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

Average Costs: Dh90

Zaroob: Zaroob, which literally translates to “small alley”, is a restaurant inspired by the traditional street food of the Levant region. Remaining true to its origins, this restaurant captures the theatrics from the history of Arab street food, to present to its modern audience. In addition to an extensive menu of the traditional Levant cuisine, this place has a number of different options to try the famous Falafel.

Locations: Dubai Marina, Uptown Mirdif, Sheikh Zayed Road

Average Costs: Dh155

Karam Beirut: Looking to grab a bite in the middle of your shopping-spree? Head over to Karam Beirut for a quick Falafel snack, the next time you’re strolling around Dubai Mall. From Falafel platters to the classic wrap, you can enjoy a wide variety of Arabic street food at this quick-service Lebanese restaurant.

Locations: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Mirdif City Centre

Average Costs: Dh200

The Hummus House: As you can guess from the name, this place serves every variety of hummus you can think of. Paired with the goodness of hummus, these golden-brown fritters can be enjoyed on a whole new level. While you can always select the classic Falafel sandwich, The Hummus House has a variety of options, including stuffed Falafel and Falafel served with cheese. A combination that cannot be missed!

Locations: Jumeirah Lake Towers

Average Costs: Dh85