Falafel Around the World: How Different Cultures Put Their Spin on This Classic Dish

Falafel is a dish that has transcended borders, becoming a global favorite with countless variations. While its origins lie in the Middle East, different cultures put their spin on this classic dish, adding local flavors, ingredients, and techniques that make each version unique. At Orient Express, we celebrate the global journey of falafel, a dish that unites people across cultures through its simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering flavor. Let’s take a look at how falafel has evolved around the world.

The Traditional Middle Eastern Version

In its most traditional form, falafel is thought to have originated in the Middle East, where it is still a popular street food and home-cooked meal. Typically made from ground chickpeas mixed with herbs like parsley and cilantro, and spiced with cumin, garlic, and coriander, falafel is shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It is often served in pita bread, with tahini, fresh vegetables, and pickles.

In countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, falafel is considered a national dish. Each country offers slight variations, but the core ingredients remain largely the same, keeping the essence of falafel intact. However, as different cultures put their spin on this classic dish, they create exciting and distinct versions of falafel that reflect their own culinary traditions.

Egyptian Ta’ameya: A Twist with Fava Beans

While chickpea falafel is common in many Middle Eastern countries, Egypt takes a different approach with ta’ameya, a variation of falafel made with fava beans. Egyptian falafel has a slightly lighter texture and a more vibrant green color, thanks to the abundance of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro mixed into the dough. This version is popular for breakfast in Egypt, often served with pita bread, salad, and a side of pickled vegetables.

The switch from chickpeas to fava beans shows how different cultures put their spin on this classic dish by using the ingredients that are most abundant locally. This small change gives Egyptian falafel a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other versions around the world.

The Mediterranean Take: Greek Falafel

While falafel is not traditionally Greek, it has made its way into Greek cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. In Greece, falafel is often served in pita or flatbread, but instead of tahini, it’s paired with tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt-based sauce with garlic and cucumber. Greek falafel also tends to incorporate more herbs, such as dill and mint, which add an extra layer of flavor.

This version of falafel perfectly reflects how different cultures put their spin on this classic dish, blending traditional Middle Eastern falafel with Greek flavors to create a fresh, tangy, and light variation.

Falafel in the U.S.: Modern Twists and Fusions

In the United States, falafel has become a go-to option for vegetarians and vegans, particularly in major cities where food trucks and fusion restaurants have embraced the dish. In the U.S., falafel is served in a variety of ways—from salads and wraps to falafel bowls topped with creative ingredients like avocado, roasted vegetables, and spicy sriracha mayo. American falafel is often customizable, with a range of sauces and toppings available to suit different tastes.

This reflects how different cultures put their spin on this classic dish by embracing local ingredients and modern food trends, transforming falafel into a trendy, customizable dish that appeals to a wide range of diners.

India: Spiced-Up Falafel

In India, where bold spices dominate the cuisine, falafel has found its place with an added kick. Indian falafel often includes extra spices like turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, giving the dish a warmer, spicier flavor. It may also be served with chutneys—such as mint or tamarind chutney—adding a new dimension of tangy sweetness to the dish.

This Indian adaptation showcases how different cultures put their spin on this classic dish, infusing it with spices and flavors that align with local culinary traditions, while still keeping the essence of falafel intact.

The Universal Appeal of Falafel

One of the reasons falafel has found its way into so many different cultures is its versatility. Whether it’s served in pita, as a wrap, or as part of a salad, falafel can easily adapt to local tastes while maintaining its core identity. It’s also a perfect fit for vegetarian and vegan diets, which has further boosted its popularity in many parts of the world.

At Orient Express, we celebrate falafel’s global journey by offering a menu that highlights both traditional and modern interpretations of this beloved dish. Our falafel is made fresh daily, using the finest ingredients to ensure that every bite captures the authentic flavors of this timeless classic, while also allowing room for innovative twists.

Conclusion

Falafel may have started as a humble dish in the Middle East, but its journey around the world has transformed it into a global favorite with countless variations. Whether it’s the fava bean falafel of Egypt, the tzatziki-draped falafel of Greece, or the spiced-up version in India, different cultures put their spin on this classic dish in creative ways that keep it exciting and delicious. Visit orientexpress.nz to try our take on falafel, and enjoy how this simple dish connects flavors and cultures from all over the globe.