of ‘strange foods we’ve had’ but then we haven’t been to China yet.
Care to venture a guess about how far we have ventured just to get our paws on some scrumptious eats?
We were in Israel last year and spent our time absorbing the incredible culture. But every time we got talking to the locals about food, the conversations were never about Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but a city called Haifa. No prizes for guessing what we did next- hopped on a boat to Haifa!!
There we had falafels that were so good, they made us want to cry.
Haifa is the street-food capital of Israel and lives up to its name. Yafo Street and Wadi Nisnas are our favourite areas.Falafel HaZkenim is definitely the most popular stall, but most others are as good. Pop into just about any falafel joint in these areas and prepare to be amazed!
The chickpea balls are fried right in front of you, and served piping hot. The perfectly crisp and crumbly falafels are ensconced in pillowy pita-bread, full of crunchy tomatoes and cucumbers. Strong flavours, fresh ingredients, and bright colours come together to make this a culinary experience you will not forget- all for less than £5. The best part is the mouth-watering (and unlimited :-)) accompaniments- finely-chopped salad, perfectly-textured hummus, silky tahini, sweet and sour pickles, decadent baba ganoush, and fried aubergines. Heaven!
Crisp Falafels in Haifa
Unlimited Sides
Unlimited Dips
The Perfect Sandwich?
You know the hummus is unlimited when locals have it by the glass, literally
Yummmmm…… Savi-you remember any ‘Fabulous finds’ from your Istanbul trip????
Unfortunately not- why don’t you discover a couple of them for us 🙂
Wow, Yum! There is a falafel outlet here run by an Israeli Lady. Unlimited Hummus, tahini and so many topping options! But ya that can’t stop me going to Israel to have their way … Hummus by the glass.
The way locals were doling dips into those glasses was crazy- seriously!
Yum I’m pretty obsessed with good falafel. It’s so hard to find! My favorite is Taim in NYC and that’s Isareli style.
Kate if you enjoy falafel, Haifa NEEDS to figure on your bucket list 🙂
i totally love falafels..and the way u have described it.looks like u had one of the best!!! and unlimited hummus is a treat which u get not every where:)
Couldn’t have agreed more Priyadarshini- the unlimited dips totally made the meal for us 🙂
Love your blog Savi and Vid 🙂 you have shared your experiences so well.. there’s so much going on and all so fun! 🙂 All the best with your adventures!!
p.s: i came across this lovely blog post last week and was reminded of you – http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/06/17/a-walk-along-the-paris-inner-city-railway-abandoned-since-1934/
Deepthi so good to hear from you 🙂 That blog post looks amazing, thanks for sharing it- I’m bookmarking it for our next trip to Paris
Oh wow. These photos look too delicious! Unlimited hummus!
Adrian they were scrumptious. The unlimited sides and dips just made it a spectacular food affair 😉
Great post! I was just in Haifa and found some favorite hummus and falafel spots as well! Absolutely top-notch street food in this wonderful city! The people were also so kind and interesting to talk to. I highly recommend spending at least a couple of nights in Haifa! Cheers!
Just reading your comment made me miss the street food of Haifa – yummy!
I live in Israel and this post is just making me want to go to haifa now!!! (Its 12.30 at nite)
Hehe those falafels are worth it 😉
Hi Savi! I’m an Indian living in the uk. I am planning on visiting Israel and need a visa. However I am also planning on visiting Lebanon and know that I can’t get a Lebanese visa if I have an Israeli stamp on my passport. How did deal with this situation?
Hey you can request the Israel Embassy to give you the visa on an A4 paper so that it isn’t part of your passport – they will comply 🙂
Savi, Vid do you guys have a 10 day itinerary that could share for Israel trip. We are planning for a trip in Dec and my Husband is really keen on this place. I also have a 2 1/2 year old with me. Any tips if you could share. Thanks in Advance!
Hey Shilpa,
Sorry but we don’t have a 10 day itinerary. We visited Israeal (Haifa and Jerusalem) as part of a cruise so didn’t spend long there 🙂
We are looking to spend 5-7 days in Israel over Christmas this year. Do you have tips/recommendations for fitting in tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Haifa within that time frame?:) thanks!