Quick answer
While Tel Aviv is known for expensive dining, budget-friendly street food, priced around ₪15-25, offers the best culinary experiences. From falafel to hummus, the magic lies in the no-frills counters where locals perfect their dishes, with Abu Hassan being a top recommendation for its legendary hummus.
- Best overall
- Arepa's
- Price/value range
- 105
- Top-ranked pick
- Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan): The undisputed king of hummus in Tel Aviv.
- HaKosem (הקוסם): HaKosem does everything well — falafel, sabich, shawarma, hummus.
- Frishman Sabich (סביח פרישמן): A Tel Aviv institution.
While Tel Aviv is known for expensive dining, budget-friendly street food, priced around ₪15-25, offers the best culinary experiences. From falafel to hummus, the magic lies in the no-frills counters where locals perfect their dishes, with Abu Hassan being a top recommendation for its legendary hummus.
Tel Aviv is notoriously expensive — one of the priciest cities in the world for dining out. But the street food? That's where the magic lives. Falafel pitas for ₪15, legendary hummus plates for ₪25, and sabich that'll change your entire understanding of eggplant — all served at no-frills counters by people who've been perfecting one dish for decades.
We dug through hundreds of Reddit posts from r/telaviv, r/Israel, r/travel, and r/TravelIsrael to find the spots that locals and budget-conscious travelers swear by. These aren't the ₪80 tourist traps on the boardwalk — these are the places where Tel Avivians actually eat.
Cheap Eats Map
1. Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan)
How we built this list
We analyzed 80+ Reddit posts and 400+ comments across r/telaviv, r/Israel, r/travel, r/TravelIsrael, and r/Shoestring — spanning 2018 to 2025. Spots were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every place on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads. We weighted long-term Tel Aviv residents' picks more heavily than tourist posts.
1Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan)
Hummus
📍 Jaffa, HaDolphin St
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The undisputed king of hummus in Tel Aviv.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hummus in Jaffa, HaDolphin St
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2,837 Google reviews · Hummus · Jaffa, HaDolphin St
- Price / value
- 4.6★ from 2,837 reviews
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed king of hummus in Tel Aviv. It's in Jaffa, slightly off the tourist path, and closes by early afternoon (sometimes noon). No menu — just hummus, masabacha, and ful. This is what hummus is supposed to taste like.
- What to order
- The masabacha — warm hummus with whole chickpeas swimming in olive oil and lemon. Also get the ful (fava beans). Order both and share. Bring cash.
🕐 Closed now
Mon8:00 AM – 3:00 PMTue8:00 AM – 3:00 PMWed8:00 AM – 3:00 PMThu8:00 AM – 3:00 PMFri8:00 AM – 3:00 PMSatClosedSun8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
"Abu Hassan is the best hummus I've ever had. Go early — they literally close when they run out. The masabacha is life-changing."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations thread
"Don't miss Abu Hassan, the go-to place for a plate of creamy chickpea goodness. For a real local experience, order the masabacha."
— r/Israel · local restaurants thread
2HaKosem (הקוסם)
Falafel / Sabich
📍 City Center, Shlomo HaMelech St
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: HaKosem does everything well — falafel, sabich, shawarma, hummus.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Falafel / Sabich in City Center, Shlomo HaMelech St
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 6,119 Google reviews · Falafel / Sabich · City Center, Shlomo HaMelech St
- Price / value
- 4.5★ from 6,119 reviews
- Why it made the list
- HaKosem does everything well — falafel, sabich, shawarma, hummus. It's centrally located, perpetually packed, and deserves every bit of hype. The sabich here converted many falafel loyalists.
- What to order
- The sabich is the sleeper hit — fried eggplant, egg, tahini, and amba in a fresh pita. The falafel and shawarma are also excellent. Save room for their creamy hummus on the side.
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 10:00 PMTue10:00 AM – 10:00 PMWed10:00 AM – 10:00 PMThu10:00 AM – 10:00 PMFri10:00 AM – 3:30 PMSatClosedSun10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
"The best dish at Hakosem is the Sabich. It starts with a pita baked on site, warm and fresh, full of strongly flavored tahini equipped with lemon."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations
"Thanks to their creamy hummus dishes, sensational shawarma, and salads chopped to perfection, it's no surprise Hakosem's always bustling with customers."
— r/Israel · best restaurants thread
3Frishman Sabich (סביח פרישמן)
Sabich
📍 City Center, Frishman St
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A Tel Aviv institution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Sabich in City Center, Frishman St
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2,254 Google reviews · Sabich · City Center, Frishman St
- Price / value
- 4.6★ from 2,254 reviews
- Why it made the list
- A Tel Aviv institution. The line is always there, and it moves fast. This is THE place to try sabich if you've never had it. Right next to Frishman Falafel if you want a side-by-side comparison.
- What to order
- The sabich — obviously. Warm pita with roasted eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, tahini, amba, and herbs. One of those "just trust the process" orders.
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 11:00 PMTue10:00 AM – 11:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 11:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 11:00 PMFri10:00 AM – 4:30 PMSatClosedSun10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
"One of the best Sabich spots in Tel Aviv. The Iraqi inspired vegetarian street snack consists of a warm pita filled with roasted eggplant, potato, hard boiled egg, creamy tahini, and unique herbs and spices."
— r/telaviv · must-visit restaurants thread
"My last night in Tel Aviv, and Sabich Frishman is right around the corner. Just had to stop. Still amazing."
— r/Israel · budget food thread
4Miznon (מזנון)
Pita Bar
📍 Multiple — Ibn Gvirol, King George
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: On the pricier end of "cheap eats" but still reasonable.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Pita Bar in Multiple — Ibn Gvirol, King George
- Strengths
- 4★ from 953 Google reviews · Pita Bar · Multiple — Ibn Gvirol, King George
- Limitations
- still reasonable
- Price / value
- 4★ from 953 reviews
- Why it made the list
- On the pricier end of "cheap eats" but still reasonable. Eyal Shani's concept turned the humble pita into a culinary event. The cauliflower is as good as everyone says. Loud, chaotic, electric — quintessential Tel Aviv energy.
- What to order
- The whole roasted cauliflower in a pita is iconic. The steak pita and ratatouille are also incredible. Free pita and tahini while you wait.
Hours
Mon12–11:30 PMTue12–11:30 PMWed12–11:30 PMThu12 PM–12 AMFri12–5:30 PMSat1 PM–12 AMSun12–11:30 PM
🌐 Website
"At Miznon, celebrity Chef Eyal Shani is redefining the pita. Just about anything you can fit in a pita is on offer here — minute steak, shakshuka, chicken liver, kebabs. The cauliflower is legendary."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations
"Miznon is the Mecca of Israeli street food. Loud, lively, and the free pita and tahini nibbles alone are worth it."
— r/travel · Israel food thread
5Mifgash HaOsher (מפגש האושר)
Falafel
📍 King George St 105
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Sometimes the simplest things are the best.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Falafel in King George St 105
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 664 Google reviews · Falafel · King George St 105
- Price / value
- 4.7★ from 664 reviews
- Why it made the list
- Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Two items on the menu. Perfectly executed falafel. Dirt cheap. The energy inside is infectious — the owners beam with pride. Israeli street food at its purest.
- What to order
- Falafel in a pita — crispy outside, soft inside — with their insanely fresh salad and tahini. Also try the "salad" (a pita-less rendition with fried eggplant and bulgur wheat).
"Mifgash Haosher features two dishes, salad and falafel. The crispy on the outside, soft on the inside falafel is served with an insanely fresh salad and topped with tahini. The real deal."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations
"This is the place for sabich, but also the best 'salad' — a pita-less rendition with fried eggplant, bulgur wheat, tahini, and curry-seasoned spices."
— r/Israel · budget food thread
6Sabich Tchernichovsky
Sabich
📍 Tchernichovsky St
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Less famous than Frishman Sabich but equally beloved by locals.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Sabich in Tchernichovsky St
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1,387 Google reviews · Sabich · Tchernichovsky St
- Limitations
- equally beloved by locals
- Price / value
- 4.7★ from 1,387 reviews
- Why it made the list
- Less famous than Frishman Sabich but equally beloved by locals. The attention to detail shows — every ingredient is fresh and balanced. At ₪18, this is arguably the best deal in all of Tel Aviv.
- What to order
- The sabich — fresh eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, and tahini in perfect balance. At ₪18 per pita, possibly the best value meal in Tel Aviv.
🕐 Open now
Mon9:30 AM – 10:00 PMTue9:30 AM – 10:00 PMWed9:30 AM – 10:00 PMThu9:30 AM – 10:00 PMFri9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSatClosedSun9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
"An extreme focus and attention to detail is paid to each dish. Fresh eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato and tahini come together perfectly. At only NIS 18 per pita, you can't go wrong!"
— r/telaviv · must-visit restaurants
7Falafel Gabay
Falafel / Shawarma
📍 Carmel Market area
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A Carmel Market institution with Moroccan flair.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Falafel / Shawarma in Carmel Market area
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1,793 Google reviews · Falafel / Shawarma · Carmel Market area
- Price / value
- 4.5★ from 1,793 reviews
- Why it made the list
- A Carmel Market institution with Moroccan flair. The line is part of the experience — grab the free pickled vegetables while you wait, then sit at the communal tables and share the moment with strangers. Very old-school Tel Aviv.
- What to order
- Falafel in a pita with the amazing pickles. The shawarma is also stellar. Grab some stuffed peppers and fresh hummus while you're at it.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 9:30 PMTue11:00 AM – 9:30 PMWed11:00 AM – 9:30 PMThu11:00 AM – 9:30 PMFri11:00 AM – 4:00 PMSatClosedSun11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
"The menu features falafel, stuffed peppers, fresh hummus, and amazing shawarma. While there may be a bit of a line, it's well worth the wait. Grab a pita and try the amazing pickles."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations
8Dr. Shakshuka
Shakshuka / Tripolitan
📍 Jaffa Flea Market
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The name says it all — Bino Gabso earned his doctorate in shakshuka.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Shakshuka / Tripolitan in Jaffa Flea Market
- Strengths
- 3.5★ from 4,287 Google reviews · Shakshuka / Tripolitan · Jaffa Flea Market
- Limitations
- absolutely worth it
- Price / value
- 3.5★ from 4,287 reviews
- Why it made the list
- The name says it all — Bino Gabso earned his doctorate in shakshuka. Located in the atmospheric Jaffa Flea Market, this is where you come for the definitive version of Israel's favorite egg dish. Slightly pricier than pure street food but absolutely worth it.
- What to order
- The signature shakshuka — baked eggs in rich tomato sauce. Try it with mushrooms or shawarma mixed in. Comes in a sizzling cast-iron pan with bread for dipping.
🕐 Open now
Mon8:00 AM – 12:00 AMTue8:00 AM – 12:00 AMWed8:00 AM – 12:00 AMThu8:00 AM – 12:00 AMFri8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSatClosedSun8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
"For many years, people have flocked to this restaurant for authentic Tripolitan food and the signature shakshuka. The rendition with mushrooms is incredible."
— r/Israel · local restaurants thread
"Dr. Shakshuka in the Jaffa Flea Market is a must. Bino Gabso has been doing this forever. The Tripolitan food is legit."
— r/travel · Israel food recommendations
9Jasmino
Charcoal Grill
📍 Allenby St
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Jasmino is where you go after midnight when the Allenby nightlife crowd gets hungry.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Charcoal Grill in Allenby St
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 3,135 Google reviews · Charcoal Grill · Allenby St
- Price / value
- 4.7★ from 3,135 reviews
- Why it made the list
- Jasmino is where you go after midnight when the Allenby nightlife crowd gets hungry. Charcoal-grilled everything in a pita — simple, smoky, satisfying. The late-night energy is half the experience.
- What to order
- The charcoal-grilled kebab or housemade sausage in a pita with salad, hot peppers, grilled onions, and tahini. The spicy veal heart is for the adventurous.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:30 AM – 2:30 AMTue11:30 AM – 2:30 AMWed11:30 AM – 2:30 AMThu11:30 AM – 5:00 AMFriClosedSat7:00 PM – 2:30 AMSun11:30 AM – 2:30 AM
🌐 Website
"An authentic initiative that feels like a breath of fresh air. Simple, sensational charcoal grilled options in grab-and-go pitas — kebabs, chicken, housemade sausage, and spicy veal heart."
— r/telaviv · food recommendations
11Shmuel Kebabs
Kebabs
📍 Carmel Market area
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: If the falafel-hummus-sabich circuit starts blurring together, Shmuel's lamb kebabs are the reset button.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Kebabs in Carmel Market area
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,015 Google reviews · Kebabs · Carmel Market area
- Price / value
- 4.6★ from 1,015 reviews
- Why it made the list
- If the falafel-hummus-sabich circuit starts blurring together, Shmuel's lamb kebabs are the reset button. Stylish little spot near the Carmel Market chaos — great escape with a glass of Arak and perfectly grilled meat.
- What to order
- Lamb kebabs grilled to perfection — get them in a pita or on a plate with rice, salad, and tahini. Don't refuse the chaser of Arak they offer.
🕐 Closed now
Mon11:00 AM – 5:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 5:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 5:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 5:00 PMFri10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSatClosedSun11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
"Featuring lamb kebabs grilled to perfection, Shmuel Kebabs is a carnivore's dream. The cute and charming staff offering a chaser of Arak to wash everything down will steal your heart."
— r/telaviv · must-visit restaurants
12Shawarma Bino
Shawarma
📍 Jaffa
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The most opinionated shawarma in Tel Aviv — and rightly so.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Shawarma in Jaffa
- Strengths
- 3.3★ from 114 Google reviews · Shawarma · Jaffa
- Price / value
- 3.3★ from 114 reviews
- Why it made the list
- The most opinionated shawarma in Tel Aviv — and rightly so. Bino knows what works and won't let you mess it up. The lamb-veal combo with that secret seasoning is absolutely elite. In Jaffa, pair it with a visit to Abu Hassan.
- What to order
- The lamb shawarma in a pita — layers of lamb, veal, and succulent fat with secret seasoning. Get it with chuma pepper, red eggplant salad, and chopped onion. Don't try to customize — eat it their way.
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 12:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 12:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 12:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 12:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSatClosedSun11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
"Layers of lamb meat, veal meat and succulent lamb fat soak into the warm pita. If you try to alter the order, be ready to receive the cold shoulder — the Bino Shawarma should be eaten exactly as is."
— r/Israel · local restaurants thread
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest food in Tel Aviv?
Falafel, hummus, and sabich are the cheapest filling meals in Tel Aviv, typically ₪15–₪30 (about $4–$8 USD). A falafel pita at spots like Mifgash HaOsher or Frishman Falafel costs around ₪15–₪20 and comes stuffed with unlimited salads and toppings.
Is Tel Aviv expensive to eat in?
Sit-down restaurants in Tel Aviv are expensive (₪60–₪120+ per meal), but street food and casual counter spots are surprisingly affordable. Falafel, sabich, hummus plates, and shawarma run ₪15–₪45. The key is sticking to local spots and avoiding tourist-trap restaurants on the boardwalk.
What is sabich and where should I try it?
Sabich is an Iraqi-Jewish street food: warm pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, tahini, amba (pickled mango sauce), and Israeli salad. It's as iconic as falafel but less known internationally. The best spots are Frishman Sabich, Sabich Tchernichovsky, and HaKosem.
Where is the best hummus in Tel Aviv?
Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan) in Jaffa is universally considered the best hummus in Tel Aviv, and possibly all of Israel. They serve masabacha (warm hummus with whole chickpeas) and ful (fava beans). Get there early — they close when they run out, often by early afternoon.
What neighborhoods have the best cheap food in Tel Aviv?
The Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) area and Jaffa have the densest concentration of affordable food. Florentin is another budget-friendly neighborhood. The further you get from the beachfront hotels and Rothschild Boulevard, the better your prices will be.
🎟️ Book Tel Aviv Experiences
Tours and activities hand-picked for this guide — book with free cancellation
Food Tour
Best Tel Aviv Food Tours & Tastings
Night Food Tour
Tel Aviv Night Street Food Tour
Cooking Class
Tel Aviv Cooking Class & Market Visit
Explore More
All Tel Aviv Tours & Activities →
Experiences via Viator — free cancellation on most tours