Hidden in Tel Aviv’s most overlooked neighborhood lies a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered. While Neve Sha’anan and the Central Bus Station area might not top your dining-out list, it’s here that you’ll find some of the city’s most authentic and flavorful Asian cuisine. But here’s where it gets controversial: this vibrant food scene, nestled within a bustling immigrant community, challenges the notion that you need to travel far to experience the tastes of Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kathmandu. Is it possible that Tel Aviv’s most avoided corner holds the key to its best meals? Let’s find out.
To explore this hidden gem, we joined a guided food tour led by Gil Gutkin and Noa Einat, who unveiled a world of flavors, aromas, and stories that transformed our perception of South Tel Aviv. Our first stop was Chinese Bao Buns, a modest yet charming restaurant owned by three Filipino women, with Chinese chefs crafting dishes that are as authentic as they come. Despite its unassuming appearance, the restaurant’s 15-year history and mouthwatering menu—featuring stir-fried cabbage, chicken dumplings, and morning glory (a type of water spinach)—prove that simplicity can be extraordinary. And this is the part most people miss: the photos of dishes lining the entrance wall transport you to a humble Asian eatery, making every bite feel like a journey.
But what makes this area truly special? It’s not just the food—it’s the stories behind it. Take Dragon, one of the oldest Asian grocery stores in the area. Its shelves are a treasure trove of rare ingredients, sauces, and cookware, attracting not only immigrants but also professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Or Gorkha Kitchen, an Indian-Nepali restaurant where a group of Nepali friends serve up traditional dishes like chicken Momos, a signature dish that’s nothing short of outstanding. These places aren’t just restaurants; they’re cultural hubs that celebrate the diversity of Tel Aviv’s immigrant communities.
And then there’s the fusion that sparks debate. At El Mano, Ann and John Bautista, children of Vietnamese and Filipino immigrants, blend the flavors of their heritage to create a unique culinary experience. Their green mango salad, egg rolls, and Vietnamese-style fried chicken wings are a testament to the magic that happens when two cuisines collide. But here’s the question: does fusion dilute tradition, or does it elevate it? We’ll let you decide.
Our tour culminated at the Central Bus Station, a bustling marketplace that feels like a slice of Bangkok transplanted into Tel Aviv. From street desserts like Turon—a caramel-coated banana treat—to hard-to-find ingredients like kaffir lime and Thai basil, this place is a food lover’s paradise. But it’s also a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the immigrant communities that call this area home. Is this Tel Aviv’s most underrated food destination? We think so. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this hidden culinary world.