Falafel Garden

　We have vegetarian and vegan guests staying at our guesthouse. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a fair number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Kyoto city, but now there aren’t many that can cater to these dietary requirements.

　Despite this, Falafel Garden is just a seven-minute walk from our guesthouse. Established in 2004, it is an Israeli restaurant that is a favourite with locals.

　Our top recommendation is the falafel sandwich—featured in the photo—served in pita bread, which gives the restaurant its name. Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made by mixing mashed chickpeas or broad beans with spices and deep-frying the mixture; it is also popular amongst vegans. The vegan menu is extensive, featuring other dishes such as hummus—chickpea paste served with salad—and baba ghanoush, a mixture of roasted aubergine and ground sesame.

　We recommend enjoying a pita sandwich at a counter seat by the window on the second floor, whilst gazing out over the Kamo River.