Nour

For nine months I've been searching for the perfect falafel in Berlin.

I haven't yet found it, but the falafel at Nour is the closest I've come.

Admittedly, I'm pretty sick of the "falafel im brot" everywhere that comes in the thick, triangular bread. It's more filler than anything else, and leaves me with a heavy feeling in my stomach. What I miss is falafel that comes in wraps. You know it - the light, fluffy, dry, thin bread that compliments the falafel, as opposed to overtaking it. Well, they have it at Nour.

I didn't know this when I went there though; I only knew that the boyfriend loves the halloumi, and suggested I eat there at some point. So when I found myself with a hankering for falafel today, I knew I had to try it. And not only did it come in wrap form, but everything about it was wonderful. The falafel was made on the spot (as opposed to being pre-made and reheated), the spicy sauce was the perfect amount of flavour and bite, and the wrap was delicious and warm.

It turns out that this isn't a standard Turkish place. Instead, it's a Lebanese restaurant, which means that although the menus are similar, the taste and the style vary.

So while I may not have found my falafel soulmate, I have found a place that gives me no reason to keep looking.

Of everything that I got to experience during a month in Berlin, the very best part has to be having stayed in a hostel that was right around the corner from Nour! I have no idea how many times I ate here, but it was A LOT. I was with a group of people and whenever someone said, "Falafel?" we all knew it meant another trip to Nour.

I ate A LOT of falafel while in Berlin in a few different places. They were all good, but none of them were as good as Nour. Their falafel is delicious and amazing but it's the entire package that really blows everyone else out of the water - their vegetables and sauces are the brightest and freshest and most flavorful. Their wraps are portable and the bread is not overwhelming, the plates are a huge piles of delicious food. The prices are great for a budget. (Halloumi is one of my all time favorite foods but, living in the States, I don't eat it very often because it's so. darned. expensive. But I could get Halloumi plates or wraps for the exact same price as falafel or schwarma!! I've died and gone to halloumi heaven!)

Also, the guys that work there are so friendly, I really miss seeing them during one of my falafel trips or even just passing by and seeing them sitting outside. I've been learning Arabic the past year and they were always really patient and sweet about my insistence on practicing with them when I order. :) If/when I get back to Berlin, this is the number one place on my list of places to revisit... over and over again!

Had a falafel wrap. It was ok but quite bland. I'd eat there again if I was starving to death but not if I wanted a great falafel.

No contest, best falafel sandwich in Berlin. I don't understand why everyone doesn't follow Nour's model - falafel wrapped burrito-style in a large, doubled-up pita, then grilled. In addition to making a well-constructed sandwich, Nour adds tahini and hot sauce - and for a Euro extra, halloumi. The owner is also super friendly and serves sit-down customers a complimentary hot tea. Possibly the best, cheap lunch or dinner when you're in the vicinity of the Gorlitzer or Schlesisches stops.

Great middle eastern joint. Many vegan options which is rare. Especially the sauces make the difference. Mango, peanut, sesame or hot. Very cheap for the homemade quality.

Great place for a quick bite, very tasty food, well priced and friendly chef.