Our Favorite Hutong Falafel Joint MoxiMoxi Reopens at Bigger New Beixinqiao Location

Although MoxiMoxi was among many of the popular hutong venues that shut down after vast stretches of those alleys were recently bricked up, the small Israeli pita and falafel vendor has since reopened on the quieter, but hopefully more stable Beixinqiao Santiao. Better still: the restaurant now has far more indoor seating on its first and second floors along with a forthcoming rooftop terrace (a considerable improvement over the tiny counter and smidgen of streetside folding tables and chairs at their old digs).

That expansion also extends to the menu, which includes new dishes like the fantastic arias (RMB 50), a pita sliced in quarters and deep fried until the outside is crunchy, a perfect counter to the soft beef inside. There are also sides like fried cauliflower, crispy pita cruch (similar to chips) and chicken schnitzel (RMB 30).

MoxiMoxi's old favorites like hummus (RMB 45), falafel (RMB 30) and, of course, its pitas (ranging from RMB 30-40) are also all still on hand. We tried the shakshuka option (more conventional falafel and chicken varieties are also available, along with a fried eggplant and boiled egg sabich-style pita). Slow-cooked tomato, peppers and assortment of spices are baked into a pair of pillowy fried eggs, making for a filling and meatless option for vegetarians or for those of us looking to try something healthier.

Longtime customers who also enjoyed the no-frills fun of sitting at one of MoxiMoxi's folding tables, gobbling up some of the restaurant's grub, and knocking back a few too many brews, will also be happy to see that the outdoor seating remains much the same at the new location, which will be furthered by the bar inside and the soon to be opened terrace (the lack of other boisterous, Western-style businesses on Beixinqiao Santiao, will also hopefully mean MoxiMoxi can operate without any chafing culture clashes or complaints from neighbors, an issue that constantly hung over Fangjia).

That means a visit here will likely lead to a longer stay for patrons than at its original spot. While Fangjia regulars will remain nostalgic for the days when they could grab a quick pita at MoxiMoxi after hours of hopping between the alley's many beloved bars, this new reiteration of the Israeli restaurant is sure to still hold up well thanks to its expanded seating and the new items on its menu.

MoxiMoxi
22 Beixinqiao Santiao, Dongcheng District
东城区 北新桥三条22号

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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle

Photos courtesy of MoxiMoxi