For years I despised falafel, until I came here

Sacred cows are meant to be slaughtered, but not in the case of the bell falafel

David Rosenthal

12/07/2022

Tuesday, 12 July 2022, 07:20

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Why falafel or shawarma when you can both? (Photo: David Rosenthal)

Every city has its own culinary temple, at least one such.

The smaller it is, the "what? You were in ... and did not eat in ...?" Effect.

Intensifies.

This is what happened to me in Ramat Hasharon, a city of about 50,000 inhabitants.

A few months ago I visited "June 71", and although I enjoyed it very much, I have since suffered constant persecution on the verge of abuse, and I do not exaggerate (I do, but do not let the disproportion confuse you).

A lot of people went through bad things in their lives, but most of them did not hear the sentence early in the morning and evening, and this time there are no dots instead of missing words, "What? You were in Ramat Hasharon and did not eat the bell falafel?"

Last week

The good, the bad and the expensive: We tested the new shawarma in Ramat Gan

To the full article

More than 30 years of success do not go unnoticed.

Falafel Bells (Photo: Screenshot, Volt)

"Falafel and Shawarma Bells" is the pride of Ramat Hasharon.

A boutique where for more than 30 years they have been serving what Ramat Sharonim veterans claim is one of the best falafels in the country.

The thing is, this place may have been famous for its falafel, but it also serves shawarma.

They, too, understand the simple logic by which sages give: "If you're thinking of buying falafel, screw up shawarma."

Falafel, previously mentioned in this column, is the most overrated dish in the universe.

It is mostly wrapped in air rich in oil, not easily digested and usually also unsatisfactory.

So, when I got to the bell falafel, I thought of ordering shawarma.

But wait, it does not make sense, you go to a place that is famous for one dish to eat shawarma, and another chicken, a meat option that is a risk in itself?

The decision moment was difficult, so I did what any sane person would do - I ordered half a portion of falafel and a portion of shawarma.

Why only half a serving?

Because there must be no pigs.

It was nice to order the pitas together and not apologize even for a moment.

Why chicken?

Because the other option was turkey and not veal, so what does it matter?

Yes, I'm here alone and I'm eating both, I declared to my imaginary enemies, who only resided inside my mind and stared at my imaginary eyes, do you have a problem with that?

Before we touch on the quality of the dishes, let's talk a little about the Ramat Sharonit generosity.

Just as I experienced in June 71, even at Falafel the Bells make sure that hunger does not come out, with salads and fries freely in every corner.

It is an endearing sight that attests to wonderful hospitality.

The price (NIS 42 for a pita shawarma, NIS 13 for half a portion of falafel, NIS 22 for a whole portion) is also very reasonable.

I really liked the bells, including Ramat Hasharon, a city whose superiority bends its hands in its fast food stalls.

Generosity is the name of the game.

Falafel Bells (Photo: David Rosenthal)

Sacred cows were meant to be slaughtered, but not in the case of the bells.

Their falafel, with fine coriander seeds and proper frying, is perfectly made.

I do not remember when I enjoyed this dish so much, that I despise it as a main course and usually see it as nothing more than a nice side dish.

Along with the inflatable (and free) chips, he not only regained his respect and justified his status as a historic Israeli symbol, but also injected me with a dose of nostalgia for girls at the Bezalel market, the place that invented this mythological and arterial blocker.

As for shawarma, I have already mentioned that chicken is a risk.

The dish was almost tasteless and I chewed it reluctantly.

It was not repulsive, far from it, but neither did it feel justified.

As with chicken shawarma, it was just plain bland.

At that moment I was a little sorry for the choice, I thought in retrospect it would have been more appropriate to stock up on just falafel or veal shawarma, but you know what it's like - do not cry on a cut wheel.

When it came to spending time in general, the bells rang in my ears.

This is a kind, generous and inviting place that serves falafel, which not without reason won decorations and praise.

Nice to shatter myths, nicer to preserve them.

If you want shawarma, that's a different story - there are plenty of other places around that will give you better meat, but the bottom line is that the place's seniority and reputation definitely justify themselves.

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Tags

• Falafel

• Street food

• Ramat Hasharon