Before coming to Japan and settling in Kobe, I had lived in a neighborhood in my U.S. city that was full of delicious Jewish and Middle Eastern food. Falafel had been one of my favorite dishes, but it was difficult to find in Japan outside of Tokyo. After a while, I gave up searching. I just tried to eat my fill of the fried chickpea snack whenever I visited the U.S. each year.
I once found a restaurant in Nara which catered to vegetarian tourists and served excellent falafel. But I longed to find a shop that served it in Kobe.
Finally, I’ve found it! Rafi Dream Kebab, between Motomachi and Sannomiya stations, serves mouthwatering kebabs as well as amazing falafel cooked to order. My wait is finally over! And, perhaps, so is yours.
The take-out shop’s owner, who hails from Egypt, is working hard to share his country’s cuisine with the people of Kobe. Not only is the food delicious, it’s also cheap: most items on the menu are 500 yen!
You can access the restaurant from the narrow covered shopping street just east of Motomachi Station, or from its outside entrance. There are outdoor benches outside the station where you can sit and relax as you enjoy your meal.
And now for a review of the food!
My husband, a meat lover, tried the kebab on pita bread for 500 yen. He said the meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce was flavorful and a bit spicy. We were given extra sauces to go with our orders, one mild and fragrant, and the other hot, but the kebab was flavorful enough on its own.
And how was my falafel? It was exactly what I’ve been searching for all these years! Crispy on the outside, and soft and packed with flavor on the inside. The pickles and jalapenos in the pita were a wonderful addition, and I loved the optional mild and spicy sauces.
Needless to say, I’ll be back for more. Why don’t you give Rafi Dream Kebab a try, too?
For directions, updates, and other information, check out their page here: https://www.facebook.com/rafidreamkebab
