One recent evening, like many others searching for “Israeli Food Near Me”, my cravings for Middle Eastern flavors hit hard. My mind immediately wandered to the usual suspects around town. There are some truly great Mediterranean spots, including Mediterranean Grill, a childhood favorite known for its delightful dejaj, a chicken stew simmered in a rich tomato broth. But then, a memory sparked: a Facebook discussion from months ago about a new Israeli restaurant about to open. A quick search using “israeli food near me” on Google, and there it was – Hamsah, beckoning us to Greenfield.
Hamsah is a modest, charming eatery nestled on Murray Avenue, conveniently close to the Greenfield Co-Go’s. Even on a weeknight, the place was buzzing with energy, a testament to its growing popularity. It’s a casual, order-at-the-counter setup, so we hopped in line and grabbed menus to peruse the delicious options.
While waiting, I overheard the cashier informing the customer ahead of me about an enticing deal: ordering an entree allows you to select a variety of side salads for just $2 each. This is when my excitement truly peaked. As someone who appreciates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Israeli cuisine, this sounded like a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide array of dishes.
While I have a deep fondness for Ashkenazi Jewish food – think comforting bagels and lox, soul-warming matzoh ball soup, and savory kreplach – Israeli food holds a special place in my heart too. Growing up, I fondly remember Yacov’s, a falafel spot also on Murray Avenue. My mom often brought home takeout falafel sandwiches from there, and I always managed to sneak a bite (or two!). I can still recall the delicious tahini sauce dripping down my chin, a testament to how wonderfully messy and flavorful the experience was. Later, when I moved to Philadelphia for college, I was introduced to the concept of Israeli restaurants showcasing an impressive array of “salads” – from bright carrot salad to earthy beet salad and tangy cabbage salad – perfect for stuffing into a pita with falafel or as a side to any main course. Mama’s Vegetarian in Philly is a prime example of this delightful concept. There’s also Maoz, a chain with locations in NYC, Florida, and even internationally, that champions this style. During our time in Birmingham, Eli’s Jerusalem Grill, a phenomenal Israeli restaurant mirroring this style, opened and quickly became a local favorite. We were even involved in helping them launch their second location. Since relocating to Pittsburgh, however, finding authentic Israeli restaurants, especially those offering this vibrant salad selection, has been a challenge – until now.
When it was my turn to order at Hamsah, I made it clear that I was eager to try a variety of their salads and explore the menu. The friendly woman behind the counter suggested the shawarma entree, paired with as many side salads as I desired, and the appetizer sampler, promising a taste of their hummus, falafel, and other delights. And the cherry on top? The entree came with homemade pita bread. My heart skipped a beat! They also offer laffa bread, a large, soft flatbread, equally perfect for scooping up all the deliciousness. And yes, it’s homemade too. In fact, everything at Hamsah, except for the desserts, is made from scratch, highlighting their commitment to fresh, authentic flavors.
For those unfamiliar, Hamsah operates as a kosher meat restaurant, meaning no dairy is served. (While this is a simplified explanation, for those who observe kosher dietary laws, it encompasses much more.) This also makes Hamsah a haven for vegans. If a dish doesn’t contain meat, it’s guaranteed to be dairy-free, providing ample plant-based options. Desserts are sourced from a local company specializing in kosher non-dairy (pareve) treats. Hamsah’s core focus is on their homemade cuisine, making the decision to outsource desserts understandable.
We settled down to wait for our food in the welcoming atmosphere. Hamsah strikes me as incredibly kid-friendly. Firstly, it’s a true neighborhood gem, radiating a warm and inviting vibe. Everyone we encountered was genuinely welcoming. Secondly, they are well-equipped with high chairs (more than just one!). Thirdly, the food arrives surprisingly quickly, which is a huge plus when dining with little ones (or even just hungry adults!). While Mr. Foodie and I appreciate these aspects now, parents will undoubtedly recognize these as major wins for family dining.
Soon, our feast began to arrive. First, the appetizer platter – a sight to behold! The hummus was incredibly creamy and smooth, the grape leaves were perfectly tangy and tender, and the potato-filled fried phyllo pastries were simply addictive. And the falafel – wonderfully light, not at all greasy, and with a satisfying crispness. Everything was meant to be enjoyed with their homemade pita and laffa. I have to say, it’s possibly the best pita in town (though, I know, I recently praised Farmer Baker’s pita – don’t make me choose favorites!). And homemade laffa? Perhaps a rarity in Pittsburgh!
Next came the shawarma. It’s a real shame we didn’t capture a photo of the vertical spit – the turkey meat is carved to order right off the spit! The shawarma was incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
The shawarma plate was accompanied by two of their fantastic salads: beet and carrot. Both were exemplary representations of these classic dishes. In addition to those, we sampled even more of their salad and side offerings:
(We were also given a complimentary taste of their tabbouleh, which we hadn’t actually ordered. Typically, I’m not a huge tabbouleh enthusiast, but Hamsah’s version was remarkably different – not grainy, wonderfully citrusy, and truly delicious.)
Their baba ganouj was smoky and wonderfully creamy:
The fried eggplant was lightly fried, allowing its natural flavor to shine:
And finally, the pickles provided a perfect tangy counterpoint to the richness of the other dishes:
And just look at the gorgeous homemade pita and laffa – they tasted even better than they looked!
Andrea, the friendly woman who took our order, came over to check on our meal and see what we thought. This led to a delightful conversation about the history of Israeli food in Pittsburgh. While my own memory only stretches back to Yacov’s, apparently, after I moved away, a place called Pinati opened on Murray Avenue in the location now occupied by Crazy Mocha. One of the owners of Pinati is now part of Hamsah – you can read more about Hamsah’s owners in this insightful article from the Jewish Chronicle. Andrea confirmed my suspicion that Hamsah is indeed the only dedicated Israeli restaurant currently in Pittsburgh, filling a significant void in the city’s diverse food scene. For anyone searching for authentic and delicious “israeli food near me” in Pittsburgh, Hamsah is the answer.
Note: Hamsah is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan your visit accordingly!
