What’s On has details of the best falafel restaurants in Dubai, just in time to celebrate International Falafel Day on June 12.

More…
– Best Lebanese restaurants
– Interview: Greg Malouf
– Review: Qbara

Falafels: Crispy, fried, but soft on the inside, these chickpea fritters are the stuff of dreams. It’s not surprising then that the ‘National Awareness Committee’ gave the deep-fried patty its very own ‘day’.

Here are some of the best falafel restaurants in Dubai just in time for June 12.

Zaroob

The urge for falafel can strike at any time, so thank goodness for Zaroob and its 24-hour policy. This popular hangout on Sheikh Zayed Road always seems to be buzzing, and with good reason – the food never fails to hit the spot. You can choose to have your falafel baked or fried, but we recommend the latter – with some of their signature fluffy white pitta bread on the side.
Jumeirah Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 24-hours. Tel: (04) 3276060. Metro: Emirates Towers. zaroob.net

Zaroob

Just Falafel

Falafel purists beware – at Just Falafel, the chefs like to mix things up, combining this typical Middle Eastern treat with flavours from all around the world. The Japanese sandwich comes with wasabi mayo, the Greek sandwich is dressed in tzatziki… you get the idea. We recommend the quesadilla, with its gooey cheese, tangy tomatoes and spicy jalapenos.
justfalafel.com

Operation: Falafel

This budget-friendly favourite proves that ‘cheap’ doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Tuck into a tasty falafel sandwich starting from just Dhs10 – the creamy hummus and tahini offset the mildly spiced falafel – or you could splash out and pay the extra Dhs2 for the ‘fiery’ option.
The Beach JBR, Dubai, daily, 24-hours. Tel: (04) 4243098. Taxi: The Beach JBR. facebook.com/operationfalafel.

Operation Falafel

Qbara

From a hypnotic special effects wall to the spectacular chandelier dangling above the circular dining area, this contemporary Lebanese restaurant packs a serious visual punch, but nothing looks more glorious to a falafel-lover than Qbara’s exciting interpretation. Served with chargrilled gems and delicious tahini tarator, Qbara’s falafel salad offers a true authentic taste in a glamorous disguise.
Wafi Fort Complex, next to Raffles Hotel, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 7092500. Taxi: Raffles Hotel.

Qbara

Cle

If you’re open to experimentation, you have to try the hazelnut falafel at Cle. This masterful dish by Chef Greg Malouf is crunchy on the outside, but soft and delicious within, with an usnusal nutty texture perfect for a fun falafel fiesta.
Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3525150. Taxi: DIFC cle-dubai.com