Israeli cuisine in Riga: 4 places for those crazy about hummus and falafel

Space Falafel 

/ Classic Israeli cuisine in a modern setting /

This Israeli restaurant (and cocktail bar at the same time) is located in the Quiet center of Riga among some of the architectural monuments.

Particularly close attention was paid to the interior, collecting details from around the world: vintage markets, antique shops and private collections.

Space Falafel serves not only classics (hummus, Baba Ganoush and shakshuka), but also chicken shawarma, lamb kebab, sabih, minute steak and falafel in freshly baked hot pita. And in the wine and cocktail menu you can find good Israeli wine, homemade lemonade and cocktails.

Already on Thursday evening, parties begin at Space Falafel: good music and a lot of people – so make sure to book a table.

And also feel free to take your pet to Space Falafel – a dog friendly restaurant.

What to order:

•  Minute steak in a pita – 12 €
• Vegetable lentil soup with Moroccan lemon – 13 €
• Tomarillo salad – 11.40 €

Kafe 7:40

/ Kosher kitchen and shop /

“Kafe 7:40” is located in the Jewish Center building in Riga. The main feature is that the dishes here are called kosher not just for the figure of speech. Chief Rabbi of Riga Kalev Krelin personally issued “Kafe 7:40” a kosher certificate, and the Eastern European Conference of Jews confirmed it.

In the menu of “Kafe 7:40” – Forshmak, hummus, stuffed fish, as well as cream soup of seasonal vegetables, chicken boiled in its own juice and fried carp with a crispy crust in a lemon marinade.

The atmosphere here is cozy, almost like at home. A bright room with a small number of tables is decorated with photographs of ancient synagogues.

What to order:

• Cimes with chicken – 7 €
• Harirra soup – 5 €
• Hummus – 5.80 €

2eat Falafel & Hummus

/ Vegan Israeli Street Food /

There once was a time when Israeli chef Shimon delighted his customers with delicious street food from the window of his food truck “2eat Falafel & Hummus in Riga”. Now it is a full-fledged restaurant of Israeli vegan cuisine.

In addition to classic dishes, falafel was invented in a waffle here. It’s not quite clear how successful this experiment is, but it feels curious to try.

By the way, there are rumors that some of the recipes of dishes in “2eat Falafel & Hummus” were handed over to chef Shimon from his grandmother (and kept a strict secret).

What to order:

• A glass of Israeli Chardonnay – 5 €
• Falafel in lavash – 8 €
• Crazy shakshuka with goat cheese, feta cheese and Kalamata olives – 12 €

HuMMus

/ Authentic Israeli Cuisine and Cooking /

The restaurant of Israeli cuisine “HuMMus” is located in Old Riga, near the Military Museum of Latvia. They serve only fresh dishes prepared daily right on the spot.

We recommend the tender falafel, hummus, tahini sesame pasta and their trademark – freshly baked pita. You will also receive a free vegetable salad in addition to the main course.

Pastries and desserts made in house are undoubtedly a big plus of “HuMMus” restaurant. Try pies with various fillings, as well as baklava and eclairs with caramel cream and dark chocolate.

Enjoying a chattering company of friends or grabbing lunch to go – that’s up to you. In any case, you will enjoy delicious cuisine and plunge into the unforgettable atmosphere of colorful surroundings in the spirit of a proper Tel Aviv bistro.

“HuMMus” hosts private events, so before you go there, visit their website to be sure that the opening hours are to date.

What to order:

• Hummus – 5.90€
• Falafel in pita – 7.60€
• Vegan Mix Plate – 9.70€