Where to Get the Best Falafel in Cologne

Habibi on Zülpicher Straße has long since reached cult status and sees hungry Cologners queue for their homemade falafel day and night. On the menu are falafel wraps, sandwiches and platters that come with a whole range of add-ons, including generous chunks of halloumi cheese. The atmosphere works its charm while diners wait: the walls are clad in mosaic tiles, soft music emanates from the speakers, and every order is rewarded with a free glass of cinnamon-infused tea.

If the queue at Habibi is too long, don’t despair. The main drag of Cologne’s Kwartier Lateng quarter is home to several fantastic falafel shops, including Lebanon Vitamin. The interior may not be as stylish, but the food is great. In addition to the standard takeaway options, from wraps to sandwiches, Lebanon Vitamin also speaks to Cologne’s local patriots with their Cologne platter, which includes the best of what Middle Eastern cuisine has to offer: falafel, halloumi, tabbouleh, hummus and baba ganoush.

Cologne’s Südstadt quarter has no qualms about competing in the falafel hotspot competition. Hayati on Severinsstraße has fed generations of locals with their Arabic snacks. Some say they make the best falafel in Cologne, and whether or not you opt for the fried chickpea balls or decide on a shawarma, makali or halloumi platter, you’re in for a treat. Wash it all down with their homemade tea.

If you ask anyone in the Ehrenfeld neighbourhood about their favourite falafel place, chances are they will come up with ‘Falafel König’ right away. On the weekends, the Venloer-Strasse joint can get quite busy, and you might want to pop into the branch on Subbelrather Straße instead. Either way, you’ll be met by friendly staff who whip up some delicious falafel sandwiches and sauces in a variety of flavours: yoghurt, chilli, curry-pineapple and more.

Beirut restaurant in Cologne’s Old Town boasts stellar reviews on all platforms and is one of the top addresses in town if you’re looking for authentic Lebanese food. If you have the time, it’s worth taking a seat to fully indulge in the delightful options of cold and warm starters, mains and desserts, falafels included, of course. Theirs are seasoned with 17 different spices and are simply delicious.

Anya on Christophstraße lures with Iraqi delicacies and is one of the most popular lunchtime spots in the area, so be aware that you might have to queue for your falafel sandwich if you show up around midday. But the wait will be rewarded with freshly made chickpea balls and their signature sauce. If you’re particularly hungry, you might want to have a look at the Dia platter, which comes with falafel, halloumi, French fries, hummus, tabbouleh and a side salad.

Similar to Habibi, El Habab in Sülz banks on an authentic atmosphere created by Middle Eastern music and colourful tiles. Their recipe results in perfectly cooked, crunchy yet juicy falafel and draws crowds from all across Cologne to their restaurant. You can choose between sandwiches or a number of themed platters that incorporate all-time favourite items from baba ganoush to tahini.