People navigate the world differently—some chase new experiences, while others find comfort in familiar things.  In the Middle East, falafel blends tradition and availability, offering a delicious, affordable meal.  Made from chickpeas or fava beans, it connects people across the region and is a cultural staple. For example, if you have walked the streets of the Middle East and seen a vendor using a special scoop, you have likely seen falafel. Vendors often use a falafel maker scoop to serve perfectly shaped balls  Also, if you go to many Middle Eastern restaurants, you usually can find it on the menu. Many also make it at home. This is our Classic Falafel Recipe. 

Wherever you go in the Middle East, in a quiet town, village, or city a falafel stand is never far away. This food is part of daily life. Indeed, most—from busy professionals and families to those seeking a quick, affordable meal—enjoys it.  This dish transcends social and economic boundaries. It’s a beloved staple that connects people to their roots and each other.

What is Falafel?

I don’t remember my first bite of falafel, but I’ve always enjoyed it.  My family has always made the falafel recipe and we also eat it outside. Falafel is a warm, crispy patty-shaped, or almost ball-shaped dish made with chickpeas and fava beans (also called broad beans) as its main ingredients and herbs.  Chefs sometimes make it with just chickpeas and usually fry it in a falafel fryer or deep fryer, often using a falafel maker scoop Some bake it for a healthier version and even air fry it for a lighter version.  However, most people will tell you the fried version is a lot better unless you use the baked version in a sandwich it can be quite good.

Picture of a Chef frying:

Falafel chef frying chickpea and fava bean falafel in hot oil, showcasing a popular Middle Eastern dish and its preparation process.

© Mikhail Varushichev | Dreamstime.com

How Falafel Is Usually Served

  • In a pita bread (or Arabic bread as it’s called in the Arab world). This is the most common way to serve it. The bread is stuffed with falafel balls and topped with tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and optionally hot sauce. Some shops have made their own secret sauces as well. Drizzle tahini sauce, a creamy paste made from sesame seeds, over the sandwich. You can also enjoy this sandwich on flatbread.
  • It’s also part of a mezze tray.  Most Middle Eastern restaurants in the Arab world serve these appetizers. People often enjoy falafel as part of a larger meal with other appetizers like hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Mutabbal, Fattoush, tabbouleh, and more.

The History and How It Spread

Falafel is a popular street food in the Middle East. It varies slightly by country but generally uses the same main ingredients: chickpeas and fava beans.  

In Egypt, also called Ta’ameya, it is usually made with fava beans.  In Palestine, people make falafel with chickpeas and in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, they use chickpeas, fava beans, or a mix of both.  However, many shops in these countries sometimes use chickpeas only. 

The falafel recipe sometimes varies but it’s always centered around chickpeas and fava beans.  The one thing they have in common is they all use a falafel maker scoop which is important for any shop. My family also uses different recipes, sometimes with just chickpeas and sometimes combining both.  

Chef with a falafel maker scoop:

Falafel maker scoop used for shaping and frying falafel balls.

Most historian believe falafel started in Egypt.  In fact, they believe that it spread from Alexandria, a major port city in Egypt, to other Middle Eastern countries.With trade and travel,  it spread with them.  In the Levant, including Lebanon and Syria, people started making falafel with chickpeas instead of fava beans. This version became popular and spread to other areas.

  • Worldwide Popularity: Over time, falafel made its way to Europe and North America. In particular, in Europe, Turkish immigrants brought it to Germany in the early 1970s. In North America, it started showing up in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants and eventually became a popular street food. At first, I remember I would only see it in Middle Eastern restaurants in the US, then later on I just saw it more wide spread. Now it is common for people in that region to know what it is. Food trucks and casual dining restaurants generally serve it.
  • Vegetarians and Vegans Worldwide: Falafel is also a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans because of its plant-based ingredients. It mainly uses chickpeas or fava beans. It is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for those following a vegetarian diet. Falafel is quite filling when it is in a sandwich.
  • During Lent for Arab Christians: Falafel is also a popular food among Arab Christians during Lent. Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence from meat for many Christians. 

Nutritional Benefits of Falafel

Falafel is nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a healthier choice compared to many fast foods, providing benefits like improved digestion and heart health.

Around the World

Hashem Restaurant: A Timeless Taste of Jordanian Tradition

One of the oldest restaurants to serve falafel is Hashem’s Restaurant in downtown Amman. It is a must for most tourists. The restaurant has been serving authentic local dishes for over 50 years. It offers a genuine taste of Jordan’s culinary heritage. Hashem is famous for its affordable, vegetarian menu with falafel and other local dishes. The restaurant has a humble appearance and a welcoming atmosphere. You will see locals and tourists there.  Hashem is well-known even outside of Amman. The combination of quality, affordability, and its long-standing history has made Hashem a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to experience the true flavors of Jordan.

Making Waves Across North America

Farik Ashkar is a Palestinian American entrepreneur who started Falafel Inc. He has a unique mission to combine good food with a commitment to social impact. Ashkar wanted to sell delicious food, but he also wanted to use his business to make a difference globally. His plan is simple. For every sandwich sold, Falafel Inc. gives a meal to refugees and people in need through the World Food Program.  Additionally, the company provides job training and employment opportunities for refugees. Ashkar wants to help them learn new skills and join their new communities.

Falafel Inc. has expanded its operations, opening several locations in the U.S. and internationally. Ashkar’s company not only serves tasty falafel but also helps people in need, showing that a business can do good and be successful.

See below an interview on the company by AJ+:

Conclusion

Falafel has a rich history and anybody can enjoy it whether its a falafel recipes with chickpeas, or a mix of chickpeas and fava beans or a mix of both. It’s affordable and brings people from all classes of society together.  Whether prepared at home or enjoyed from a vendor using a falafel maker scoop, this classic dish brings people together with its delicious, crispy goodness.  Check out our detailed falafel recipe here.

 

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