Tel Aviv (Before Covid) - HaBasta, Abu Hassan, and Falafel Ratzon

*** Here's a condensed post as I try to finish up all our pre-Covid trip reports.

Our flight from Paris to Tel Aviv on EL AL was on time and uneventful.

We were fed pretty well on the flight and arrived at Ben Gurion Airport right before 5pm. Getting a taxi to our hotel was also very easy and took about half an hour. Not quite sure about how long it would take, I made reservations at a restaurant I wanted to try, which was a nice walk from our hotel at 8pm. The restaurant is right next to the Carmel Market and I'd read a bit about the place.

On this Sunday evening, things were pretty quiet....and we really enjoyed the wonderful flavors and freshness of the food.

From the Cauliflower with Tahini....

To the Creamy-Smoky eggplant, to the slightly tangy-acidic Matbucha (a Arabic/Moroccan Roasted Tomato dish).

And the savory Cured Fish with Soft Egg.....

 This was a wonderful meal and a great way to start our visit to Israel. I wish we were a bit more hungry and were able to try more dishes, but we left quite satisfied.

HaBasta
HaShomer St. 4
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

The next morning; our only full day in Tel Aviv, we headed out early. Taking a walk thru the very quiet (on this morning) Carmel Market.

The fragrance of spices floating thru the air.....

And then past Hassan Bek Mosque....

To Charles Clore Park, where we could see Old Jaffa ahead of us.

We walked along to the beach area, where we saw this cat.....

Who was undoubtedly checking out these pooches having a great day at the beach!

We took a quick detour to check out the the Clock Tower and Saraya House in the old town.

  There is so much much history here.

We took time to check out the Clock Tower which was built by the Ottoman's in 1901. 

That structure to the left of the clock tower is the Saraya House and was once the residence and offices of the Turkish Governor. It was blown up by the Lehi a militant group.

We walked along the street checking out various churches and folks just going thru daily life.

 There was quite a bit to take in here...... from the Monastery of St Nicholas to many other places which had no signs.......

There always seemed to be something that would catch your eye.

I was starting to get a bit hungry and really wanted to try a place that wasn't too far away so we headed up the stairs from Nemal Yafo Street connecting to HaShahaf Street....

To a place I'd a good deal about Hummus Abu Hassan, a very low keyed, but very busy little shop.

The folks here were very nice and even though the place was bustling we ordered and found a table. 

Even though it was not even 10am, the place was busy. Our order arrived in minutes and just look at this will ya'....it is by far the most delici-yoso hummus I've ever had.

The Masabacha was amazing. And one of the old timers even showed us the proper way to eat it. You take the wonderful pita and dip it in the peppery lemon sauce, then the hummus, then you eat it was some of the sinus clearing onion! It was sooooo good.

During our short "brunch" we saw two taxis stop in front of the restaurant and older women get out of the car, walk up to the counter and pick up their hummus! This place really lived up to what I had read. In fact, twice during our stay in Jerusalem we mentioned this place and kinda impressed the locals!

Hummus Abu Hassan
Ha-Dolfin St. 1
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

We finished up and walked back to our hotel.

And wandered the streets along the way.

We had a nice cup of tea back at the hotel.....

And then it was nap time.

We awoke later that afternoon and went back out for a stroll...spending most of our time around the beach area, walking from one end to the other.

The people (and pooch) watching was fun.

This being near the end of November, the sun would set around 430pm, and we were treated to a beautiful one.

After the sun went down we wandered around a bit more; then decided on some dinner. We just wanted something quick and easy and another place; fairly close to our hotel came to mind; Falafel Razon.

I had wanted to try some falafel; so this was our chance....

 And whoa; much like the hummus, this was a game changer for us. I'd never had falafel that was so crisp outside, but almost creamy inside. 

Man we were eating well.

Falafel Razon
King George St. 17
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

We really enjoyed Tel Aviv; it was laid back and the folks were nice. We had only one full day in the city, but it was fun.

Tomorrow would be a busy day; we'd headed to Masada, the Dead Sea, and then off to Jordan!

Comments

[kat]

beautiful sunset & adventure

[Loren]

I remember going to Israel for the first time when I was 13 for my Bar Mitzvah - like you I had had hummus and falafel in the US but I had my first such experiences back in the early 90s was atrocious. Then I took my first bites of hummus, pita, falafel and (especially) schnitzel and shwarma in Jerusalem (again before it all became a foodie paradise) - that was like going through the looking glass. All I ate as a kid for three weeks was that stuff and I became a life long aficinado for them.

At least now there's some places that, while not an exact match, are at least very good and bear some resemblance to what you'd get in the Middle East. Still its just not the same, but at least its tasty. Admittedly the closest I've gotten is Shwarma Guys in the US but also Michael Solomonv's places in Philadelphia (Zahav & Dizengoff) are otherworldly.

[Soo]

Lovely vacation! That great you came across a bunch of dogs and a cat.

[amanda]

oh, that sounds so good. I have spent my life trying to find falafel as good as the one I first tasted in N Africa in the 80s. So green and vibrant inside it just transported me. That looks like a great option.

[Kerri K]

So cool, Kirk! I'm hanging on every word and photo. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!

[Kirk]

Tel Aviv was a fun place to visit Kat!

I can't wait to try the falafel on Rue de Rosiers in Paris Loren. I've put that off several times on pasts visits; so maybe soon.....

It was fun checking out the locals Soo....especially those who walk on four legs.

Best falafel I've had by far Amanda! Hope all is well; Happy Holidays!

Glad you're enjoying these posts Kerri! Happy Holidays!