Falafel

Lore & Background

The origin of falafel is uncertain, but the dish most likely originated in Egypt. It has been speculated that its history may go back to Pharaonic Egypt, though the earliest written references from Egyptian sources date to the 19th century. Another theory suggests it was created when British soldiers from India, craving Indian cuisine, began making replacements in Egypt, but no conclusive evidence exists. As Alexandria is a port city, the dish and its name were exported to other areas in the Middle East.

Reader's Guide

Falafel has taken on a politicized role in various Middle Eastern countries, with arguments over its geographic origin and accusations of cultural appropriation. The chickpea version has been adopted into Israeli cuisine, where it features prominently and is widely recognized as a national dish. This gastronationalism is most notable in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, where both sides have claimed ownership of the dish. Falafel's spread was aided by its low cost, ease of storage and production, convenience, and versatility. It became popular among vegetarians and vegans as an alternative to meat-based street foods, and its use has expanded as a meat substitute in various recipes. In North America, before the 1970s, falafel was found only in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish neighborhoods, but by the 1990s it had become a common street food in many cities. The dish remains a staple during Ramadan and in Coptic and Arab Christian diets.

Did You Know?

• In Egypt and Sudan, falafel is known as ṭaʿmiyya, derived from the Arabic word for 'food'.
• The pita falafel sandwich became popular in Israel after the 1950s, influenced by broader Mizrahi and Arab culinary traditions.
• McDonald's for a time served a 'McFalafel' in its breakfast menu in Egypt.