Ha Kosem
Business of the Month: Ha Kosem
Where to Find the Falafel Magic in Israel
Visit Israel, and you’ll notice that street food is a way of life, as eating is the favorite national pastime for locals. It should be no surprise, then, that the first question visitors ask when they come to Israel is a simple one: “Where should I get the best falafel, shawarma, and hummus?”
While falafel is something you can find on every corner, Ha Kosem, a.k.a the magician has, for a long time, been regarded as one of the top spots for everything street food – but especially for their signature Sabich. This vegetarian sandwich consists of fried eggplant slices, eggs, pita, amba, and salad. Oh, and the added touch is always a falafel ball! As far as the menu goes, it's a fantastic place to try a plethora of street foods, from shawarma, shakshuka, and grilled chicken to Ha Kosem’s signature green omelet. What’s more, the cleanliness and freshness of the ingredients mean food quality and taste are always top-notch. Ha Kosem is also a kosher option if you are looking for one.
Ha Kosem’s owner, Ariel Rosenthal (Photo: Yuri Gershberg)
Ha Kosem’s owner, Ariel Rosenthal, has also released the award-winning “On The Hummus Route, A Journey Between Cities, People, and Dreams.”
The book, which features contributions from food writers like Claudia Roden, is an array of hummus and chickpea recipes worldwide in various innovative preparations, such as with Yemeni Spiced Falalel or chickpea casseroled. The book also goes deep into the detailed history of the humble chickpea and touches on all the cultures from all over the world that thrive on hummus. It’s a love story between hummus and the cultures around it.