A taste of Israeli cuisine (illustration)
Photo: Dana Kopel
Israeli falafel takes Belgium by storm
Belgian, Dutch and German clients flock to Finjan restaurant following its inclusion in prestigious Gault Millau guide. 'Everyone knows we're Israeli and no one has a problem with it,' one of owners says
The next time you enjoy a plate of falafel topped with tahini, you've probably made the right choice: Israel
is on the map. Finjan, an Israeli-owned falafel and hummus restaurant in the Belgian city of Antwerp has been included in the prestigious Gault Millau guide.
The two learned about the good news from the enthusiastic Belgian press, which sent a news crew to the restaurant. "It was a complete surprise. We didn't even know they sent a critic here. We're not familiar with this guide, we simply work and try to do our best," says Hemo, who lives in Belgian with his family, just like his partner.
The restaurant, which was opened 30 years ago and has been in its current location for 18 years, scored 13 out of 20 points given by the prestigious guide. It is owned by Yossi Haham, 55, of Petah Tikva and Simhoni Hemo, 42, of Netanya.
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The guide's critics visited Haham and Hemo's place after realizing that their restaurant had become a meeting and eating point for Antwerp's chefs after their shifts.
"That's why they came here. The guide's critic heard from many chefs that after work they come to eat here, at 11 pm or midnight. They come and enjoy themselves with a bottle of wine and a conversation. He heard the name Finjan again and again and decided to pay us a visit," says Hemo.
Following the publicity, new clients have begun arriving from other cities in Belgium, Holland and even Germany, he reports.
Muslims workers
Finjan offers a taste of Israeli cuisine, including hummus, falafel, skewered meat and salads. "It's oriental food with a European flavor," explains Hemo. "We took the Mediterranean cuisine and made a small change to adjust it to the European sense of taste."
They still buy their spices in Israel, every few months.
"Our audience is very diverse," says Hemo. "From students and grandmothers, through businesspeople and lawyers at lunchtime, to many local celebrities: TV and cinema personalities, models, football and basketball players, and even former Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. We see a third generation coming here – students who've got married arrive with their kids."
The restaurant, located next to the city's art museum, attracts Belgian clients mostly, but also gets visits from tourists, some of them Israeli. Despite the recent tension in the international arena, Hemo talks about peace and coexistence.
"We don't talk politics, but we have no such problem. Some of our workers are Muslims. We even have an excellent Iranian worker, Egyptian, Belgian and Turkish workers. There's no problem, everyone works together."
He says they have never been forced to conceal their Israeli roots. "The clients know we're Israeli. We've said it in the newspapers and television to everyone, and they all accept it very naturally and very nicely. There was no problem, not during the flotilla and not during the war. We are very proud of being Jewish and Israeli, and we're not ashamed to mention it in every conversation. No one has a problem with it."
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