Saluf and Sons- A Nostalgic Yemenite Experience in the White City

One of the special and unique experiences that Tel Aviv and Israel provides are the varied cultures. In Israel you can find Jews from Morocco, Russia, Ethiopia, Belgium, the United States, pretty much from every corner of the Jewish world. One of the oldest Jewish communities is the Yemenite community. If you want to enjoy delicious and affordable Yemenite food, music and culture, Saluf and Sons creates an exciting Yemenite culinary experience.

Located on Nahalat Binyamin street, Saluf and Sons is located at the halfway point between the Carmel shuk and the trendy Florentine neighborhood. While there is many other home cooking “style” restaurants in the area, Saluf and Sons kitchen offers unique and delicious entrees that are the perfect mix of fresh and spice.

The Yemenite meat soup is the most expensive dish on the menu, costing 35 NIS. This delicious dish comes with rice and a secret sauce made on location. Their most famous dish is jachnun, which is served with tomato sauce and a spicy hard boiled egg costing a 21 NIS. Another very popular dish is the malawah, offered in two different styles. The Yemenite, which is served with fresh tahini, tomato sauce and a hard boiled egg, and the Eastern style which is accompanied with delicious hummus, tomato sauce and spicy pickles. Each Malawah dish costs only 21 NIS.

Other dishes include the Yemenite kubah, spicy soups, couscous and rice based dishes. The majority of dishes are available either with meat or vegetarian. For those who can’t make it for lunch, they offer a happy hour special where all the dishes are half price.

For those looking to have a drink with their meal, they offer three different sizes of  Goldstar draft beers; a small beer costs 11 NIS, a half-liter is and 25 NIS and a liter is 52 NIS. Don’t be shocked while indulging in these delicious Yemenite dishes to receive free arak shots.

While most of Tel Aviv’s culinary scene is increasing in prices, Saluf and Sons reminds you that sometimes it’s best to go back to your roots.

NOT KOSHER

Address: Nahalat Binyamin St 80

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-11PM, Friday 11AM-PM

Vitrina Opens a New and Bigger Branch to Satisfy Burger Fans

After years of providing delicious hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs, and the endless line that everyone dreads, Vitrina has opened a new branch on Lilienblum Street here in Tel Aviv.

The new branch offers a beautiful bar with gilded chairs and round style American diner from the Sixties, with spacious interiors with a variety of elements in pink, gold and green. The internal space can hold up to 40 seats and, in addition, you will also find outdoor seating, which they provide chairs and tables overlooking the bustling street corner. Most important, the new branch blesses us with new Vitrina creations.

First and foremost are the tacos, served on a polenta tortilla filled with delicious short ribs and spicy salsa (40 NIS). The Chinese chicken salad and sesame sauce includes lettuce, carrots, rice noodles, and coriander. Sausages, so characteristic of the flagship store, have so far remained outside the menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, here’s a little glimpse a few more dishes at the new branch: Golden State Hamburger – veggie burger made from a pair of Portobello mushrooms which includes hot cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato while served on a fresh bun (55 NIS as part of a business meal with fries and drink ). Don’t worry their classic burger is still on the menu, but this time with the addition of jam juicy bacon, cheddar, lettuce and tomato (65 NIS as part of a business meal with fries and drink);

For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, they offer chocolate tacos.  These crispy waffles are made from handmade tacos and are stuffed with vanilla ice cream and a thick coating of chocolate and walnuts (15 NIS). They also offer a giant chocolate chip cookie, which includes chips and chocolate peanut butter, oatmeal and pretzel (5 NIS).

NOT KOSHER

Address: Lilienblum 40

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12PM-11PM and Friday 12PM -5PM

Vito Romono- It’s All About the Grilled Cheese- CLOSED

In the past year or so, the Dizengoff square area has become the center of fine dining in Tel Aviv. With the success of Truck Deluxe, a new grilled cheese sandwich restaurant offering a unique twist has blessed Ben Ami street with another fine option to dine.

Vito Romono opened their doors in April in the heart of town, right next to Dizengoff Square. After a year of planning and designing the perfect architecture and the exact recipe for each sandwich, they opened the first grilled cheese sandwich bar in Tel Aviv. While it’s a café during the day, at night it becomes a thriving bar with an option for some late night delectables.

Vito Romano’s original grilled cheese sandwiches main ingredients are a mixture of melted cheese (mozzarella, gouda and cheddar) with a small amounts of tomato sauce and basil, and served on a sourdough bread (35 NIS) or focaccia bread (44 NIS), with the option of fries or salad. They offer 5 different grilled cheese sandwiches that are influenced from different cuisines from around the globe. The “French” is a grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions and different cheeses that will challenge your senses. The most eye-catching sandwich on their menu is the “American”, this grilled cheese sandwich is served with mac n’ cheese and bacon inside the sandwich itself. The “Italian” grilled cheese sandwich is served with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. The “Greek” sandwich is served with bitter but tasty feta cheese and fresh olives. Last but not least is the “Mexican “grilled cheese, which is served with chipotle and jalapeño which provide plenty of spicy flavors that you won’t find in the other sandwiches they offer. If that’s not enough for you, you can add asparagus, ham, a poached egg, a boiled egg, mushrooms and more. Each specialty grilled cheese sandwich costs 44 NIS( sourdough bread) or 53 NIS( focaccia bread)

The most popular sandwich is the American which provides patriots a glimpse of what they have been missing back home. This sandwich is contains generous servings of cheese, a good amount of mac n cheese, and small pieces of bacon that provide a unique taste all in one sandwich. For those looking for a more healthy choice they provide your typical Tel Aviv café options; but I recommend you stick to the grilled cheese sandwiches.

SUPER NOT KOSHER

Address: 13 Ben Ami

Hours: Sunday- Saturday 10AM-2AM

Safta- Not Your Typical Grandma Homemade Deli Sandwich

Is it just me or has the Rabin Square area transformed into a land of delicious sandwich restaurants?? Among them is Hamosad, with their unique pulled beef meat sandwich, and many more sandwich restaurants to choose from. For close to a year, Safta has blessed the residents of Ibn Gabirol with unique freshly made, baked in-house sandwiches served on fresh rolls.

Safta’s menu is relatively simple and includes a variety of sandwiches;  each is served in a unique handmade soft bun, a combination of a challah roll and a chocolate bun. Before the staff starts to fill the bun with delicious meats and vegetables, they roast the bun just to make sure it’s a little crispy (for those who are looking for a healthier bread choice they offer rye bread). All ingredients in each of their sandwiches are prepared on site, including the sauces and salads. One of the staff’s favorite sandwiches is the turkey sandwich; prepared with mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, turkey, roasted peppers, tomatoes and lettuce on rye (30 NIS). My favorite sandwich is the roast beef sirloin. The roast beef sirloin sandwich is made with homemade mayonnaise, fried onions, hardboiled egg, mustard, tomato, and lettuce (42 NIS). Another sandwich which I recommend is the grilled sausage sandwich. This Italian salami and sandwich is cooked with BBQ and curry sauce with spicy tomato (32 NIS). For those who are vegetarians or vegan, they offer a mushroom sandwich made on a vegan roll. The mushroom sandwich is served with onions, peppers, guacamole, tahini, walnut pesto, tomato and arugula (NIS 30).

In the busy sandwich area of Ibn Gabirol, there any many options where to dine. However, if you are looking for a quality and affordable sandwich, Safta is the place to try.

Address: Ibn Gabirol 65

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10AM-11:30PM, Friday 10 AM-4PM and Saturday 6PM-11PM

The Top 4 Shawarma Stands in Tel Aviv

Lately shawarma has had a resurgence in interest among the street food community, resulting mainly in a significant improvement in quality and freshness of the meat and salads. As with falafel and hummus, everyone has a preference for the place and style. With each recommendation where to try fresh shawarma, the same questions come up: lamb or turkey? Served in a pita or a lafa or a beget? Add the local favorite flavored fat which is cooked on top of the meat or avoid it? Here are my top 4 shawarma stands in Tel Aviv.

Hakosem
Hakosem originally opened its doors as a small falafel stand almost 15 years ago. Though they are famous for their falafel and hummus, you must try their shawarma as well.

I recommend you try the lamb shawarma, each serving includes extra crispy brown lamb meat, which provides amazing juicy flavors, thanks to the lamb fat which is dripping on the meat from above. Each shawarma is served in a handmade pita with fresh hummus , green salads , spicy onions, cucumbers , garlic and to top it off, they add their famous falafel balls on top of this tasty delight in a pita

Price: 30 NIS

Address: Shlomo ha-Melekh St

Shawarma Bino

Almost seven years ago, the owner of famous shakshuka restaurant Dr Shakshuka, decided it was time to spread his creative wings and open a shawarma stand. This had been his dream for close to 40 years and he hasn’t looked. This veal shawarma is possibly the best shawarma in Jaffa and well worth the trek. When people ask which shawarma to order, it’s a no brainer that you go with the veal. This dish includes touches of beef and lamb fat, which makes it more delicate and a fragrance that will not leave you indifferent.  Each shawarma in a pita is served with such excellent quality meat there is no need to indulge in side dishes. They serve the shawarma with a few different spices and vegetables in fresh pita. This dish is so full of flavor and delicious you will never have to think what to order at this establishment again.

Price 28 NIS

Kosher

Address: David Razi’el St 26,

Torek  Lahmajun
For years people would wait in line at Torek Lahmajun for shawarma. After years of waiting, they got their wish with a more central location next to Dizengoff Center. The lines are more reasonable now and if you have to wait in line don’t worry, it’s worth the wait. While waiting in line, you will see their trademarked three giant skewers of lamb, turkey and chicken.
I recommend you try the lamb shawarma; each lamb shawarma is sliced to perfection with a strong and juicy flavor which are cooked with endless amount of spices that give it the perfect flavor. Add to that a little onion and a little fat of the lamb which cooks on top of each skewer (which provides great flavor) and it is hard to surpass. Each dish is served in a fresh pita with generous amount of meat, tahini, onion and different types of vegetables.

Price 26 NIS

Kosher

Address: Nahalat Binyamin St 77 and King George 51

Keter Mizrach

Keter Mizrach was established in 1952 based on recipes from their Syrian family recipe, and it is one of the oldest operating restaurants in Tel Aviv. With 64 years of experience, they continue to offer us a delicious kebab , schnitzel and meatballs , and shawarma . While eating at Keter Mizrach you have to try the turkey shawarma. Unlike other shawarma stands in Tel Aviv, you notice they use a special ingredient unlike no other – the use of pistachios in their shawarma skewer. The use of pistachios enhances the meat flavor and the fragrance, also it helps to keep its distinctive tastes as well as it’s juices. The downside of the shawarma is the relatively small size of the pita, but they make up for it with fries and fresh salads, which include something different – a unique onion salad with dill which provides great flavor for the whole shawarma.

Price 30 NIS

Kosher

Address: 115 Ibn Gabirol

Haprazador- It’s All About the Toppings

In the exciting and dynamic Tel Aviv culinary scene there is always a discussion – where is the best gourmet burger in town. Unlike other burger restaurants, Haprzador offers unique burgers with the most unlikely toppings that will make you simply drool.

Recently Tel Aviv has become well known for its many burger options. What is unique in Tel Aviv is their well known “Gourmet Burgers”. These specialty burgers like Vitrina andAmerica burger are heating up the culinary scene with their delicious burgers. Almost every restaurant you go to in the white city offers a delicious variation of their gourmet burger.  The difference between the successful and the failed burger joints is usually the topping that they offer and at Haprazador, they have become the master of  the toppingsl.

Haprazador opened their doors in late November on Mendli Mois Street, which is a short two minute walk from the beach. The owners of the newest burger restaurant show their vast knowledge of the culinary burger scene by providing numerous varieties of topping for each burger they sell. This provides a unique burger experience that locals are just not used to.

The menu offers a variety of burgers that come with extras. The burger known as the “Blue and Smoky” is a burger with blue cheese, bacon, arugula, balsamic mayonnaise and pickled red onions which costs 58 NIS. The “Tony Montana” burger is accompanied by Gouda cheese, Cuban garlic sauce, pickled onion and potato chips and costs 54 NIS. One of the more interesting burgers they offer is the “Like After the Rain”. This burger is served with truffle mayonnaise, spinach, and mushrooms roasted with thyme and rosemary, which costs 54 NIS. Their most popular burger is the “Be a Coward” burger.  This delightful hamburger is presented with lettuce, tomato and pickles and costs 49 NIS. For those vegetarians, they offer a veggie burger patty with leeks and beets and a vegan burger with Portobello mushrooms that will cost you healthier eaters 48 NIS.

For those that love delicious sides, they have wings that cost 28 NIS. They offer some of the most delicious and made on location onion rings in town for 26 NIS along with the typical fries for 12 NIS.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, their desserts are excellent. They offer many American hits such as chocolate brownie for 26 NIS, banana splits for 26 NIS and apple pie milkshake, which is basically a vanilla milkshake which is added to apple pie, which costs 32 NIS.

NOT KOSHER

Address: Mendli Mois 6

Hours: Sunday-Saturday 6PM-12AM

Truck De Luxe- Not Your Average Food Truck

In the exciting restaurant scene in Tel Aviv, people tend to get bored very easily. In previous posts we have offered the more common cafes and restaurants. However, we are always looking for new and exciting food venues that will get us foodies excited.

Close to a year ago, Truck De Luxe opened their doors (of their food truck) with many mouthwatering dishes we could only dream of. Located on Ben Ami street right next to Dizengoff square, this food truck is the more exciting smaller brother of Pundak Deluxe which is located in Jaffe. Unlike the Jaffe location, the prices are more affordable and present amazing food imagery for all you Instagram foodies. If you are a vegetarian, you might want to look elsewhere.

This is not your typical food truck- despite the kitchen being in a truck this a very fun and exciting restaurant with tables and a great atmosphere in the heart of Tel Aviv. Here you will see mashups of foods you have only fantasized about. Similar to Pundak Deluxe, you order different meat dishes by weight, but unlike the Jaffa restaurant, they offer different combos and mixes of different food that you won’t find anywhere else in town. Now onto their delicious and eye watering dishes

Their menu consists of 15 main courses, five side dishes, five first courses, 12 cuts of meat and four different desserts. The menu consists of dishes that range from 10 NIS to 50 NIS. Each dish is served fresh daily and the staff will recommend different side dishes that perfectly complement each main course. If you are looking for a tasty and simple choice, we recommend you try the Trailer Trash Bacon Burger (47 NIS). This simple burger is cooked with cheddar cheese on top and brioche. The perfect side is the mac and cheese (12 NIS). Despite thinking that a mac and cheese with a burger was a weird choice, I was totally wrong. The dish is very gentle and fun, and the top has crunchy crumbs that add a special flavor the dish. For those looking to add French fries with their burger, this is an option as well.

For those wanting a chicken dish, we recommend you try the chicken breast sandwich (39 NIS). Similar to the burger, the staff recommends we order the French bean stew (14 NIS) with the chicken entrée. This meat stew consists of two different types of meats and beans. It’s less of a stew but more of a side of meat.

 

The most extreme dish is their pancakes (44 NIS). These are not your typical pancakes; this dish is for extreme eaters. The pancakes are presented as a 3 layer tower with disassembled pork shoulder meat topped with sweet syrup. This dessert presents an unlikely but delicious mashup of food. For those who like to experiment with different types of foods, this is the dish you have been waiting for. For those who need a side dish with their pancakes, the staff recommends the mac and cheese with bacon sprinkles (16nis). A side dish I recommend ordering is their jack cheese fries (18 NIS).

For those who somehow have room to eat at the end of their meal, you must try their American ice cream which is served with caramel (15 NIS). They offer the option of adding bacon chips to the ice cream for a small charge. In summary, Truck Deluxe offers some of the most non-kosher interesting dishes you will find in Tel Aviv. You will spend less than 100 NIS, but it will keep you full all day long.

SUPER NOT KOSHER

Address: Ben Ami 13

Hours: Sunday- Thursday 5:30PM-Midnight and Friday-Saturday 10AM-Midnight

 

 

 

Shi Shi- A Modern Twist of Sushi

For the past 10 years in Tel Aviv sushi has been the entire rave throughout the city. Recently, sushi has taken the back seat to new and exciting cuisine options. While these new culture foods have emerged, sushi has lost its cool.  Locals in Tel Aviv have become sushi snobs and have become bored. Following a trend started in New York, a new and modern twist on sushi has arrived, it’s called Shi-Shi.

Shi-Shi is located on the Corner of Ibn Gabirol and Naviim Street right across from London Minister. They provide an upbeat urban style with seating around a small indoor bar with outdoor wooden benches which meshes with the exciting and fast paced life of Tel Aviv. Concerning  the food, they offer different innovative variations of enlarged sushi. Each dish is based on rice with different filling and sauces that are fresh and will surprise you with their robust flavor.

So what is this dish? Shi-Shi is an even larger and healthier sushi. The dish itself is based on rice with differ choices of fillings with unique, flavorful sauces. Each large sushi roll is rolled to perfection with no dripping and can be eaten in place or take away.

Shi-Shi comes in 10 different variations – filling of fish and seafood, chicken, tofu and vegetables or fruit. Each customer chooses from different spicy sauces and fillings which are wrapped in rice.  One of their best rolls (my favorite) is chipotle vinaigrette marinated salmon with miso sauce and mango, ginger, carrots, beets, green herbs, cucumber and mango salad with spicy peanuts. Another roll I recommend is the chicken based roll which includes chicken breast curry-aioli, pickled kohlrabi, red cabbage, lettuce and green onions. For those looking for vegetarian options try the wasabi aioli-sweet potato tempura which is cooked with a fried tofu sauce.

Aside from Shi-Shi, they offer a delicious dish which is served with a base of seafood or chicken served on chapatti with special sauces such as chimichurri, aioli-asian and wasabi. Other non-sushi options are Asian salad of glass noodles with chicken, salmon or tofu. For those looking unique beverages, they offer different specialty drinks such as ginger and lemon beverage and green tea.

NOT KOSHER

Average price: 40 NIS

Address: Ibn Gabirol 33

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12PM-11PM, Friday 12PM-5PM and Saturday 5PM-11PM

 

Hamosad Specialty Sandwiches- Pulled Beef Sandwiches in the Heart of Tel Aviv.

 

This past summer a new sandwich stand opened their doors to please all. Hamasod offers a delicious pulled beef sandwich, without a doubt, the tastiest that can be found.

Close to a month ago a friend and I were searching where to eat in the Rabin Square area. Tired of the typical Tel Aviv cafés and gourmet burgers in the area, the owner of Hamosad overheard our conversation and  told us that we have to try his pulled beef sandwich. We were initially reluctant, but we gave it a chance. Upon walking in we knew were in for a treat; the owner offered us a tasting and we were shocked how delicious it was. We ordered the sandwich meal on the spot.

Hamosad opened their doors this past June in the heart of Tel Aviv on Ibn Gabirol Street next to Rabin Square. What makes this sandwich spot different from the others? When the owners of the restaurant came up with idea of the sandwich they had one dream in mind, to provide the best quality meat cooked in a perfect sandwich.

Picture taken by Jeremy Yaffe

They currently offer two different pulled beef sandwiches. They cook their pulled meat at 82 degrees for over 12 hours. This process provides the tender taste and then mixing different barbeque sauces with the meat provide that delicious taste. The owners jokily said it’s the Sloppy Joe of an Argentinean-American

Their signature dish is accompanied by crispy home fries that are half cooked in deep oil and a bit crispy which provide the softness of the potatoes. They offer a deal which includes the pulled beef sandwich, home fries, pickles and soft drink, all for 49 NIS. For those looking to add a beer, the meal costs59 NIS.

NOT KOSHER

Address: 67 Ibn Gabirol

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-11PM and Friday 11AM-Shabbat starts

Bunny Chow- The First South African Restaurant in Israel

After HaShomer 1 and Arepas, the Carmel Market offers some of the newest and best street food available in Tel Aviv. Bunny Chow, which presents a tasty mix of Indian and South African curry, is all the talk at the moment in the exciting street food community of Tel Aviv.

Bunny Chow is located in the heart of the exciting Carmel Market. Recently opened by a South African who immigrated to Israel and lived with his wife in Britain, they had the dream of opening a tasty South African restaurant in Tel Aviv. After returning to Israel, they looked into the street food market in Tel Aviv and decided on the South African-Indian curry street food.

When ordering you have the option of three types of dishes, one vegan (27 NIS), based on sweet potatoes, chickpeas and carrots, one with beef (34 NIS) and one with chicken (34 NIS), each is different and has different spices. Each Bunny Traditional Chow is served in a fresh roll from the market and a extra spicy carrot salad.

With the location having hardly the space to fit a few workers in the kitchen, the staff at Bunny Chow makes delicious and authentic dishes. In the past month, Bunny Chow has been the entire rave, so during the lunch hour you might have a short line. Even with the busy lunch crowd, the owner and his staff are super friendly. This meal is a quick and affordable option for anyone looking for a spicy meal.

NOT KOSHER

Average Price: 30-40

Address:   Hacarmel 13

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-5PM. Friday 11AM-Entrance of Shabbat