On World Falafel Day, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate not just the crisp, golden taste of falafel, but also the rich — and surprisingly complex — history behind this global favorite.
While falafel — a deep-fried ball or patty made of ground beans, herbs, and spices — is widely recognized as a staple of Middle Eastern street food, its true origins are less ancient than many believe and may even be tied to British colonial rule.
From Cairo Streets to Global Menus
Today, falafel is served everywhere — from street vendors in Cairo to gourmet bistros in Paris. It’s claimed as a national dish by Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and others. But according to historians, this iconic food may have only emerged in the late 19th century.
A 1923 postcard titled “Egyptian Types and Scenes” shows street vendors selling ta’meya (Egyptian falafel) alongside foul (fava beans), suggesting its growing popularity at the time.
A Colonial Creation?
According to French journalist Paul Balta and Syrian historian Farouk Mardam-Bey, the first appearance of falafel occurred after the British occupation of Egypt in 1882. Their theory: British soldiers, having acquired a taste for Indian fried snacks during service in India, asked Egyptian cooks to recreate something similar using local ingredients.
In his writings, Balta notes that falafel is “hardly mentioned in literature before the 20th century” and became popular only after Egypt’s occupation. Egyptians, he suggests, drew inspiration from Indian-style fried croquettes — fish, meat, or lentil-based — favored by colonial officers.
Indian Inspiration: The Parippu Vada Connection
Historian Shaul Stampfer, in his paper “Bagel and Falafel: Two Iconic Jewish Foods and One Modern Jewish Identity” (2016), adds another layer to the tale. He points out that Jews in India, especially in Kerala and Calcutta, ate “parippu vada” — deep-fried balls made from split peas — that closely resemble falafel.
This connection strengthens the theory that falafel’s origins may lie in Indian cuisine, transmitted to Egypt through colonial routes and adapted using fava beans or chickpeas, depending on the region.
A Modern Symbol With Colonial Roots
Though falafel today symbolizes Middle Eastern identity, especially Palestinian and Egyptian heritage, it’s fascinating to consider how this humble food may have emerged from imperial influence and cross-cultural exchange.
From British soldiers’ cravings to Egyptian culinary creativity, falafel’s story shows how even simple street food can carry the weight of empire, migration, and adaptation.
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