Balaboosta

Balaboosta: Berlin’s Kosher Destination for Israeli Cuisine

The name pretty much says it all. In Yiddish, “Balaboosta” stands for the perfect homemaker who brings the family together through cooking and care. Exactly this feeling is what you take home from this small café in Charlottenburg. What’s special: a kosher supermarket, bakery, and restaurant are all under one roof, making Balaboosta a true exception in Berlin’s culinary scene. The Kashrut supervision is provided by Berlin’s Chabad Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal. So, if you’re looking for a reliably kosher Israeli restaurant in Berlin, this is the place.

The atmosphere is anything but stiff. Visitors describe the café as cozy, with friendly staff. Furthermore, the kitchen operates completely lactose-free, making the full menu accessible to people with intolerances.

Shakshuka, Babka, and Jerusalem Bagel

At breakfast or brunch at Balaboosta, Israeli cuisine shows what it’s capable of. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls, babka, rugalach, and challah are part of the selection, as are homemade sandwiches, borek, shakshuka, and malawach. Those who prefer something heartier will also find an egg dish of their choice on the menu, served with a Jerusalem bagel, spicy cherry tomatoes, and tahini. The green shakshuka is particularly impressive: two poached eggs in a sauce of spinach, dill, parsley, cilantro, and ginger, served with challah bread and tahini. All dishes can also be ordered vegan upon request if specified in advance. So, anyone who has visited Balaboosta once quickly understands why regulars rave that the coffee here is the best in Berlin.