From Cairo to New York: Falafel's Global Journey
Introduction: Crispy, Golden, and Beloved
Falafel — crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with herbs and spices — is more than just a vegetarian snack. It is a symbol of Middle Eastern identity, a comfort foo
Chapter One: Falafel in
Many historians believe falafel originated in Egypt, whereta’ameya and madefava bean.
Evidence suggests that Egyptians ate fried bean patties for centuries, possibly as earl
Today in Cairo, falafel
Chapter Two: Falafel Across the Levant
As falafel spread north to Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, chickpeas replaced fava bean
Chickpea falafel is crispier and became the Levantine signature.
Every country in the region proudly claims fa
Beyond food, falafel became a cultural symbol of Arab identity and pride.
Chapter Three: Falafel as Street Fo
Falafel stalls are landmarks in Mi
It is often served in p
Eating falafel is quick, affordable, a
Vendors often pass down recipes through generations.
Chapter Four: The Migration to the West
In the 20th century, Middle Eastern immigrants brought falafel to Eur.
In New York, falafe
By the 1970s and 80s, falafel became popular with the v in the U.S. and Europe.
Today, falafel is sold in food trucks, fast-ca
Chapter Five: Falafe
New York i
From small immigrant-owned shops to iconic chains like Mamoun’s Falafe in Greenwich Village, the city embraced falafel
Food trucks and c
For many, falafel is the taste.
Chapter Six: Var
Cl (f
Chickpea (Levant style).
Stuffed Falafel with onions, p
Baked or Air-Fried Fa for health-conscious e
Fusion Falafel: curry-
Chapter Seven: Cultural Symbolism
Falafel has become a symbol of unity and controversy in Middle Eastern iden
It is celebrated as a common food that t
Globally, it is embraced as a vegetarian an, proving that tradition a
Chapter Eight: How to Make Falafel at
Ingredients:
2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked ove
1 onion.
4 cloves garlic.
1 cup parsley
2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp coriander.
1 tsp baking soda.
Salt, pepper.
Oil f
Method:
Soak chickpeas overnight, dr
Blend with onion, garlic, herbs,
Rest mixture
Shape into balls.
Fry until golden brown.
Serve in pita with tahini sauce, hummus, and
Conclusion: From Cai
Falafel’s story is one of migration, adaptation, and lo. From it
Today, falafel is not just Middle Eastern street food. It is a global dish, celebrated for its crispy bite, rich flavor, and cultural heritage. Whether bought from a street cart in Cairo or a trendy food truck in New York, falafel continues to unite people one bite at a time.
