Al Kalha Restaurant Revives Century-Old Jordanian Fatteh Tradition in Jaffa

Located on Jerusalem Boulevard in Jaffa, Al Kalha is a family-run restaurant that has been operating for six years, offering a unique culinary experience rooted in a century-old tradition. The restaurant is managed by Ahmad Khatib, known as "Zizo" to regulars, whose grandfather, Tawfiq Darwish Al Kalha, ran a successful hummus restaurant in Jaffa during the British Mandate period. After much of the family relocated to Jordan, they continued their culinary legacy there, opening restaurants under the same name. Zizo's decision to bring the family recipes back to Jaffa resulted in a focused and precise menu.

The standout dish is the Jordanian fatteh, a recipe closely guarded by the family for over 100 years. The meat fatteh, priced at 65 shekels, features a rich combination of tangy yogurt, perfectly soaked bread pieces, crispy pine nuts, clarified butter (samneh), and shredded meat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Vegetarian and vegan versions are also available for 50 shekels.

In addition to fatteh, Al Kalha offers distinctive hummus variations, such as the "Qudsiya," which mixes hummus with ground fava beans for 33 shekels, and the classic "Triangle" hummus combining hummus, masabaha, and fava beans, demonstrating the restaurant's strong culinary foundation.

A surprising highlight of the meal was the falafel, larger than usual, coated with sesame seeds, and filled with a spiced mixture of onions, pine nuts, and sumac, priced at 25 shekels. This falafel was described as possibly the best in Tel Aviv. Combining historical roots, family secrets, and meticulous preparation, Al Kalha stands out as a culinary gem in Jaffa.

Al Kalha is located at 3 Shlomo Street, Tel Aviv-Jaffa.