Falafel Malka truly lives up to its reputation of making the best falafel in São Paulo. Since the 1970s, it has attracted customers captivated by its simple recipe, prepared under a closely guarded secret. And I was just another one captivated, because there I tasted one of the best falafels I’ve ever eaten, even comparable to what I experienced during my travels in Israel and Egypt.
I knew about this restaurant at an exhibition at the Immigration Museum, located in the Mooca neighborhood, which featured an exhibit on iconic people and places from the Bom Retiro neighborhood. So, I became curious and went to check out Falafel Malka.
Where is it located?
Falafel Malka is at Rua José Paulino, 345, in the Bom Retiro neighborhood. The restaurant is on the second floor of the Galeria Nova José Paulino. If you’re going by metro, the closest station is Tiradentes, on the blue line.
It’s open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
What is falafel?
Falafel is a fried patty made from chickpeas, popular in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. When eaten, it’s usually accompanied by a salad that can include tomatoes, cabbage, sauces, seasonings, and other ingredients.
However, falafel can be served on a plate or in bread as a sandwich, typically pita bread. Below, I’ll detail the two ways I tried it at Falafel Malka. Since it’s a dish made with chickpeas, it’s also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Falafel on a Plate
On my first visit to Falafel Malka, I tried the falafel on a plate, as suggested by the owner, El Al, daughter of the restaurant’s founder, Malka Levy. Since I love hummus with pita bread, I took the opportunity to order some while the falafel was being prepared.
I thought I would easily eat both the hummus and the falafel. I did eat them, but I left feeling satisfied and not hungry for the rest of the afternoon, contrary to what I expected from a light snack.
Falafel in Pita Bread
On another visit, I took the opportunity to try the falafel in pita bread, which is the most common way people consume it in the Middle East. Accompanying the sandwich was a tahini sauce. It’s a very flavorful sandwich, perfect for those looking for something to eat while walking around São Paulo. After finishing the falafel, I ate the tahini with a spoon.
Hummus with Pita Bread
Another dish worth trying at Falafel Malka is the hummus with pita bread. Hummus is a chickpea paste that’s great for those who want a light meal. It’s also among the best I’ve ever tasted around the world.
You won’t regret having a meal at Falafel Malka during your visit to São Paulo. It’s one of Bom Retiro’s iconic places and has been a renowned restaurant in the city for decades. If you’ve already tried this delicacy, I say without exaggeration that it’s one of the best falafels you’ll ever taste. Just order it, and as the founder used to say: “Just put it in your mouth!”
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