Dec 10

Dec 10 Eating Healthy with Beni's Falafel

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. In lieu with my current goal of staying fit and healthy (well, I try to be!), I dragged my whole family down last Sunday to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant beside A. Venue in the outskirts of Makati called Beni's Falafel. I usually try hard to resist doing so as my brothers are meat-loving persons and are not particularly into healthy options but when I read that they also offer chicken meals alongside their vegetarian bestsellers I instantly thought that this would be the perfect time to bring them to one.

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chick peas, fava beans, or both which is usually served in a pita. Falafel also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way.

The establishment was kind of small, which is typical of hole-in-the-wall restaurants. With only 7 tables and 14 chairs all in all, it can get pretty cramped up inside especially during lunchtime. Moreover, it is typical to see Israelis, Indians and Middle Easterners flock this place. So just imagine how crowded the restaurant can get given that these nationalities tower in height! But looking on the bright side, their presence is a clear indication that their falafels, hummus and other Middle Eastern treats are one of the best, if not the best, in the metro area.

Beni's Falafel (Php 165) which you can add Humus to (Php 25). You can also get and enjoy this Falafel goodness for only a half dose (Php 90). — Beni's Falafel (Php 165) which you can add Humus to (Php 25). You can also get and enjoy this Falafel goodness for only a half dose (Php 90).

The menu is very straightforward. If you ask the waitresses what their bestsellers are, they would direct you to the most obvious answer which is anything with Falafel. If you ask them for the second best option, they would clearly tell you that it would be their Humus. But if you could not go by a meal without eating rice, the clearest, best option for the meal is really the Shnitzel, which is simply fried chicken fillet but with an attitude! Boy, do not underestimate their servings as I could attest that they are larger than your appetite

You could also end your meal with some grainy Turkish coffee to heat you up or Malabi which is a pudding made with coconut milk perfumed with rose water to healthily satisfy your sweet cravings. I instantly fell in love with the Malabi as it reminds me of my favorite drink in Singapore called Bandung.

Although the other dishes are worth mentioning, the Falafel clearly stood out among all of them. If you do not have any prior knowledge on what a Falafel has been made out of, you will be led into thinking that the balls are made with smoked meat. That's how good it was! And with those fresh tomatoes and cabbage that come along with the balls? This Falafel is easily one of the best things I have tasted so far!