What is the Difference Between Falafel and Shawarma

Falafel and Shawarma are two mouth-watering street foods in Middle Eastern cuisine. Although they originated in the Middle Eastern region, they are now popular throughout the world. However, there are many differences between falafel and Shawarma.

The key difference between falafel and Shawarma is their ingredients. Falafel is a vegetarian dish made from chickpeas, whereas Shawarma is made from marinated meat, such as chicken, lamb, and beef.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Falafel  
3. What is Shawarma
4. Similarities – Falafel and Shawarma
5. Falafel vs Shawarma in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Falafel vs Shawarma
7. FAQ – Falafel and Shawarma

What is Falafel?

Falafel are deep-fried patties or balls made from chickpeas. It’s a popular Middle Eastern street food popular in countries like Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. Sometimes, falafel can be made with fava beans or a mixture of fava and chickpeas. It also contains fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill, as well as spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. Many falafel recipes also call for onions, garlic, shallots, and baking soda. Baking soda helps to keep the mixture from becoming too dense and makes sure the interior is tender. Once all these ingredients are mixed and formed in balls or patties, they are deep-fried. Some people use baking instead of deep frying for health reasons, but frying gives a crispy texture.

Falafel is a vegan or vegetarian dish. It is usually served in pita sandwiches with hot sauce, pickles, tahini, and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. It may also be paired with hummus, tabbouleh, and grape leaves or served with salad. Since the main ingredient in this dish is chickpeas, it’s high in plant-based protein and fiber. It also contains B-vitamins and iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. However, deep-frying increases the fat and calorie content.

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is another popular Middle Eastern dish and street food. Unlike falafel, Shawarma is made from marinated meat, such as chicken, lamb, and beef. Various seasonings and spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric are used for marinating.  Shawarma is prepared by layering thinly sliced meat onto a large rotating skewer or cone. Sometimes, extra fat from the meat is added to make it juicy. The shawarma stack rotates slowly for hours in front of a continuous heat source, roasting the outer layer to perfection.

Shawarma meat is served stuffed in wraps, pita, or sandwiches. It is paired with vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and turnips, as well as sauces like garlic, hummus, and tahini. Shawarma first appeared in Turkey in the 19th century as a doner kebab. It later influenced the popular Greek dish gyro, typically made with lamb or beef. Shawarma gained popularity in the Western world when Lebanese immigrants brought it to Mexico.

Similarities Between Falafel and Shawarma

1. Falafel and Shawarma are two popular street foods in Middle Eastern cuisine.
2. Both are usually served as a part of a sandwich.
3. Both can be served with similar food – vegetables, tahini, hummus, etc.
4. They use various spices and herbs for flavoring.

Difference Between Falafel and Shawarma

Definition

1. Falafel are deep-fried patties or balls made from chickpeas.
2. Shawarma is a food made from marinated meat, such as chicken, lamb, and beef.

Ingredients and Preparation

1. Falafel has ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and deep-fried.
2. Shawarma is made from thinly sliced meat (often lamb, beef, or chicken) that is marinated with spices, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slowly roasted. It is typically served wrapped in flatbread or pita.

Vegetarian

1. Falafel is a vegetarian dish.
2. Shawarma is not for vegetarians.

The following table summarizes the difference between falafel and Shawarma.

Summary – Falafel vs Shawarma

Falafel and Shawarma are two popular street food in Middle Eastern cuisine. However, there is a distinct difference between falafel and Shawarma. Shawarma is made from thinly sliced meat, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slowly roasted. Falafel, on the other hand is a vegetarian dish made from chickpeas.

FAQ: Falafel and Shawarma

1. Is Shawarma the same as falafel?

• No, Shawarma and falafel are not the same. Falafel has ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with spices and herbs, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried. On the other hand, Shawarma is made from thinly sliced meat that is marinated with spices, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slowly roasted.

2. What is healthier, falafel or Shawarma?

• Since falafel is made from chickpeas or fava beans, it is high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. But it is often deep-fried, which increases its calorie and fat content.

3. What’s the difference between a falafel and a kebab?

• Falafel is typically vegetarian, while kebabs are primarily meat-based. Falafel is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Kebab, such as the doner kebab or shish kebab, has skewered and grilled or roasted meat, often seasoned and served with vegetables.

4. Why is it called falafel?

• The name “falafel” is believed to have originated from the Arabic word “falāfil”, which is the plural of “filfil”, meaning “pepper.” This likely refers to the traditional use of ground black pepper in falafel recipes.

Reference:

1. “What is Falafel?” Food Network.

2. “Everything You Need to Know About Shawarma.” Basha’s Shawarma.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Falafel and Tahini Sauce” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Man Coking Shawarma” (CC0) via Pexels

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