The best places to get Falafel in the UAE

When you think Arabic food, you think Falafel. This staple Middle Eastern dish is not only savoured locally but has also become a representation of Arabic street food, globally. The crispy, golden-brown fritters, made out of ground chickpeas, flava beans, herbs and spices can be deep-fried or oven-baked and are usually topped with fresh pickles, salad, hot sauce, tahini-dressing and a side of Arabic flatbread. Yes, it tastes just as heavenly as it sounds! Here are our recommendations of the best go-to spots in town, to get a taste of the best Falafel feasts:

Manoushe Street: Staying true to its Arabic tradition and heritage, Manoushe Street is one of the most popular restaurants, known for its Shawarma and Falafel wraps. The Lebanese restaurant takes pride in using ‘nature’s best ingredients’, keeping their recipes simple and true to the authentic household Middle Eastern cuisine. Very reasonably priced, the menu here is filled with value-for-money meals, including the famous Baked Green Falafel as well as some vegan-friendly options.

Locations: Barsha Heights, Al Rigga, Al Ghurair

Average Costs: Dh105

Operation Falafel: The name says it all. And might we add, a very successful operation, too! This is a local favourite for all the Falafel lovers in town. Bringing ‘The original ‘Street Food’ experience’, Operation Falafel serves a variety of these delicious fritters, through customised wraps and stuffed Falafel options. This Dubai-born chain is the perfect spot for you if you want to try the traditional Arabian taste blended with the culinary trends of the twenty-first century.

Locations: JBR, Downtown Dubai

Average Costs: Dh130

Reem Al Bawadi: Set in a traditional Arabic style, this restaurant is the whole package, if you’re on the lookout for an authentic Middle Eastern experience. Located in Al Safa, Jumeirah 3, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Al Muteena, chances are that you’ve come across this restaurant already. Along with its hearty Falafel plate, that comes with 10 patties, the place has a large variety of traditional Arabic dishes to choose from.

Locations: Al Safa, Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Al Muteena

Average Costs: Dh210

Kcal: This one’s a delight for all the foodies out there, who also happen to be fitness-enthusiasts. Albeit a tough combination to cater to, Kcal seems to have figured it all out. The meals are not only delicious and authentic, but also extremely nutritious. Its homemade calorie-counted, baked falafel wraps, packed with fresh lettuce, chopped cucumber, onion, tomato and creamy yoghurt-tahini dressing, come in a whole-wheat tortilla, making it a healthy yet enjoyable meal. Cheat days no longer have to come in with a whole lot of guilt!

Locations: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Bay Avenue, Barsha Business Square

Average Costs: Dh190

@Falafel: Think of any way possible, to serve this zesty chickpea delicacy, and @Falafel have got you covered. Be it their chef’s special Falafel salad, Falafel bites, a variety of different sandwiches or even Falafel rolls, you will never run out of new and creative ways to enjoy the good-old Falafel, at this food joint.

Locations: Jumeirah Beach Residence