Admittedly, a homage to the round chickpea balls is nothing new. The falafel has become as much a part of Berlin’s food culture as the kebab since the 1970s and the currywurst ever since 1949. Eat it as a sandwich at lunchtime, an indulgent supper, a midnight snack or a late hangover breakfast. In all its variations, it tantalizes Weddingers big and small on almost every street corner. But where can you find the tastiest? In your own neighborhood, of course! Don’t miss on a delicious selection of possibly the best falafel spots around Badstraßenkiez, Nettelbeckplatz and U‑Bahnhof Wedding.
Butter soft Falafel al Amin
At Triftstraße 6, a deceptively unexciting range of sandwiches and plates is hidden behind neon orange signs. At Falafel al Amin, you can expect a mix of makali, halloumi, falafel and shawarma – but nothing here is quite what it seems. Instead of the typical crispy deep-fried falafel, you’ll find freshly prepared chickpea balls every day, which, slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, make for a truly surprising culinary treat. Be warned: the recipe does not skimp on the garlic! Depending on your appetite, you can choose between a small or large sandwich. The homemade mango sauce is also a welcome addition to the conventional choices of sesame, garlic and spicy. You can get alot here for just €2.50.
Sudanese at Dar4
Similar offer, same ballgame? Not exactly, because at Dar4 it’s the peanut sauce that makes the difference. If you like it hearty and nutty, you’ll love the Sudanese take on the classic falafel offer. The peanut sauce refines, and depending on who’s working often dominates, both the filled bread pockets and the plates. Our members of the Weddingweiser pinboard also agree and rate the quality of the food at the “upper end of Berlin’s falafel landscape”. Riding all over town to eat falafel with peanut sauce is a thing of the past! It’s now just a short walk to Reinickendorferstrasse 95, and the price is a real contender for its Kreuzberg rivals. For €2.50 euros you can get a sandwich to go! Vegan and vegetarian diners will feel particularly at home here, as the menu does not overlook their needs. They can choose froma variety of combinations. And yes, even the peanut sauce is completely plant-based. Plus: there’s a ramp here that makes the little shop accessible to wheelchair users.
The classic at Nezha Bistro
Nothing beats your mother’s cooking! But a visit to Nezha at Badstraße 57 also feels pretty homey. This is where I ate my first Lebanese falafel sandwich – and with good reason! Often, the waiting clientele gets a taste beforehand: a huge crispy brown falafel prepared with lots of parsley, cumin, and garlic, embodying the classic Lebanese version. Highlights here: boiled-down, savoury spinach and a choice of sauces that includes avocado as well as a sweet and fruity mango sauce.
There are also no limits to the wild combinations in this bistro. A friend of mine who was unable to decide simply ordered a “falafel halloumi makali spinach sandwich”. In the end, thanks to Mo behind the counter, four pieces of the Arabic flatbread chubz wrapped themselves around the filling before it went into the contact grill for the finishing touch. The result was enormous – in both size and taste.
Falafel al Amin, Triftstraße 6, 13353 Berlin
Dar4, Reinickendorfer Str 95, 13357 Berlin
Nezha Bistro, Badstr.57, 13357 Berlin
Where is the best place for falafel in Wedding? And what makes it special?
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Translation: Fiona Nugent
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