Istanbul had some sort of a “falafel explosion” following the Syrian refugees flocking to the city in the last few years. Sure, there were those that cooked and sold this nutty goodness before the civil war in Syria started over a decade ago, but they were obscure little places that were reserved for a handful of vegans that called Istanbul home. Now, falafel became a part of the food scene here, at least in the more Syrian populated parts of the city, such as Fatih. This kickstarted a whole new craze about falafel, which in turn created new eateries that centred their menu on this Middle Eastern delicacy, even some “fine dining like” establishments got into this new trendy business. In this article, I will be sharing with you some of the best spots in Istanbul to have a tasty and crispy falafel, almost all offering a twist of their own to this age old and deservingly beloved vegetarian ball of goodness!
Buuzecedi – https://goo.gl/maps/ikpN8uA3jE7WPAB97
I honestly do not know whether it is a good idea to start such a list with this fine restaurant, since it will be all downhill from here… I have nothing but only the kindest of comments to make about Buuzecedi. From their wonderful staff to amazing falafel that is not only crispy but also tasty, everything checks out with this place. It is cheap, extremely flavourful, service is fast, and the interior design is just right. If this place was closer to my home, I would be eating here every day rather than cooking at home, and I mean it. Though everything we ordered here was top notch, Falafel Arabi was simply above and beyond. The molasses, the tahini, the lemon juice, the falafel, all the pickles and veggies, even the bread itself, everything was so damn right. Right is the only word I can use to do justice to this dish. Once again, nothing else gave the joy dining at Buuzecedi gave me in a long time, and this comment extends to non-falafel territory as well. I will be back here again and again, every time I visit Istanbul.
Nohut Restoran – https://goo.gl/maps/hQwBjdbJwfaKwmNp9
This is a special little place in Kadıköy, that was awarded a prize for the quality of its hummus. Though we are not reviewing hummuses here, it is actually quite relevant in this case. Not only do they work hard and have something to show for that, but chefs of this restaurant also use the said hummus as the “base sauce” for their falafel wraps, meaning that you will be enjoying one truly spectacular wrap if you decide to have one in Nohut. Due to this hummus-oriented kitchen, this particular wrap is on the nuttier and zestier side, which is always welcome in my book. It certainly tastes a bit healthier than all the other options on this list. With that being said, I must also say that the falafel itself cannot shine much on its own, as I believe it is one of the weakest falafels I had so far as well. Nevertheless, it is well worth a visit for hummus enthusiasts, and also those that want to taste a plethora of other Antakya appetizers that they also sell.
Amigoos Restaurant – https://goo.gl/maps/zUqLFsogtPsbju3J8
Despite being one of the newer establishments in this list, Amigoos does pack a good punch. They have a very flavourful falafel that they serve in generous amounts in their normal wraps. I say normal because they also have an “extra” version that comes with even more falafel, and for the first time ever, I wondered why anyone would buy the extra version given how much falafel is already there in the “basic” version. I hope they do not read this and reduce the amount in the “entry model” but with such a portion size, a good selection of drinks, and fresh fries on the side, you cannot go wrong with a lunch in Amigoos. It is very small but not stuffy, and the staff is super nice, so you would not be bothered here by anyone or anything.
Yalla Falafel – https://goo.gl/maps/RRa8SjgonohEeUki7
Beşiktaş is home to a lot of falafel vendors, so Amigoos is certainly not the only option. If you want a much older and arguably a more established spot, you should visit Yalla Falafel. They fry an amazing flavour bomb that they call a falafel, which is not only crispy but is also spiced to perfection. Though their falafel is spot on, sadly I cannot say the same for their cheddar wrap. It is a bit dry given how it lacks a sauce, which is a downgrade from the normal wrap if you ask me. Nevertheless, it tasted fine, but I would suggest you stick to normal wraps or perhaps a full portion of falafel instead if you want to make the most out of your visit to Yalla Falafel.
Falafel Köy – https://goo.gl/maps/Y9bkwK7Dv5U7m93F9
Found in Taksim, one of the many centres of Istanbul, Falafel Köy capitalizes on its location all the while making sure that they serve an excellent falafel wrap to match their excellent locality. Though their appetizers are often the highlight of most reviews about them, I can say that their falafel hold itself to a high esteem on its own quite easily. It is crispy, very well spiced, and is always freshly made to order. Falafel Köy also found out a way to make sure that a falafel wrap is never too dry nor too soggy, so they deserve a praise for that too!