Dada Falafel

Dada Falafel on Linienstraße: Levantine Cuisine at Oranienburger Tor

Linienstraße 132 is located a few steps from Oranienburger Tor, diagonally opposite the site of the former Tacheles art house. Among galleries, bars, and tourist spots, the narrow, red-painted snack bar still immediately catches the eye. Tables outside are shared by guests, and in summer, the steps in front of the entrance are also used. Those who prefer to sit inside can go into the adjoining two-story room, which also serves as a gallery. Changing works hang on the walls, as the owner is an artist himself, and the name of the establishment alludes to Dadaism. Live music is played here twice a week in the evenings. Alcohol is also served, which is an exception for a falafel snack bar in Berlin. A toilet is also available, which is not a given for a place of this size. The area around Oranienburger Straße is well-filled in the evenings, yet the snack bar itself remains comparatively quiet.

Herb Falafel, Dada Plate, and a Very Spicy House Specialty

The chickpea mixture at Dada Falafel is infused with fresh herbs, which is why the core of the balls glows green, while the shell remains crispy. It is served in flatbread with hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, and salad. Those who want to try more can order the Dada plate, which combines a bit of everything. Grilled and fried eggplant, tabbouleh, couscous, and Middle Eastern pastries are also on the menu. The homemade chili sauce is extremely spicy and should be tasted first before ordering generously. The cuisine is Lebanese-influenced and predominantly vegetarian; meat is only added as an accompaniment. The menu remains generally manageable and focuses on a few well-made dishes. Vegan options are also available here, though with one limitation: the falafel plate is served with yogurt sauce by default; the vegan version must be explicitly requested. Dada Falafel can be reached via Oranienburger Tor subway station (U6) and tram lines M1, M5, and 12.