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

Located on Jerusalem Boulevard in Jaffa, the Al Kalha restaurant has been serving authentic family recipes for six years, preserving a culinary tradition that dates back over a century. Founded by Ahmad Khatib, known as "Zizo," the eatery honors his grandfather, Tawfiq Darwish Al Kalha, who ran a successful hummus restaurant in Jaffa during the British Mandate period. After much of the family relocated to Jordan and continued the tradition there, Zizo decided to bring the original flavors back to Jaffa.

The restaurant's signature dish is the Jordanian fatteh, a recipe closely guarded within the family. 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 options are also available for 50 shekels.

Al Kalha also offers unique hummus variations, such as the "Qudsiya," which mixes hummus with ground fava beans for 33 shekels, and the classic "Triangle" dish combining hummus, masabaha, and fava beans, showcasing a solid and expertly prepared base.

A standout surprise was the falafel, larger than usual, coated in sesame seeds, and filled with a spiced mixture of onions, pine nuts, and sumac, priced at 25 shekels. This falafel impressed as possibly the best in Tel Aviv.

Combining historical roots, family secrets, and meticulous execution, Al Kalha offers a remarkable culinary gem in Jaffa, attracting food enthusiasts from across Israel. The restaurant is located at 3 Shlomo Street, Tel Aviv-Jaffa.