Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter of Middle Eastern origin, traditionally made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of both, mixed with herbs and spices before frying
. It is a popular street food throughout the Middle East, especially in countries like Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, where it is often served hot inside flatbreads such as pita or laffa, accompanied by salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and tahini-based sauces
. The texture of falafel is typically crispy on the outside and tender inside, with an earthy, herbaceous flavor profile due to ingredients like parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, and sometimes green chili peppers
. In Egypt, falafel is usually made with fava beans, while in Israel and much of the Levant, chickpeas are more commonly used
. The dish can be eaten alone as a snack, part of a meze platter, or as a sandwich filling. Falafel is also popular among vegetarians and vegans worldwide as a protein-rich meat substitute
. It has historical roots possibly dating back to Pharaonic Egypt, but the earliest written references are from the 19th century
. In summary, falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern fried fritter made from legumes and spices, enjoyed as a versatile and widely loved street food and vegetarian dish
