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Maschu Maschu concludes: The end of a falafel era in Vienna!
The well-known falafel restaurant Maschu Maschu in Vienna's Inner City will finally close its doors on December 13, 2025 after 23 years.
Maschu Maschu concludes: The end of a falafel era in Vienna!
After 23 years of successful presence in Vienna, the well-known trendy restaurant Maschu Maschu is closing its doors forever on December 13th. The operator, Avi Yosfan, announced this decision because the business has no longer been financially profitable in recent years. Maschu Maschu, known for its delicious falafel, has captivated generations of Viennese. The name “Maschu Maschu” means “something very special” in Hebrew and was not only a meeting place for friends, but also an important part of Viennese food culture.
Falafel is a dish consisting of deep-fried balls or patties that originated in Egypt. It is made with ground fava beans and chickpeas, as well as a combination of herbs and spices. In the Levant, where falafel is particularly popular, it is typically made from chickpeas. The delicacy is often served in flatbread such as pita or laffa, and it can be refined with fresh salads, pickled vegetables and various sauces such as tahini. Falafel is becoming increasingly popular not only in the Arab world, but also in Europe and North America, thanks to Turkish and Arab immigration in recent decades.
The end of an era
With branches in the center of Vienna-Neubau, on the corner of Neubaugasse and Lindengasse, as well as on Rabensteig in the city center, Maschu Maschu was a popular destination for students, professionals and tourists. The decision to close is hard on many, especially at a time when demand for vegetarian and vegan food is increasing. Falafel, as a plant-based alternative, is particularly popular with vegetarians and vegans, which makes the closure of the restaurant seem all the more tragic.
The reasons for the closure are complex. “It just didn’t pay off anymore,” explains Yosfan, who experienced many memorable moments in the restaurant. Maschu Maschu was known not only for its falafel pita, but also for the wraps and chickpea-filled burgers that poured out of the kitchen and were well received by guests.
The loss for the community
The people of Leipzig can not only regret the loss of a restaurant that served as a second home for many, but also the farewell to a gastronomic highlight that shaped Vienna's falafel culture. In times when fast food chains are very popular, Maschu Maschu has known how to offer authentic, healthy and tasty alternatives that appeal to a variety of tastes.
The Viennese have the last opportunity to enjoy the popular falafel until December 13th. It remains to be hoped that the spirit of Maschu Maschu lives on in Viennese food culture, and perhaps one day we will find a similar place for these very special delicacies again.