At NENI, you’ll find the best falafel in Amsterdam (and everything else is top-notch too)

Still want to enjoy the summer a little longer? Then I have a tip for you that doesn’t require getting on a plane: NENI brings Tel Aviv to you! Fill your table with all kinds of delicious dishes to share from the new Balagan menu and feast on the divine falafel, the most delicious caramelised aubergine and the fresh citrus pavlova; this is so good!

NENI, located in the old Citroën garage near Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, is huge, with an open kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant. There’s a mix of high communal tables with chairs, cosy corners and tables with benches, which makes the restaurant feel intimate despite its size. There’s a bar next to the kitchen where you can eat and watch the chefs’ every move all evening. Naturally, that’s where we take our seats!

Silky-smooth hummus

Wondering what a Balagan menu is? Well, loosely translated, it’s something like a friendly chaos of all kinds of small dishes, a culinary trip through the Middle East and the Orient. The Balagan menu kicks off with mainly plant-based mezze, followed by some larger dishes, like the ones you’ll also find in Tel Aviv. We start with a number of classics, such as Labaneh: soft yoghurt cheese with olives, sumac and za’atar—the herbs that are indispensable in Middle Eastern cuisine—and silky-smooth hummus with the most delicious pita ever: airy and chewy at the same time, gliding wonderfully through the hummus.

The best falafel in Amsterdam

While giggling with delight as we wipe the last bit of hummus from the bowl, the Syrian Mejadra is placed on the table: a fresh quinoa and lentil salad with sumac, yoghurt and fried onions—heavenly!

Another truly excellent dish is the popcorn falafel, served with a tahini-ginger sauce. This is the queen of falafel: flavourful, airy and perfectly fried (and psssst… here is the popcorn falafel recipe, which contains actual popcorn as well as corn!).

To die for: caramelised aubergine

But the other plant-based dishes are also finger-lickingly good, such as the Spicy Caramelised Eggplant: caramelised aubergine with ginger, chilli and roasted sesame, served with steamed rice. The aubergine is mildly spicy, sweet and savoury all at once. Combined with the steamed rice, it’s truly one of my favourite dishes of the evening.

Refreshing cocktail: The Lemonman

Be sure to go for one of the delicious Mediterranean cocktails too (tip: The Lemonman, a refreshing gin cocktail). Prefer wine or something alcohol-free? Then check out the extensive wine list or order one of the homemade lemonades.

Juicy chicken: check

Alongside the plant-based dishes, there are also meat and fish dishes and poultry, such as the Ras El NENI Grilled Chicken. A heartwarming dish of chicken with chickpeas, tomato, spinach and coriander in a creamy curry.

Don’t leave without dessert

Seriously, don’t, because you’ll really be missing out. The citrus pavlova is lovely and fresh, while the sesame ice cream with halva, date syrup, tahini and caramelised pecans is surprisingly delicious!

Book your Balagan

Convinced? Reserve a table here. The outdoor terrace is a lovely place to relax, but if the weather isn’t quite cooperating (ahem, where have we heard that before?), it’s also a wonderful spot indoors.

NENI, Stadionplein 22-24, Amsterdam

Also read:

• The best news of 2020: cheese and red wine keep you smart
• Are you drinking the wrong wine with your cheese board?
• Golden wine tips for your cheese fondue