Ever had a falafel so perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside that it made your taste buds sing, leaving you craving more of that delightful chickpea fritter? Well, in the United Arab Emirates, with its vibrant culinary scene and rich Middle Eastern heritage, embarking on a falafel tasting tour is not just possible, it’s an absolute must for any foodie explorer.
The Ubiquity and Diversity of Falafel in the UAE
Falafel, a beloved staple across the Middle East, holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of UAE residents and visitors. While its origins are debated between various Levantine and Egyptian traditions, its presence in the Emirates is undeniable and celebrated. You’ll find falafel everywhere, from humble street-side stalls to upscale Lebanese and Syrian restaurants. The beauty of falafel in the UAE lies in its diversity: you can encounter the classic chickpea-based falafel, a greener version often infused with more herbs like parsley and cilantro, or even the Egyptian “ta’ameya” made primarily from fava beans, offering a distinct flavor and texture. This widespread availability means you’re never far from a delicious falafel experience.
Old Dubai: The Epicenter of Falafel Tasting Tours
When it comes to falafel tasting tours, Old Dubai, particularly the historic districts of Bur Dubai and Deira, is the undisputed champion. These areas are the culinary soul of the city, brimming with authentic eateries that have perfected the art of falafel over decades.
- Frying Pan Adventures: This company is a pioneer in Dubai’s food tour scene and comes highly recommended by locals. Their “Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage” tour in Deira is specifically designed to take you to hidden gems, including legendary falafel spots. We are talking about places that are off the typical tourist radar, serving falafels with unique Gaza-inspired stuffing or the beloved green falafels. This tour often includes a DIY falafel sandwich-making experience, adding a fun, hands-on element to your tasting journey. Their guides are deeply passionate locals who share not just food, but also stories and cultural insights.
- Other Walking & Tasting Tours: Several other tour operators, such as those listed on platforms like ByFood and Viator, offer “Old Dubai Walking & Tasting Tours” or “Street Food Tours of Dubai.” These generally include falafel as a key tasting stop alongside other Middle Eastern and South Asian street food delights like shawarma, Arabic coffee, and various sweets. Look for tours that specifically mention exploring Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya) and the surrounding souks (Spice Souk, Gold Souk), as these are often the starting points for such culinary adventures.
Iconic Falafel Spots for Independent Exploration in Dubai
If a guided tour isn’t your preference, you can easily craft your own falafel tasting adventure by visiting some of Dubai’s most renowned falafel establishments.
- Operation Falafel: With multiple locations across Dubai, including Downtown Dubai and JBR, Operation Falafel offers a modern, vibrant take on traditional Middle Eastern street food. Their falafels are celebrated for being crispy, golden, and flavorful, offering a consistent and delicious experience. They’ve revolutionized presentation while keeping authentic flavors.
- Aroos Damascus: A popular spot in Deira, Aroos Damascus is known for authentic Arabic cuisine. Their falafel offerings, including the falafel sandwich with hummus, are praised for their rich taste and freshness, making it a must-visit for a traditional experience.
- Al Mallah: Located in Satwa, Al Mallah is a classic for street food, and their chickpea fritters are famous for being dunked in sesame seeds after frying, giving them a distinctive nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Arabian Tea House: Found in the charming Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Arabian Tea House provides an authentic setting. They are particularly famous for their unique green falafel, a delightful twist on the traditional dish that has garnered a strong following.
- Sultan Dubai Falafel: This spot is well-regarded for its traditional Jordanian and Middle Eastern cuisine, with its falafel often cited as one of the best in Dubai due to its golden crunch and rich, spiced filling.
- Zaroob: With a vibrant, street-market setting, Zaroob on Sheikh Zayed Road offers a modern take on Levantine street food. Their falafel is highly popular and they often feature live cooking stations.
- Falafel Frayha: Operating since 1983, Falafel Frayha is one of the oldest and most trusted falafel spots in the UAE, with locations in Al Barsha and Dubai Silicon Oasis. They are loved for their freshly made falafel in various flavorful options.

Falafel Experiences in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene, while perhaps less focused on dedicated “falafel tours” than Dubai, certainly offers ample opportunities for a fantastic falafel tasting.
- Street Food Exploration: Head to the bustling areas around Mina Zayed or some of the older, more traditional neighborhoods. Many local eateries and small cafeterias specialize in Middle Eastern street food, and their falafel is often made fresh to order.
- Lebanese and Syrian Restaurants: Many high-quality Lebanese and Syrian restaurants across Abu Dhabi, such as those found on Khalidiyah Street or in more established areas, will serve excellent falafel as part of their mezze platters or as stand-alone sandwiches. Look for places popular with local residents for the most authentic experience.
- Food Tours in Abu Dhabi: While less common than in Dubai, some general “Abu Dhabi Street Food Tours” or “Culinary Kickstart Tours” may include falafel as a tasting item. Check tour operators like Frying Pan Adventures (who have recently launched an “Abu Dhabi Public Art and Street Food Tour”) or other local tour providers for their itineraries. These tours often highlight the city’s diverse culinary influences and might offer insights into falafel-making traditions.
The Falafel Experience in Sharjah
Sharjah, the cultural capital, also offers a more subdued but equally authentic falafel experience. Its focus on heritage means you’ll find traditional eateries that have stood the test of time.
- Al Majaz Waterfront Area: While a modern development, the areas surrounding Al Majaz Waterfront often have established eateries serving traditional fare, including falafel.
- Al Qasimia and Rolla Areas: Exploring the older, more residential parts of Sharjah, particularly around the Al Qasimia and Rolla districts, will lead you to many small, local cafeterias that serve excellent and affordable falafel sandwiches, often made with a distinct Sharjah flavor profile.
- Secret Food Tours: Some international food tour companies, like Secret Food Tours, claim to offer Sharjah food tours that delve into local dishes. These might include falafel tastings. It’s worth investigating their specific itineraries to see if falafel is a highlight.
Making Your Own Falafel Tasting Tour
Creating your own falafel tasting tour is a rewarding experience. Here’s how we suggest you do it:
- Focus on a Neighborhood: Pick an area known for its street food, like Old Dubai (Deira/Bur Dubai) or parts of Abu Dhabi. This makes it easier to walk between different spots.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t be shy! Ask locals or taxi drivers for their favorite falafel spots. You’ll often discover hidden gems this way.
- Order a Single Portion or Sandwich: To taste more varieties, order just a few falafel balls (often sold by weight or piece) or a small sandwich at each stop.
- Note the Differences: Pay attention to the texture (crispy vs. soft), flavor (herbaceous vs. earthy), and accompanying sauces (tahini, chili, pickles). Each place will have its unique touch.
- Be Mindful of Times: Many street food spots are busiest during lunch and dinner, but some open early for breakfast, offering freshly made falafel.
Falafel and the Emirati Culinary Landscape
While falafel is largely a Levantine dish, its popularity in the UAE has made it an integral part of the broader culinary landscape. It’s often found on breakfast tables, alongside hummus, foul medames (fava bean stew), and fresh bread. It’s also a popular vegetarian option in a region known for its meat-heavy cuisine. The integration of falafel into Emirati daily life, and its adaptation to local tastes and preferences, truly makes it a local favorite. When you embark on a falafel tasting tour, you’re not just eating, you’re experiencing a delicious cross-cultural exchange that epitomizes the UAE’s diverse food scene.
The www.few.ae team believes that a falafel tasting tour in the UAE is a journey of delightful discoveries, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors that this region has to offer. Which city do you think has the best falafel?