Falafel Plate
"The Falafel Teller (falafel plate) is a staple of Berlin's Middle Eastern food scene: crispy fried chickpea falafel balls, creamy hummus, grilled halloumi cheese, roasted vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers), tahini sauce, and fresh salad served over rice or with pita bread. It's huge, vegetarian, cheap (€7-10), filling, and delicious. Found everywhere in Kreuzberg and Neukölln."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Hearty, satisfying
Duration
30 minutes
Best For
Vegetarians
The Backstory
Middle Eastern immigrants (Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Egyptian) brought falafel culture to Berlin in the 1970s-80s. It became a vegetarian staple in the alternative Kreuzberg scene. The 'teller' (plate) format—as opposed to a wrap—became the Berlin standard. It's now as common as döner.
Local Secret
"Order extra tahini sauce—it makes everything better. The falafel should be crispy outside, fluffy inside—if it's dense and heavy, the restaurant cut corners. Halloumi (grilled cheese) is a premium add-on worth getting. Kreuzberg and Neukölln have the best and cheapest spots. Pair with fresh mint tea."