Where to Find the Best Falafel in Wellington
From late-night kebab shops to homely sit-down establishments, explore the capital's wonderful world of falafel.
As burgers are to the USA or escargot are to France, falafel has become a global icon for many nations of the Middle East. Becoming a staple in food trucks and restaurants alike, falafel is perhaps the best thing to ever happen to the understated ball of gold that is the chickpea. What's best is that Wellington is bursting with fabulous falafel joints, from kebab shops to satisfy your Saturday night cravings to homely sit down establishments. I nearly turned into a chickpea doing this list, but here are ten of the best places to get your falafel fix. From Syria to Egypt, come and explore Wellington's world of falafel.
KILIM TURKISH CAFE AND TAKEAWAYS
After experiencing resounding success in their two restaurants in Petone and the Kapiti Coast, Kilim has finally moved into the city. An authentic and casual Turkish restaurant featuring a menu laden with Turkish favourites, the falafel meal looked like the star of the show. Grilled haloumi, a fresh feta salad, hummus, and of course, falafels with a drizzle of tahini yoghurt. Using the same recipe that the owner's mother used for falafel, this is a truly authentic Turkish meal. These falafel were fresh, heavenly soft and perfectly spiced creating an important balance of spice and sweetness. Made with care and love, be sure to give kilim a try.
13 Manners Street
CAFE PASHA
With more of a formal vibe, Cafe Pasha is perfect dinner date material. Classic and traditional, their falafel are light, fluffy, and not greasy. Saltier than some of the others tried, they were complimented with delicious tahini sauces and a refreshing Mediterranean green salad which served as the perfect palate cleanser.
62 Dixon Street
BABYLON KEBAB
A fan favourite for anyone who has been cutting shapes all Saturday night long, Babylon Kebab's meals have often been a lifesaver for those stumbling down Cuba Street. Stuffed with fresh greens, hummus, your choice of sauces (I strongly recommend garlic yoghurt), and chunky falafel balls, this kebab will rejuvenate your body and soul. The falafel is a Syrian recipe and packs a bit of punch to it, but the salads help create a perfect balance.
193 Cuba Street
CAFE ISTANBUL
An iconic fixture on Cuba street, Cafe Istanbul has a lot more to offer than just a cheeky puff of apple flavoured shisha. I recommend their iskender falafel meal: fresh Turkish bread, rich beetroot hummus, rice, mediterranean salad and three balls of chunky falafel. More savoury than the other falafels, try it with the original hummus (which is absolutely unreal) or wrap it in the sweet Turkish bread.
156 Cuba Street
CAMEL GRILL
Beginning as a food truck, Camel Grill has taken the local kebab scene by storm with its own hole-in-the-wall kebab shop. Fresh, handmade bread that warms the cockles of your heart, crispy salad, and Egyptian falafel that is the closest thing I have ever known to perfection. Expertly seasoned and spiced, these soft mouthfuls are juicy, and when paired with the right sauces (again, garlic yoghurt), you have a saucy sensation that'll have you coming back for more.
37B Dixon Street
ALATURKA KEBAB, PIZZA & COFFEE HOUSE
For all of those stuck down Lambton Quay way, rest assured that there is fantastic falafel just around the corner. Alaturka is another traditional Turkish restaurant that serves up falafel that would make you think you're in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Their iskender is super generous with a saucy salad, gorgeous spice-infused riced, dollop of hummus and three falafels. The falafel is aromatic and has a slightly grainy texture and is the perfect size for a hearty work lunch.
38 Waring Taylor Street
ABRAKEBABRA
If you haven't been to Abrakebabra, then I don't think you can call yourself a Wellingtonian. This Mediterranean kebab house serves up a mean falafel iskender that might just pop the top button off your jeans. Tabouleh, beetroot relish, Mediterranean salad, rice and huge balls of falafel — clear your schedule because you're gonna be there for a while. The falafel is soft and fluffy with mild flavours: not too spicy, not too salty, and the hummus is more like a sauce than a dip which makes it great for drizzling.
90 Manners Street
CAFE BABA
Moving down Courtenay Place, Cafe Baba is another one stop shop for your Saturday night hunger solution before catching an Uber home. Choose either an iskender or kebab, the generous serving of delicious falafel, salads and hummus will leave you satisfied. With a lot of texture, this falafel is crispy, fresh and has a spicy kick to it.
46 Courtenay Place
PHOENICIAN FALAFEL
Described by Lonely Planet as having the best kebabs in town, their falafel also lives up to that reputation. Glorious golden balls fried to perfection with a delicious seasoning that is the product of the owners love and Lebanese heritage, you're gonna become obsessed with Phoenician Falafel. Served in a kebab, it is so deliciously saucy that you'll let out a satisfied sigh as you finish your last bite.
11 Kent Terrace
SAHARA CAFE
Authentic, generous, and damned delicious, Sahara Cafe's falafel meal is fit for a king. Hummus, breads, rice, salad, fried eggplant and a large helping of falafel all topped off with sweet and tangy sauces to tickle your tastebuds. The falafel was moist and well seasoned, and the sauces complimented the falafel rather than overpower it. Sahara Cafe offers sit down service or takeaway kebabs, whatever your heart desires, they have you covered.
39 Courtenay Place
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