International Falafel Day: History, Significance and How to Celebrate the Day

International Falafel Day is observed annually on June 12 to celebrate one of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes. International Falafel Day honors the delicious and nutritious dish. Ground chickpeas are used to make falafel, a type of sandwich that is frequently accompanied by pickled vegetables or tahini sauce.

Ground chickpeas and fava beans are used to make the well-known Middle Eastern delicacy falafel. After being combined with flavorful spices, the chickpeas are shaped into patties or balls. These are then served with a salad or dipping sauce after being deep-fried till crispy.

Falafel is a ball or patty made from ground fava beans, chickpeas, or a combination of the two that can be cooked in the oven or deep-fried.

It is a popular street snack in its home region as well as outside, and it is a traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafel’s high protein level makes it a fantastic substitute for meat-based recipes, which is why vegetarians and vegans throughout the world love it.

We celebrate International Falafel Day on June 12, 2025! Why? Because the first falafel stand in Jerusalem was established on this day in 1862 by a Jewish man named Abraham Levitsky. The falafel ball is another invention attributed to Levitsky!

Despite having its origins in the Middle East, falafel is now a popular dish around the world. Originally sold by street vendors, this deep-fried ball (or occasionally patty-shaped) fritter is now served in many restaurants. It is made with fried ground chickpeas and/or broad beans.

Even frozen falafels are available at the local supermarket. Because it contains no animal products, this meal has grown in favor among vegetarians and vegans. The popularity of this dish has even led to the creation of a holiday.

Celebrated on June 12th of each year, this festival is called International Falafel Day. On this special occasion, everyone is welcome to enjoy a date night with friends and family.

Falafel Day History

There is disagreement over where the falafel idea came from. There is no documented proof to support the story that the Coptic Christians consumed a fava bean variety during Lent as early as the 4th century, yet it became well-known in Egypt. Fava beans seem to be the original source of falafel. Chickpeas are unlikely to have entered the picture until later, when the dish had gone further north. Some believe that this supper originated in Pharaonic Egypt, but no one knows for sure.

Falafel is a popular street food in the Middle East. It’s commonly served with a meze, which is a group of small dishes of food. Falafel was initially available in a few Jewish restaurants and towns across North America. In 1970, it acquired popularity among North Americans and quickly ascended to the top of the street food list. Nowadays, falafel is a popular meatless option for vegetarians at many restaurants. In Germany, the falafel gained popularity in the 20th century.

Nowadays, falafel is a popular dish that is served in many countries around the globe. As a meat-free alternative for fast food, falafel has gained popularity among vegetarians and vegans. Health food stores also sell it in packaged mixtures. International Falafel Day was developed in 2012 by Innovation Israel’s co-founder. The best time to enjoy this dish is on International Falafel Day, regardless of where it is said to have originated.

One thing is certain: falafel has been around for a very long time, despite its somewhat hazy background, with numerous Middle Eastern nations claiming to be the ones who invented it.

The majority of historians believe that they came from Egypt, although, as we mentioned, there are a number of nations that contest this. Whatever its origins were, we do know that it spread quickly from the Middle East to Europe over several centuries.

During Ramadan and other religious holidays where dietary restrictions apply, it is frequently served as a vegetarian option. Ben Lang launched International Falafel Day in 2012. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Innovation Israel, he aimed to introduce falafel to others who might not have known about it.

The name of another holiday that Ben Lang developed, International Hummus Day, may also be familiar to those who are familiar with food holidays. It honors another product made from chickpeas and is celebrated on May 13th every year.

What are the Benefits of Eating Falafel?

Ground chickpeas are used to make the Middle Eastern dish falafel. Falafel balls can be filled with a range of ingredients, such as vegetables, spices, and occasionally melted cheese, and are frequently served as an appetizer or main dish.

If consumed in moderation, falafel can be a healthy meal option. They have a lot of vitamins and minerals and a high fiber content. Falafel are also low in fat and cholesterol, which makes them a wonderful option for anyone trying to cut back on unhealthy fats and cholesterol.

Some people think that the popular donut originated from falafel. In the 1940s, falafel was initially prepared as a ball in Egypt, and it soon gained popularity across the Middle East. Falafel may be found in many different countries and is a popular delicacy around the world today.

Eating falafel has many health benefits, and June is International Falafel Day, a celebration of the many delicious ways this meal may be consumed!

Ideas for Celebrating International Falafel Day 2025

Eating falafel for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is the ideal way to celebrate International Falafel Day. You can order takeaway, eat at a nearby falafel restaurant, or prepare it yourself (if you remember to soak the chickpeas the night before). Remember to use the hashtag #falafelday when posting your meal on social media to help spread the word!

International Falafel Day can be celebrated in a variety of ways. On this day, you can do the following activities and invite others to join you:

Share Post on Social Media

Posting about International Falafel Day on social media is one of the greatest ways to celebrate it. You can either visit a restaurant and upload a photo to your profile, or you can prepare falafel at home. Try the food and invite others to join in the celebration.

Make Falafels

Making falafels at home is another fun way to commemorate the day. This is the finest approach to observe the day if you have the time and wish to eat the food. Look through the various recipes on the internet and prepare one for yourself.

Encourage Others

Encourage your loved ones to try falafels. On this day, take them to a restaurant and discuss the various health advantages of eating this cuisine. This vegan cuisine can be enjoyed by anyone. And if they don’t want to go outside, you can cook them falafels.