A staple for plant-based eaters, fans of Middle Eastern cuisine and drunken revellers alike, falafels are a deceptively complicated delight that take some mastery to deliver well.
From the classic falafel wrap to take-home morsels ready to be added to your salad (or eaten cold out of the container, no shame…), here are Brisbane’s best 10 spots to enjoy falafels, according to our readers.
Z’Fianora Lebanese Street Food
Food Truck
For a real taste of Lebanon, track down Z’Fianora at their next location in South-East Queensland! Their home-style menu includes your classic wrap jam-packed with their own falafels, and also a fun Lebo-rito: a Lebanese-style burrito stuffed with chopped falafel, hot chips, veggies, pickles and herbs.
Naim
Paddington
This Paddo cafe received tonnes of votes from our readers, and it’s no surprise thanks to Naim's fresh and modern take on Middle Eastern dining… Pick up a falafel wrap served on za’atar flatbread or carrot falafel shakshuka from their breaky menu, or snack on them as mezze in the evening with a cocktail.
Verde and Sweet
Hamilton
A healthy and vibrant kitchen-slash deli, Verde and Sweet serves wholesome sandwiches, salads and sides with a sprinkling of sister venue Petrichor & Co’s signature South American spice. Their house-made falafels are the perfect addition to make their rotating seasonal salads a little more hearty, or stuffed inside their falafel and pickled veg wrap.
Yababa
Paddington
When vegan dining is the name of the game, you know the falafels will be good. Yababa’s Israel-inspired plant-based eats include falafel-filled pitas and plates served with a hot side of your choice, salad and dips, or you can take home their falafel mix to dress up however you like!
The Green
Fortitude Valley
Serving modern Middle Eastern dishes in seriously lush surrounds, The Green’s falafels come by the three (just go with nine, ok), and are served with chilli pickle and a seriously tasty green tahini. Crunchy on the outside and super fluffy inside, we’re not surprised that loads of our you voted for The Green!
Little Beirut
Indooroopilly
If you thought the belly dancing on Friday nights was the main attraction at Little Beirut, think again… the falafels at this family-owned favourite come perfectly crisp, and are available as hot mezze to begin, atop a vibrant salad, on a loaded vegan or veggie plate.
Seko Food
Market Stall
Blending Turkey’s take on falafels with purely Aussie ingredients (including Toowoomba-grown chickpeas and local veggies), Seko Food’s falafels are a huge fan favourite when they pop up at markets across SEQ. If you really need a fix, they’ll even deliver to you for $10.
Wrapture
West End
Hidden from the hustle and bustle of West End’s main strip, Wrapture is a little haven serving some seriously tasty wraps, including the requisite falafel version! They do a vew versions, with additions including haloumi, tabouli and their house-made pickled turnip.
The Flying Nun
Samford
Escape the CBD for some fresh air and bangin’ falafels in Samford at this super cute cafe in a converted church. The Flying Nun's house-made falafels are served with spiced sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, rocket salad and sumac yoghurt… heavenly!
King Ahiram
West End
While they’re temporarily closed after falling victim to a fire, plenty of readers said the unassuming stalwart King Ahiram serves their fave falafels! It’s no surprise that after slinging falafel wraps and Lebanese sweets for over 45 years, these guys know what makes a good ‘fel–we hope they get back up and running again soon!
Keen to explore more of our readers’ recommendations? Check out Brisbane best spots for gnocchi here!
Image credit: The Green