Malka
Menu
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$$$
If you desire a meal fit for a Queen, then try Malka in Tel Aviv.
Malka is master chef and dream realizer, Eyal Shani’s latest masterpiece. Located in the former home of Liliyot, near the Kirya and a slew of embassies, (for now) this large space has indoor and outdoor seating.
The setting is a mix of Tuscan, rustic and urban chic. In lieu of centerpieces or candles, each table has butcher’s paper and a random assembly of colorful vegetables, ready and encouraged to be eaten. Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and more brought the freshness to life and was a fun and new way to warm up my belly.
The dishes were extraordinary. Seriously, some of the very best eats I have had!
Let’s start with the diced eggplant, flattened on a board over some fresh tehina and sprinkled with spice. This was delish! We then had a bag of Jericho beans. What are Jericho beans you ask? Well, allow me to show and explain. They are an extra large green bean, boiled and perfumed in fresh lemon, oil and spices. This is edamame on steroids and I could not get enough.
The salad with pulled chicken was the freshest I had ever tasted. All of us at the table said it tasted like it was plucked from the garden just minutes before hitting our table. It was more fresh and tasty than a Tuscan garden….and yes, I have had vegetables plucked from a Tuscan garden….really! The presentation was simple, but gorgeous. Like the person who does not blow-dry their hair nor put any product in it yet, every strand is perfect. So was this salad.
The minute steak was plentiful and sliced like handkerchiefs, served with diced tomato tartar. It was beyond! Tender and sweet. The baked fish in a shakhsuka like ragout was stunning. Honestly, I am not sure if there is enough time and enough appetite to try all of these delicious items but, I am up for the task.
Interestingly, the dishes are served in paper bags, saving shekels on dishwashers and making a stylish statement. There are plates for diners – but mains are served in a way that makes you wonder, “did they ask, ‘paper or plastic’?”
Even the real chocolate mousse dessert was served in wax paper-made cone and purposefully slammed on the fresh table-paper for all to share family style.
What makes all of this deliciousness digest even better is learning that like Liliyot, the staff at Malka are from ‘at-risk’ homes and the employment jumps starts them to a culinary career. All of the staff knew their food, were attentive and delightful. Nothing like amazing food AND Mitzvot. A hit in any league!
Malka is one of the best restaurants I have eaten at in Israel. Go now and thank me later….. Click here for a ticket!
