Description
Ben Cohen Tel-Aviv Streetfood brings the flavors of Israel’s biggest city to Amsterdam’s canal belt. This isn’t your average falafel joint. I’ve eaten my way around Tel Aviv, and Ben Cohen gets that street food feel just right.
Step inside and you’ll catch the warm, fragrant mix of spices straight away. The restaurant has been serving shawarma since the 70s, which makes it something of an Amsterdam institution. A place doesn’t stick around that long without doing a few things right.
The interior has a relaxed feel, like the little spots you might come across in Tel Aviv. It’s a good place to tuck into their hummus or a well-seasoned shawarma wrap. And the shakshuka? I still think about those eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce.
What sets Ben Cohen apart is how it captures the feel of Tel Aviv street food. It’s not only about the food, though that’s a big part of it. You get the aromas, the noise and the pleasure of that first bite, when you just want to pause and enjoy it.
Key Features
Here’s what makes Ben Cohen Tel-Aviv Streetfood a spot to add to your Amsterdam list:
1. Authentic Israeli Cuisine: Ben Cohen takes authenticity seriously, with a menu full of classics you’d find on the streets of Tel Aviv. Try hummus plates with mushroom shawarma, falafel crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, and fresh pita bread.
2. Killer Shawarma: Their shawarma has been legendary in Amsterdam since the 70s. The meat comes out juicy and well-seasoned, whether you choose the classic lamb or chicken.
3. Vegan Options: Plant-based eaters have a decent selection to choose from, and the dishes don’t skimp on flavor. The tahini cauliflower is a personal favorite.
4. Late-Night Eats: One of the best things about Ben Cohen is that it’s open till late hours. It’s a handy stop for comfort food after a night out in Amsterdam.
5. Lively Atmosphere: The place has a cozy, sociable feel that makes it easy to linger over your meal. It can get lively, especially at peak times.
6. Spice Game Strong: If you like a bit of spice, you’re in for a treat. The variety of herbs and spices brings plenty of flavor to each dish.
7. Friendly Staff: The team knows the menu and is happy to recommend a dish if you’re having trouble choosing. There’s plenty to pick from.
8. Insta-Worthy Presentation: The dishes look as good as they taste, so go ahead and take that food photo for the ’gram.
9. Cocktail Menu: The food takes centre stage, but don’t overlook the drinks. They make a good match for the bold flavors on the menu.
10. Takeaway Option: Some nights, you’d rather eat at home or back in your hotel room. No judgement. Ben Cohen offers takeaway, too.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit depends on the kind of meal you’re after.
For a quieter meal, try a late lunch or early dinner. Between 2 PM and 5 PM, it’s often calmer, so you can take your time and ask the staff about their favorite dishes.
If you want more of that Tel Aviv street food energy, go during peak hours. Dinner, around 7 PM to 9 PM, tends to be lively and noisy, just as you’d expect from a popular street food spot.
Ben Cohen also suits late-night appetites. There’s something satisfying about stopping in at midnight for a hot shakshuka or a loaded shawarma wrap after a night out in Amsterdam.
Weekends tend to be busier. If you’d rather avoid a crowd, try a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. You’ll still get some atmosphere without feeling like you’re in a food-related mosh pit.
Visiting Amsterdam in summer? Ben Cohen can make a good spot for a lazy weekend brunch. Sit with an Israeli coffee on a sunny Saturday morning and watch the neighborhood go by. Aim for around 11 AM if you want a good spot.
One thing to keep in mind: a major football match can pack the place out. If that’s your kind of evening, though, the atmosphere is hard to beat. Good food and sport make an easy combination.
How to Get There
Ready to find this slice of Tel Aviv in Amsterdam? Ben Cohen Tel-Aviv Streetfood is in the city centre, so it’s easy to reach from most parts of town.
You’ll find the restaurant on Rozengracht, in the Jordaan. It’s a well-known street, and the area’s canal views make the walk part of the outing.
If you’re taking public transport, you’ve got a few options:
1. Tram: Tram lines 5, 13 or 17 stop at Rozengracht. From there, it’s a short walk to the restaurant.
2. Metro: The nearest metro station is Rokin. It’s about a 15-minute walk, with some pretty Amsterdam streets along the way.
3. Bus: Bus lines 170, 172 and 174 also stop near the restaurant. Get off at Rozengracht.
Want the full Amsterdam experience? Rent a bike and cycle along the canals before stopping for Israeli street food. Lock your bike securely, though. Amsterdam is generally safe, but bike theft is common.
Ben Cohen is about a 20-minute walk from Dam Square. It’s a pleasant route past canal houses and the kind of small shops you’ll want to peek into.
From Amsterdam Centraal Station, it’s around a 25-minute walk. Or take one of the trams mentioned above; they all stop at the station.
If you’re not great with directions, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Dutch people are generally friendly, and most speak excellent English. Just pick someone who doesn’t look rushed.
Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service? Give Rozengracht as your destination. It’s a well-known street, so drivers should have no trouble finding it.
