Sabbaba

Sabbaba means “cool” or “no worries” in Hebrew, and that pretty much sums up the vibe at this relaxed Israeli eatery famous for their falafel. The humble chickpea is bashed up with fresh herbs and spices and moulded into patties that are deep fried to a golden crunch. There are now several Sabbaba outlets around Sydney, but the Hall Street branch is where it all started. Beachgoers, backpackers and free-living vegetarians all trail in for a casual feed. The pita pockets are cheap and cheerful and start at $8.90 for falafel or haloumi cheese fillings. Flavoured falafel balls make for an interesting twist, like green basil pesto and red roasted capsicum variations. They’re matched with flavour combinations in a cheeky globetrotting menu that runs from Tunisia (with Marrakech salad) to Cancun (with jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream and corn chips!). For those who can’t live by chickpeas alone, meatier options like grilled steak, lamb kofta meatballs, chicken schnitzel and crumbed fish (all $9.90) should satiate. A value meal add-on for $4.90 gets you two sides of your choice, like vine leaves, corn chips, hot chips or more falafel balls. Finish up with a slice of baklava, crammed with nuts and sticky with rosewater syrup.