Falafel Favorites

by Isadora Pennington

Falafel, a fried ball of chickpeas or fava beans, is a popular vegan dish with ancient origins. The truth behind its creation is hazy, although its origins can be traced back to Pharaonic Egypt where it may have been invented as a meat substitute during Lent.

The dish’s long and complex history is a testament to its steadfast popularity. Throughout the years, the recipe has remained more-or-less the same, though with some evolution brought on by technological advances and cultural influences.

Not only is it tasty, but it is also a great source of fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates and vitamins, which makes it a viable meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Served hot, typically as a street food, one usually finds them wrapped in pita or served on a plate alongside salads and other sides.

The dish is a longtime favorite of mine, and throughout the years I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of Atlanta’s best falafel dishes. Whether you’ve tried these delectable patties of tasty fried goodness or are looking for a new spot, I recommend stopping by these great local restaurants.

Ali Baba

Falafel Wrap: Deep fried chickpeas (garbanzo and fava beans), vegetables, tahini and a blend of seasonings served in a pita with hummus, babaganush, pita, tabouli, grape leaves and Mediterranean salad.

1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta 30307, 404-223-1445

54 Broad St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, 678-705-3720 alibabaatlanta.com

Aviva by Kameel

Falafel Kameel Style: Hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouli, cabbage salad, tahini and hot sauce.

225 Peachtree Street, Suite B-30, Atlanta 30303, 404-698-3600, avivabykameel.com

Jerusalem

Bakery & Grill

Falafel Sandwich: falafel balls topped with hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, red cabbage, pickles, tahini sauce and garlic sauce, all wrapped in fresh pita bread.

4150 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta 30005

770-777-0193, jerusalembakeryandgrill.com

Mediterranean Grill

Falafel Plate: falafel, rice, tahini, salsa and salad.

985 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta 30308, 404-917-1100

2126 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur 30033, 404-320-0101

1255 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta 30068, 678-996-0045 mediterraneangrill.com

Pita by the Beirut

Falafel available as a platter, wrap, salad or part of a Mezzo sampler platter.

4709-B Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody 30338, 770-392-7070

725 West Crossville Rd., Roswell 30075, 470-282-6100

2555 Prado Lane, Marietta 30066, 770-528-5683 pitastreetfood.com

Yalla

Falafel Pita Wrap: traditionally served with chickpea fritters, hummus, labne, Israeli salad and pickles, zhug, tahini and herbs. 99 Krog St., Atlanta 30307, 404-506-9999, yallaatl.com

2272 lawrenceville hwy decatur, ga 30033 404.378.4889

30+ dealers who shop regionally to provide our clients the best merchandise including mid-century modern, cultural pieces, rugs, antiques & funky vintage items.

Follow us on social media: decaturestateantiques.com

Life Care Center Of America

Resources

Wylde Center

Celebrate Earth Day, April 22

The mission of Keep America Beautiful, kab.org, is to inspire and educate people to improve and beautify their community’s environment. Here are local chapters:

Cobb County

Keep Cobb Beautiful 770-528-1135 keepcobbbeautiful.org

Keep Kennesaw Beautiful 770-424-8274 facebook.com/ KeepKennesawBeautiful/

Keep Marietta Beautiful 770-794-5606 facebook.com/ keepmariettabeautiful/

Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Inc.

770-431-2863 smyrnacity.com/yourgovernment/departments/keepsmyrna-beautiful

DeKalb County

Keep DeKalb Beautiful 404-294-2010 dekalbcountyga.gov/ beautification/keep-dekalbbeautiful

Fulton County

Keep North Fulton Beautiful 770-551-7766 keepnorthfultonbeautiful.org

Keep Alpharetta Beautiful 678-297-6200

Keep Atlanta Beautiful 404-330-6721 atlantaga.gov/index. aspx?page=1274

Keep Roswell Beautiful 770-594-6451 keeproswellbeautiful.org

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful 770-822-5187 gwinnettcb.org

If you’re not sure how to get involved, check out some of these organizations. Several of them have clean-ups and other events planned to help you show your love for the Earth.

Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper chattahoochee.org

Earthshare of Georgia earthsharega.org

Park Pride parkpride.org

Piedmont Park Conservancy piedmontpark.org

Trees Atlanta treesatlanta.org

Wylde Center wyldecenter.org