In 2001, Ariel Rosenthal opened HaKosem on the lively corner of King George and Shlomo HaMelekh streets in Tel Aviv, starting as a small falafel stall that has since grown into a beloved Israeli street food empire. Falafel, hummus, and shawarma are the star dishes that draw long lines at lunchtime, but it’s the atmosphere and iconic side dishes that make the place truly special. These include slow-cooked rice with onions and tender chickpeas, fried eggplant, a six-hour stew, schnitzel, rimonada (pomegranate lemonade), and, of course, ouzo rimonada.

In 2020, Rosenthal published “On the Hummus Route” with food writer Orly Peli-Bronshtein and editor Dan Alexander. Written in English, the book garnered numerous awards, including the Best Book Award for 2020 at The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Kitchen preparation bar, Photo: Amir Menahem

Chef Lior Raphael says: “Ariel Rosenthal is dedicated to perfecting every bite, and never compromising on quality. He insists on using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, with no shortcuts in the cooking process. The hospitality experience here goes beyond a typical street food spot. The falafel, hummus (the heart of the story), and the vibrant green msabaha are all served in an atmosphere that mirrors the essence of Tel Aviv. I wish I lived above HaKosem.”