Falafel is a humble Middle Eastern snack that has evolved over the years – going from being just a snack on a traditional mezze platter to being served in some of the most high-end restaurants in the world. In fact, to honor this snack, June 12 is celebrated as International Falafel Day! If you’re in London and looking for the best falafel in the city, we’ve got you covered with our top picks! Here are the best places to eat falafel in London this International Falafel Day.
Note: GBP = Great British Pound; 1 GBP = 116 INR
International Falafel Day: Best Falafel In London
Beirut Kitchen
If there’s one place on Earlham Street in London that we cannot recommend enough, it has to be Beirut Kitchen. Don’t go on the looks of this place – even if it may be a small stall on Earlham Street, it serves some of the best falafel in London city. If you don’t believe us, you can check out the winding wait lines almost every day!
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Despite operating for limited hours during lunchtime, falafels here sell out like hot cakes! Plus, with a generous addition of crunchy sour pickles, tahini sauce, chilli sauce, and hummus, an explosion of flavors is ensured in every bite! And did we say, they’re also 100% vegan and gluten-free?
Address: Earlham St, Seven Dials
Timings: 11:45 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday to Friday
Average Price: 5.50 GBP (approx. 637 INR)
Mr Falafel
With falafel literally in its name, how can you expect a place like Mr Falafel to not be on our list? This spot in London’s New Shepherd’s Bush Market serves some of the most authentic Palestinian food, and needless to say, they nail falafels! Mr Falafel also serves amazing falafel salad bowls that you can customize with your favorite toppings like pickled onions, cabbage, carrots, and more.
Most of their dishes are vegan and are made with the highest quality ingredients and authentic cooking methods. So, when are you trying out Mr Falafel’s delicious Palestinian offerings?
Address:New Shepherds Bush Market, Units T4/T5, Uxbridge Rd
Timings: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sundays closed
Average Price: 5.50 GBP (approx. 637 INR)
Comptoir Libanais
Looking for the best falafel in London and not visiting one of the many outlets of Comptoir Libanais? Now that’s a legal offence! Jokes apart, this Lebanese cuisine chain is serving some of the best Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and North African delicacies. Step inside one of the outlets and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped inside a traditional Lebanese home – that’s how far the chain goes to weave a homely feel inside their restaurants.
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The service, ambience, and the overall food menu feels like a warm hug – and that’s what makes it one of the best chains in London. Plus, with authentic, no-nonsense options like mezze platters, rice bowls, batata harra, sambousek, and others, you’re in for a culinary (and cultural) treat! Did you reserve a table yet?
Address: Multiple outlets across London
Timings: Timings slightly differ depending on the outlet locations
Average Price: 20 to 25 GBP (approx. 2320 to 2900 INR)
Hiba Restaurants
This family-run and family-owned restaurant chain has three distinct restaurants in London that offer the best of Palestinian and Lebanese food. These include Mini Hiba, Hiba Express, and Hiba Street. While Hiba Street and Mini Hiba are primarily take-away restaurants with limited seating, it is Hiba Express that serves as the mother ship carrying the brand’s legacy. Here, you’ll find an extensive menu of over 80 lipsmacking delicacies, including mezze platters, salad bowls, soups, pastries, and much more.
And of course, the falafels here are to die for! Perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft and herby on the inside, served with some of the best dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and more! Overall, if you’re looking for the ultimate lunch or dinner date with your bae (or even family and friends) in London, you must consider visiting one of the three Hiba Restaurants!
For addresses and timings, kindly check the official website of Hiba Restaurants.
Average Price: 30 to 40 GBP (approx. 3480 to 4640 INR)
Pockets
This last one on our list of the best falafel in London is a humble eatery that serves falafel in a unique way – falafel pockets! These pockets, made of bread, are stuffed with a delicious stuffing of falafels, assorted veggies, peppers, hummus, and different sauces. The result? A wholesome explosion of authentic Middle Eastern flavors in every bite. These pockets are also easy to eat on-the-go, making it quite convenient when you’re running late! Plus, with a plant-based menu and customizable offerings at the pita bar, you’ll take control of what you eat – one conscious bite at a time!
Address: 367 Mentmore Terrace
Timings: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday-Tuesday closed
Average Price: 10 GBP (approx. 1160 INR)
Summing Up
From pocket-friendly bites at Pockets to a more refined dining experience at Hiba, these restaurants and eateries in London are where you’ll get a taste of the most wholesome Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafels are just too irresistible, crunchy, soft, flavorful, and munchable! So, this International Falafel Day, if you happen to be in London, why not go on a little falafel-hopping adventure?
