Falafel are small fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, onion, garlic and spices. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and naturally vegan. In Lebanon they are one of the most loved street foods, eaten in a wrap, on a mezze table or straight from the paper bag.
What is falafel made of?
The base is soaked, uncooked chickpeas, ground with herbs such as parsley and coriander, plus onion, garlic and warm spices like cumin. Some recipes in the region also use fava beans. The mix is shaped and fried until golden, which is what gives falafel its crunch.
Because it is made from pulses, herbs and vegetables, falafel contains no meat, eggs or dairy. That makes it one of the easiest dishes in the world to share with vegans, vegetarians and everyone else at the same table.
How is falafel eaten in Lebanon?
- In a wrap, rolled in thin flatbread with tahini sauce, pickles, tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- On a mezze table, next to hummus, moutabal and tabbouli, to share.
- On top of hummus, warm falafel over a plate of creamy chickpea purée.
Falafel at Falafoliva
Our falafel comes from a family recipe passed down through generations. You can try it three ways on the truck:
- Famous falafel wrap, €8: falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, mint leaves, pickles and tahini sauce.
- Hummus & falafel, €10: chickpea purée with tahini, lemon and olive oil, topped with falafel.
- Or as part of a mezze spread with friends. See our guide to ordering Lebanese mezze.
Everything on our menu is 100% vegan, from the falafel to the dips and sauces. Find the truck Wednesday to Sunday from 17:00 to midnight at R. Fábrica de Material de Guerra 1, Lisbon, or order delivery through Uber Eats, Bolt Food and Glovo.
