If a restaurant is only going to do one thing, they better do it well. Dada Falafel does exactly that. Like any falafel joint, for just €4 you can get a falafel sandwich to go, but a true falafel enthusiast will grab a seat on the sunny terrace and enjoy.
If you’re in a hurry, you should get your pita and get going, but if you’re not, I highly recommend a falafel plate. You get so much more food than when you get a traditional sandwich and you can add whatever you like to the mix. I chose the traditional plate for €5.50 and grabbed a seat at one of the shared tables outside.
As expected, the service is unbelievably speedy! Within five minutes I had a beautiful Instagram worthy falafel plate. After I embarrassingly snapped 45 photos or so (okay I’m exaggerating, only 23) it was time to indulge. At first glance, the falafel appeared like any ordinary falafel- brown and ball shaped. Once I broke into the crispy golden brown exterior I was slightly surprised to find a vibrant green color!
As a self-proclaimed falafel connoisseur, I can honestly say I had never seen anything quite like this. After a slight panic attack and fear that I was being poisoned in a foreign country, I took my first bite.
Thankfully, the chickpeas were light and fluffy and the green obviously came from the bright herbs, not the poison. All the accompaniments were equally fresh and flavorful. The hummus had a perfect balance of acid, the tahini was smooth and creamy, the lettuce was crisp, the carrots were sweet, and the tabouli was equally herbaceous.
The real standout on the plate was the hot sauce. Consider yourself warned, by European standards, this hot sauce is extremely hot! The sinus clearing spice pairs well with the sweet sauce and the yogurt next to it.
In addition to great food, fast, Dada Falafel has a two-story restaurant and gallery next door. If the weather isn’t nice enough to be outside, it’s just as beautiful indoors. Even the bathroom is an art gallery! Dada chicas show their love by kissing the wall. Plus, twice a week they have live music and are open late on weekends. Is there anything not to love about this place? If only it were in Amsterdam…
Dada Falafel, Linienstraße 132, M-Su 11-24 (open late F & Sa)
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