Falafel Near Me in Orlando City: A Guide to the Best Falafel Spots in Town

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. Made with ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is a healthy and delicious vegetarian option that has become a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. If you're in Orlando and craving some falafel, you're in luck! In this article, we'll explore the best falafel spots in town, where you can find this delicious food near you.

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What is Falafel?
History of Falafel
Why Orlando is a Great Place for Falafel
Best Falafel Spots in Orlando
- Falafel Cafe
- The Pita Pit
- Hubbly Bubbly Falafel Shop
- Mediterranean Blue
- King's Gyro
- Sahara Mediterranean Grill
- Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
- Maraya at Sabrina's
Tips for Finding Great Falafel
Conclusion
FAQs

1. What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices such as coriander, cumin, and garlic. It is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served in pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Falafel is a delicious and healthy vegetarian option that is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins.

2. History of Falafel

Falafel has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was originally made with fava beans. The dish spread throughout the Middle East, and its popularity grew in the 20th century with the rise of street food culture. Today, falafel is enjoyed around the world and has become a symbol of Middle Eastern cuisine.

3. Why Orlando is a Great Place for Falafel

Orlando is a multicultural city that offers a wide range of culinary options, including some of the best falafel in the state. Many of the city's top falafel spots are located in the downtown area, making them easily accessible to visitors and locals alike. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, there's sure to be a falafel spot in Orlando that meets your needs.

4. Best Falafel Spots in Orlando

Certainly, here are some of the best falafel spots in Orlando:

Falafel Cafe - Located in downtown Orlando, Falafel Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious falafel for over two decades. Their falafel is made fresh daily and their menu features a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
The Pita Pit - A popular chain restaurant, The Pita Pit specializes in made-to-order pitas. Their falafel pita is a customer favorite and comes with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce. They also offer a variety of toppings and sauces, so you can customize your pita to your liking.
Hubbly Bubbly Falafel Shop - A fast-casual restaurant, Hubbly Bubbly offers a modern take on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Their falafel is made with a blend of chickpeas and fava beans and they offer a variety of toppings and sauces, including hummus, tzatziki, and harissa.
Mediterranean Blue - Located in Winter Park, Mediterranean Blue is a casual restaurant that serves up authentic Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Their falafel is made with chickpeas and herbs, and is served with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.
King's Gyro - A family-owned restaurant, King's Gyro has been serving up delicious Mediterranean cuisine in Orlando for over 20 years. Their falafel is made with chickpeas and is served in a pita with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Sahara Mediterranean Grill - Located in the Dr. Phillips area, Sahara Mediterranean Grill offers a wide range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, including delicious falafel. Their falafel is made with chickpeas and herbs and is served with hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - With three locations in Orlando, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine offers authentic Turkish cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their falafel is made with chickpeas and is served with hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Maraya at Sabrina's - Located in the historic Thornton Park neighborhood, Maraya at Sabrina's is a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes, including their famous falafel. Their falafel is made with chickpeas and fava beans, and is served with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.

These are just a few of the many great falafel spots in Orlando. Whether you're in the mood for traditional falafel or a modern twist on this classic dish, there's sure to be a restaurant in Orlando that meets your needs.

5. Tips for Finding Great Falafel

Understanding the ingredients of falafel

Before you start looking for great falafel, it's essential to understand the ingredients that go into making it. The primary ingredients of falafel are chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Some recipes also include onions, garlic, or parsley. The falafel mixture is then shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried in oil. The cooking process is what creates the crispy exterior and the fluffy interior.

Look for freshly made falafel

The freshness of falafel is critical to its taste and texture. Look for a restaurant that makes falafel fresh to order. This means that the falafel should not be pre-made and kept warm under a heat lamp. When falafel sits out for too long, it becomes dry and loses its flavor.

Pay attention to the texture

Texture is a crucial factor in finding great falafel. A good falafel should have a crispy exterior and a moist and fluffy interior. When you bite into a falafel, it should have a crunch on the outside, and the inside should be tender and slightly moist.

Seek out local recommendations

If you're traveling to a new city or country, ask locals where they go for falafel. They will likely have tried multiple places and can recommend the best ones. You can also search online for local food blogs or review websites to find the best falafel in the area.

Try different types of falafel

There are many variations of falafel, depending on the country and region. Some falafel is made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. Others are made with a mixture of chickpeas and fava beans. Try different types of falafel to see which one you prefer.

Look for a restaurant with a good reputation

A restaurant's reputation is an excellent indicator of the quality of their falafel. Look for a restaurant that has been around for a while and has a loyal customer base. A good reputation means that they are likely using high-quality ingredients and making their falafel fresh to order.

Check online reviews

Before visiting a restaurant, check online reviews to see what other people are saying about their falafel. Look for reviews that specifically mention the texture, flavor, and freshness of the falafel. If a restaurant has consistently good reviews, it's a good sign that they make great falafel.

Consider the condiments

The condiments that come with falafel can make a big difference in its taste. Look for a restaurant that offers a variety of condiments,

6. Conclusion

Falafel is a popular and delicious vegetarian food that can be found in many countries around the world. To find great falafel, it's important to consider the ingredients, texture, and freshness. Look for a restaurant that makes falafel fresh to order and pay attention to the texture - a good falafel should be crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Seek out local recommendations and try different types of falafel to find the one that you like the most.

When searching for great falafel, consider the reputation of the restaurant, check online reviews, and ask about the cooking oil and condiments. Don't be afraid to ask questions and trust your taste buds. With these tips, you're sure to find great falafel wherever you go.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is falafel? Falafel is a vegetarian dish made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices, shaped into balls or patties, and then deep-fried.
What are the primary ingredients of falafel? The primary ingredients of falafel are chickpeas, herbs, and spices.
What should I look for in great falafel? Great falafel should be freshly made, have a crispy exterior and a moist and fluffy interior, and come from a restaurant with a good reputation.
How do I find the best falafel in a new city? Ask locals for recommendations or search online for food blogs or review websites.
What condiments go well with falafel? Common condiments for falafel include tahini sauce, hummus, pickled vegetables, and hot sauce.