Falafel Belgrade

Falafel

At the heart of Belgrade's modern gastronomic offer, falafel stood out as the undisputed favorite of lovers of healthy and fast food. Rich in vegetable proteins and fibers, it has become a symbol of modern nutrition that combines ancient recipes with the needs of modern man.

If you haven't tried falafel yet and would like to or if you are already a real fan of this dish, on this page you can find a list of Lebanese restaurants and falafel bars in Belgrade.

What is falafel?

Falafel are fried balls (or meatballs) traditionally made from ground chickpeas, broad beans or a combination of both. The key to the authentic taste lies in the rich mixture of fresh spices: parsley, coriander and garlic, with the addition of oriental spices such as cumin. The mixture is prepared from raw chickpeas that have been pre-soaked, not cooked, which gives falafel its characteristic granular structure. After being shaped, the balls are deep fried in oil until golden brown. Today, they are most often served in pita bread with lots of fresh salads and the inevitable tahini sauce.

Is falafel always lean and vegan?

One of the biggest advantages of falafel is that it is completely vegan by nature. The basic ingredients - chickpeas and spices - are exclusively of plant origin, which makes it an ideal choice during fasting or for people on a vegan diet. However, when ordering in restaurants, you should pay attention to side dishes. While the falafel itself is vegan, the yogurt or sour cream sauces are not. True gourmets know that the best companion for falafel is tahini sauce (made from sesame), which is also vegan and perfectly complements the nutty taste of chickpeas.

What is the difference between falafel and hummus?

Although both specialties are made from the same base: chickpeas. The difference in preparation and texture is huge. Hummus is a silky, creamy spread made from cooked chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil and lemon. On the other hand, falafel is made from raw, ground chickpeas and is thermally processed by frying. Hummus is most often used as a base or spread, while falafel is the main "protein" part of the meal. In Belgrade falafel bars, these two dishes are most often served together, because their textures and flavors complement each other perfectly.