HaMakom Restaurant Bogotá: Colombia’s Kosher Place for Shawarma and Falafel
- Mark Vogel
- Sep 5
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Kosher Meat Restaurant in Bogotá, Colombia ✈
On my recent trip to Bogotá, Colombia, I stopped at HaMakom, a kosher meat restaurant located at Carrera 11a # 82-71. The name is written in Hebrew on the front sign as “המקום,” which in English translates to “The Place.” It’s a fitting name, since HaMakom serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors looking for authentic kosher Middle Eastern food.
The restaurant sits on a pedestrian-only street right next to Andino Mall, one of the most upscale shopping centers in Bogotá. Although it’s directly beside the mall and looks as if it might be part of it, HaMakom is independent. The outdoor dining area lines the same street where fashionable shops and boutiques open their doors, but many of those businesses, like HaMakom, are not technically part of Andino Mall itself. The distinction is a little blurry because the walkways flow together seamlessly, so it’s easy for someone to assume they are all one complex.
“For someone traveling through Bogotá who keeps kosher, or even for someone simply looking to enjoy Middle Eastern food in the Colombian capital, HaMakom is worth a visit.”
The Restaurant and Its Setting
From the outside, HaMakom has a modern design that combines exposed brick walls with a wooden pergola-style covering. The outdoor seating area features black umbrellas, metal chairs, and slate flooring, with large trees providing shade and giving the space an open-air feel. The restaurant’s layout encourages people to sit outside, order a plate of shawarma or falafel, and watch the steady flow of pedestrians moving between the shops.
Across the pedestrian street, modern retail buildings with glass walls and colorful accents dominate the view. Large fashion advertisements are displayed against the backdrop of these storefronts, reinforcing the fact that HaMakom has positioned itself in one of Bogotá’s busiest commercial districts.
Inside the dining area, the tables are simple but functional. The restaurant isn’t large, and much of the atmosphere comes from the location itself. Being situated near Andino Mall means there’s constant foot traffic, and you can sit at a table while hearing a mix of Spanish, English, and even Hebrew from people passing by.
The History of HaMakom
HaMakom is part of Grupo Zona K, a restaurant group founded by Leo Katz, a well-known Jewish restaurateur in Bogotá. Katz has developed a collection of dining concepts under the Zona K brand, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. While HaMakom is kosher, others are not, but all are designed with a focus on quality and strong identity.
HaMakom represents Zona K’s commitment to serving the city’s Jewish community as well as international visitors who keep kosher. By placing the restaurant in the heart of Zona T, Katz ensured it would be visible and accessible not only to community members but also to the wider public who want to experience Middle Eastern flavors.
My Meal
For my visit, I ordered a shawarma in pita along with a side of falafel balls. The shawarma was generously portioned, with slices of marinated meat tucked into soft pita bread and topped with tahini sauce. The pita was warm and fresh, sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to tear apart as I ate through it. The meat had the crisp edges and smoky flavor that come from roasting on a vertical spit, and it paired well with the creamy tahini.
The falafel came as six balls arranged around a dish of tahini. Each falafel ball was dark golden brown with a crunchy exterior, while the inside was soft and well-seasoned. The texture suggested that they had been fried to order, giving them a satisfying crispness that didn’t taste heavy or oily. Eating them alongside the shawarma created a complete Middle Eastern meal that felt consistent with what I’ve had in Israel.
I paired the meal with a glass bottle of Coca-Cola, which felt right at home with the food. The presentation was simple: the shawarma served upright in a metal holder, the falafel in a black speckled dish, and the drink with a glass of ice.
The Menu
HaMakom’s menu includes the dishes you would expect from a kosher Middle Eastern restaurant. Shawarma is one of the main attractions, served in pita or laffa bread, or as a plate with sides. There is also schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried chicken cutlet, another staple of Israeli-style kosher restaurants. Grilled meats such as kebabs are also available, as well as side dishes like hummus, tahini, Israeli salad, and fries.
For those looking for lighter meals, the restaurant offers plates built around falafel, salads with grilled chicken, and pita sandwiches with various fillings. The menu also includes soups and daily specials, which change depending on availability and season.
Because it is a kosher restaurant, the menu follows the laws of kashrut, meaning there is no mixing of meat and dairy. Instead, the dishes rely on tahini, hummus, and vegetable-based sauces. Drinks include bottled sodas and fresh juices. Desserts are sometimes available, though the emphasis here is more on the savory side.
Observing the Details
Sitting outside, I noticed how the restaurant integrates with the pedestrian zone. The tables are shaded by umbrellas, and heaters are installed to make outdoor dining comfortable on cooler evenings. The pedestrian street is lined with shops, but HaMakom itself feels slightly tucked into the corner, giving diners the benefit of being close to the bustle without being overwhelmed by it.
The interior space is modest but efficient. From my table, I could see the counter where orders are taken and the kitchen behind it. The décor is minimal, with the emphasis placed more on the food and the atmosphere of being in a public square.
Andino Mall
Since HaMakom is right beside Andino Mall, it helps to know a little about the setting. Andino is a luxury shopping center in Bogotá’s Zona T district, filled with international designer boutiques, Colombian fashion brands, fine dining restaurants, and upscale cafés. The mall attracts both locals and international visitors, and the surrounding streets mirror that atmosphere with high-end shops and stylish storefronts. HaMakom benefits from this location by being accessible to shoppers and travelers looking for a place to sit down for a meal without leaving the pedestrian zone.
A Place in Bogotá’s Food Scene
HaMakom serves a dual role in Bogotá. For the Jewish community, it’s a reliable kosher option that provides familiar Middle Eastern dishes prepared according to tradition. For other locals and visitors, it’s a restaurant that delivers high-quality shawarma and falafel in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
The location is strategic. Zona T, where Andino Mall is located, is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and luxury shopping. Having HaMakom situated right there makes it accessible to international travelers staying at nearby hotels, as well as to locals spending an afternoon shopping or meeting friends.
Although Bogotá is not known for having a large number of kosher restaurants, HaMakom proves that there is demand for this kind of dining experience. The restaurant manages to balance authenticity with the needs of a diverse clientele.
Overall Impression
My visit to HaMakom was more than just a meal—it was a window into how kosher dining adapts and thrives in different parts of the world. The name itself, “HaMakom,” or “The Place,” feels appropriate for a restaurant that functions as both a meeting spot and a taste of home for many who walk through its doors.
Eating shawarma and falafel while sitting on a pedestrian street next to Andino Mall reminded me how globalized food culture has become, yet how specific traditions can still be preserved. For someone traveling through Bogotá who keeps kosher, or even for someone simply looking to enjoy Middle Eastern food in the Colombian capital, HaMakom is worth a visit.
At Carrera 11a # 82-71, just steps from one of the city’s most upscale malls but not part of it, HaMakom occupies its own corner in the urban landscape. The restaurant may not be large, but it delivers what it promises: kosher meat dishes that connect Bogotá with Israel and the Jewish diaspora.
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