Revealing the best falafel around the world: Falafel Festival Guide

For lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into delicious falafel that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both, these fried balls or fritters have become a beloved street food and a staple in the diet of countless individuals around the world. Fortunately, for those looking to explore the best falafel the world has to offer, there are many places known for serving this delicious dish at its best.

What makes falafel great?

Before diving into the locations of the world’s best falafel, it’s important to understand what makes falafel truly exceptional. The ideal falafel has the following characteristics:

Crunchy exterior

Soft, delicious interior

Well seasoned with a harmonious blend of spices

Moist but not oily

Fresh and high quality ingredients

Destinations that falafel lovers must visit

Whether you’re a die-hard falafel fan or just someone who appreciates good food, exploring the following destinations will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for this delicious dish.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Known as the home of falafel, Tel Aviv is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the best falafel the world has to offer. In this bustling city, you’ll find countless street food stalls and restaurants serving freshly fried and perfectly seasoned falafel. One standout establishment is HaKosem, which is known for its crispy-on-the-outside, soft-inside falafel that is often described as unparalleled.

Cairo Egypt

When it comes to falafel, Cairo is a city that cannot be ignored. One of the most popular falafel places in Cairo and famous for its wide choice of fillings and fresh and perfectly seasoned falafel patties. There are thousands of food stalls and restaurants to choose from, but Felfela is a standout place that consistently delivers an exceptional culinary experience to its customers.

New York City, United States

Thanks to its melting pot of cultures, New York City offers an incredibly diverse array of culinary experiences, including falafel. The city is home to several falafel restaurants, the most famous of which are Tim Falafel and Smoothie Bar. Tim offers a range of innovative falafel flavours, such as harissa and classic red and green peppers, all made with the perfect balance of texture and flavour.

Berlin Germany

Berlin’s multicultural makeup has given rise to a vibrant street food scene, and falafel is no exception. The city boasts many places serving falafel, the most prominent of which is Mustafa Jamous Kebab Restaurant. Although it may be famous for its kebabs, Mustafa also serves some of the best falafel in town, which features a unique blend of spices and secret sauce that sets it apart from the competition.

Best practices for making your own falafel

While visiting the best falafel destinations around the world can be an amazing experience, nothing beats enjoying a batch of fresh falafel in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking to make falafel yourself, here are some tips to make sure your culinary creativity is nothing short of exceptional:

Use high quality ingredients

Start with fresh, high-quality chickpeas, fava beans, or both, and use a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, and parsley, to give your falafel a robust flavor.

Make sure the texture is correct

Successfully achieving the perfect falafel texture requires soaking your beans in water and then gently blending them in a food processor until the mixture is smooth and elastic. Adding a little baking soda can also help ensure a light and fluffy interior.

Master the frying process

When frying falafel, be sure to use a high-quality cooking oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil, and make sure it is at the right temperature before adding the falafel to the fryer. Frying at a constant temperature ensures a crispy exterior and a moist interior.

Concluding thoughts

Exploring the best falafel destinations around the world is an adventure that offers not only the opportunity to sample an amazing array of flavors and textures, but also the opportunity to learn more about the cultures that have perfected this timeless dish. Whether you find yourself in the Middle East, the US or Europe, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience the magic of falafel at its best. So, pack your bags, embark on a culinary journey, and get ready to discover the best falafel the world has to offer.