Where to enjoy a taste of Palestine in Ireland

Palestinian food blogger Sara Abdulmagid shares her list of authentic restaurants and food trucks from around the country that will offer up a taste of Palestine to Irish customers.

Palestinian food is the product of generations, where tradition has been preserved for centuries. Food in Palestine is not just about the taste - it's about the hospitality guaranteed alongside it. You will never be offered a plate in a Palestinian home without seconds and thirds already being handed to you, and a plate made up for you to take home.

The hands that feed us have endured forced displacement, instability, and countless wars, yet they will always ensure that you are fed well, and fed with love, no matter the conditions.

The number of successful Palestinian businesses open here just shows the Irish peoples' adoration for our food. Whether it's food trucks or long standing restaurants, there is an abundance of Palestinian businesses that will bring you the true taste of Palestine right here in Ireland.

Shaku Maku, Co. Dublin

Making their mark only two years ago, Shaku Maku have taken the Dublin food scene by storm with their family-style restaurant in Rathmines. Palestinian owner Adnan Shabab was determined to bring the flavours of Palestine and the Middle East to Ireland, and he has certainly achieved that and so much more.

Shaku Maku serve a range of barbecued meats grilled on their Josper grill, plus a selection of classic Arab dishes like Zibdieh (prawns in spicy tomato sauce), Mansaf (slow-cooked lamb in a yogurt sauce) and Mujadara (rice, lentils and caramelised onions).

In the back of the restaurant, diners will find a large pizza oven where their sister restaurant, Zaatar, serves delicious Manakeesh (Arab pizza). An impressive selection of Mezze and sides are available, including Hummus Bil Lahmeh, Musakhan rolls and Batata Harra.

A classic Palestinian dessert of Kanafeh is up for grabs at Shaku Maku, and when paired with a cup of fresh mint tea, will finish off your visit perfectly.

Kanafeh Kingz, Co. Dublin

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Kanafeh Kingz is a dessert food truck based in Tallaght, started up by Palestinian-Jordanian owner Anas Almahroum. Anas did extensive research before opening up the now-successful truck, making sure to use authentic ingredients and the right methods to achieve a result that is as close to the real thing as possible.

Kanafeh is a Levantine dessert originating in the Palestinian city of Nablus. It consists of a layer of sweet Nabulsi cheese and is topped with a layer of either coarse semolina or Kataifi, then drenched in a sugar syrup for the ultimate decadent treat.

A small but mighty menu is served, with the classic, Nabulsi or pistachio Kanafeh available to choose from. Pair it with an Arabic coffee and you'll be delighted you paid Kanafeh Kingz a visit.

Umi Falafel, multiple locations

Umi Falafel has taken Ireland by storm, and has quickly become one of the best places to enjoy some delicious vegan and vegetarian food. This Palestinian-owned chain has locations all around Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, offering the much-loved falafel in a variety of different ways.

The most popular option is the Palestinian Falafel - a pita pocket filled with aubergines, pickles, tomatoes, spicy sauce and tahini, and the crispy golden falafel make this sandwich a satisfying, hearty option for lunch or dinner.

Mezze favourites are also up for grabs at Umi, like hummus, stuffed vine leaves and fried halloumi sticks. Standing for over a decade in Ireland, Umi Falafel is certainly a household name, and a visit here is always a good idea.

Izz Cafe, Co. Cork

Located in the heart of Cork city, this café has been serving up authentic Palestinian cuisine since the moment they launched their stand at a small farmer's market in Cork with the help of Darina Allen.

Initially serving a combined version of falafel and Manakeesh, with their Manoushet Falafel, they quickly became popular for their hospitality and delectable dishes. Fast forward a few years later, Izzedeen and Eman Alkarajeh are now two of the key players in the Palestine movement around Cork, demonstrating their love for cooking and selling authentic products straight from Palestine, with everything from olive oil to dates.

Izz Cafe is a family-style restaurant, where Eman can be seen whizzing around the restaurant and back in the kitchen making all kinds of dishes, always with a smile on her face. Izzedeen can be seen making conversation with both the regulars and the newcomers, demonstrating the warm hospitality that Palestinians are known for. Palestinian dishes like Maqloubeh and Msakhan are served here, but they also serve authentic Manakeesh with classic Middle Eastern toppings like Zaatar, white cheese and Lahmbajin.

Finishing off your visit with an Arabic coffee is a must - served in a copper pot for the ultimate authentic experience, some sweet Baklawa pairs perfectly with the bitter coffee. A taste of Palestine is never far at Izz Cafe.

Al Wadi Falafel, Co. Wexford & Waterford

A street food staple, falafel is easy and quick to make, but technique and quality ingredients are what make it stand apart, and Al Wadi Falafel have certainly done it right. Opening up in June 2023, the food truck was named after the owner's neighbourhood of Wadi Al Sakia in Palestine.

Serving only a handful of dishes like falafel sandwiches and salads, hummus and baba ghanoush, Al Wadi Falafel prove that simple food cooked with love is always the most delicious.

Bethlehem, Co. Dublin

Named after the city of Bethlehem, this Palestinian restaurant quietly opened up just over a year ago, bringing another taste of Palestine to Dublin. Staying true to the familial hospitality that Palestinians are known for, you will find true comfort in this cosy restaurant in Rathmines.

At Bethlehem, you'll find Palestinian dishes like Musakhan (caramelised onions, sumac and chicken) and Maqloubeh, as well as classic Mezze like hummus, sambosa and falafel. A mixed grill is available for the meat lovers, but a slow cooked Fokhara of green beans is available for the vegetarians.

On the sweet side, you'll find a Middle Eastern favourite, Atayif - a pancake stuffed with nuts, coconut and cinnamon and drenched in a rose water sugar syrup for the ultimate indulgence. Pair with Arabic coffee and you have yourself a winner.

Zaatar, Co. Dublin

Originally opening in George's Street Arcade in Dublin, Zaatar serves Manakeesh, an Arab-style pizza. Zaatar is named after both the herb and the spice - a mixture of dried thyme, sumac and sesame seeds. A classic Levantine brunch dish is a Zaatar Manousheh, served with a cup of sweet, fresh mint tea.

Other options at Zaatar include the Muhammara with cheese and the spinach and feta cheese Fatayer, both of which offer a unique flavour reminiscent of Palestine and the Levantine region. The Manakeesh are served on an Italian-style pillowy pizza dough, made by a trained Pizzaiolo who has now taken up residence in Zaatar, serving delicious pizzas for everyone to enjoy. You can also find Zaatar at Shaku Maku in Rathmines.

Suha's Falafel, Co. Dublin

Falafel is one of the most popular street foods in Palestine, so a falafel food truck makes perfect sense. Suha's Falafel can be found at a range of markets in Dublin, and you can occasionally spot them at festivals across the country.

Started by Suha almost 20 years ago, she built an impressive fan base across the Dublin market scene, making friends with every customer she came across and demonstrating the true meaning of Palestinian hospitality. Years later, her brother has taken the reins, maintaining the delicious taste of falafel we all know and love.

From Dun Laoghaire to Marlay Park to Electric Picnic, keep an eye out for the bright blue Suha's Falafel sign for a tasty falafel sandwich on the weekends.

Where to enjoy a taste of Palestine in Ireland

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