Al Hanan

Al Hanan on Sonnenallee: Arabic Cuisine in Neukölln

Sonnenallee 134 is located in the section where bakeries, confectionery shops, and snack bars are lined up close together. Al Hanan is easy to overlook in this row, as the shop is small and its appearance is raw and understated. Inside, there are only a few seats; in summer, tables are added on the sidewalk, from which one can observe the bustling activity of Sonnenallee. The establishment does not accept reservations, and parking is hard to find in this area. Payment is exclusively in cash, which one should be prepared for before visiting. Sonnenallee is one of Neukölln’s liveliest streets, and a large portion of the clientele comes from the immediate neighborhood and orders without looking at the menu. First-time visitors should not be fooled by the unassuming appearance, as the kitchen works much more carefully than the shop suggests. Bus 171 runs directly along Sonnenallee and stops in the immediate vicinity.

Freshly Fried Falafel, Sesame Sauce, and Pickled Vegetable Sticks

At Al Hanan, nothing is fried in advance. The falafel and vegetables only go into the hot oil once the order has been placed, which is why it takes a moment. To bridge the wait, there’s a complimentary cup of tea. Each dish includes bread, hummus, sesame sauce, and salad, as stated on the menu. The falafel box costs 5.00 Euros, the falafel plate 8.80 Euros, and is explicitly marked as vegan. A standout side dish is the vegetable sticks pickled in beetroot brine, which give the plate a strong acidity. Those who prefer combinations will find plates with Halloumi, Makali, Shawarma, Kafta, or chicken breast, as well as several vegetable omelet variations. For groups, there are large platters for two and four people, which can also be ordered for catering. Eating vegan here works without extensive questioning, as several dishes on the menu are marked accordingly, and the sesame sauce is dairy-free anyway.