• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based Folk
  • Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Lebanese
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Vegan Lebanese Recipes

    The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich (Lebanese)

    Published: Jun 15, 2023 by Janelle Hama

    Jump to Recipe

    Why is this the best? It uses my family’s authentic Lebanese falafel recipe, Lebanese pita bread, though you can use whatever pita bread you want, and it’s filled with typical fillings found in a Lebanese falafel pita sandwich. I promise you, you will want more!

    a stack of pita sandwich rolls filled with falafel and veggies

    This website receives a commission/fee for each purchase bought through the affiliate links on this website.

    Jump to:
    • What is a Falafel Pita Sandwich?
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Variation
    • How to Make The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich
    • Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • More Vegan Middle Eastern Food
    • The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich

    What is a Falafel Pita Sandwich?

    Pita bread is a type of round, hollow bread that originates from the Middle East, typically made with wheat flour and yeast, and is known for its unique pocket-like structure that can be filled with various ingredients. 

    It can easily be found in your local supermarket in many forms, the best pita bread for this recipe is Lebanese pita bread, however, you can use any type of pita you prefer.

    A falafel pita sandwich is pita bread that is filled with freshly made crispy falafel, fresh vegetables and tarator which is the tahini lemon sauce that originates from the Middle East and is used with many foods, one of which is falafel.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It’s exactly how most Lebanese folk enjoy eating their falafel in pita bread, this is coming from someone with Lebanese heritage! A few minor variations are noted too.
    • Seriously appetizing, the flavors of the fresh veggies and fried falafel balls are magical and when topped with the falafel sauce, you’ll definitely be wanting maybe 2 pita sandwiches (1.5 for the gals haha).
    • Homemade falafel is vegan! Though you can use a store-bought falafel if you’d like. As a bonus my falafel recipe is GF too. To make this a vegan and gluten free sandwich, use gluten free pita bread. This article discusses in depth "is falafel gluten free?"
    • I will show you exactly the layering of the ingredients to make the best falafel sandwich, with easy step-by-step instructions.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    round pita bread with 3 brown falafel balls on a wood chopping board

    Notes on some of the ingredients, the full list of ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

    Lebanese pita bread can usually be found at your local Middle Eastern grocer, some supermarkets have it. This is a naturally vegan bread. The trick with selecting fresh Lebanese pita bread, is it must be malleable. Give the bag of bread a few good bends with your hands, if it isn’t soft and able to bend easily, then the bread isn’t fresh.

    Falafel, you want the best tasting, freshest and crunchiest golden brown falafels using my Lebanese falafel recipe (or here's a healthier version of air fryer falafel - uses a lot less oil) which is made out of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and fava beans. You can read this article about is falafel vegan, if you will be purchasing your falafel balls.

    Lebanese Pita Bread
    Is my preferred pita bread to use to make falafel pita wraps. They are the perfect size and easy to handle.

    VIEW PRODUCT
    a bowl of white sauce, green pickled chilli, mint and parsley leaves, chopped raddish, tomato and onion in bowls

    Falafel Sandwich Fillings

    Fresh herbs are always used in a Lebanese sandwich. You will need fresh parsley leaves and mint leaves which are roughly chopped, this is the leafy green herb component you don't want to go without.

    Ripe tomatoes and onion are sliced thinly, not too thick, remember you need to roll the pita bread. You can use any colored onions you like, my favorites are white or red onion.

    Lebanese pickles, there are a few types of Lebanese pickles, I like to use pickled peppers or pink pickled turnips, or pickled cucumbers. These pickles are not sweet, they are salty. Give them a quick rinse prior to using them. You can find them at your local Middle Eastern grocer.

    Fresh radish, thinly chopped. These add a fresh and juicy crunch to the sandwich.

    Creamy tahini sauce is called tarator or falafel sauce. It brings all the ingredients together, don’t be afraid to add quite a bit. Here's the tahini sauce recipe.

    Variation

    You can use any sandwich type of leafy green such as arugula, or lettuce as part of the filling.

    You can leave out the Lebanese pickles, although I highly recommend them.

    You can use a base of Lebanese hummus or baba ganoush to spread on the bread and or a generous smear of Lebanese garlic sauce.

    Here's a list of ideas for what to serve with falafel.

    How to Make The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich

    Pull apart a single Lebanese pita bread and then layer the two halves on top of each other on some parchment paper, which will be used to wrap the falafel pita sandwich. See the video for an explanation. See the tip below for using other types of pita.

    Place 3 falafel patties on the bread in a single layer, about ¾ down toward the end closest to you and then give them a squash to break them apart.

    3 squashed falafel balls in a flat round pita bread
    mint and parsley leaves with green pickled chillis in a round pita bread with squashed falafel

    Add the fresh ingredients. Add layers of chopped parsley leaves, radish, tomato and onion. 

    Add the pickles. Depending on the Lebanese pickles you use, add a layer of that too according to their size.

    mint and parsley leaves with green pickled chillis, chopped tomatoes in a round pita bread with squashed falafel
    mint and parsley leaves with green pickled chillis, chopped tomatoes and onions in a round pita bread with squashed falafel
    mint and parsley leaves with green pickled chillis, chopped tomatoes, radish and onions in a round pita bread with squashed falafel
    mint and parsley leaves with green pickled chillis, chopped tomatoes, radish, onions and white sauce in a round pita bread with squashed falafel

    Drizzle the falafel sauce, (be liberal using good judgment) all over the filling.

    Time to roll up. Fold the bottom of the pita bread up over the filling, then fold the right side over, and roll like a burrito. Place the pita sandwich half on the parchment paper, (to roll it half covered) and roll it away from you, then twist the end like a bonbon. Enjoy!

    a female hand holding the edge of a round pita bread filled with chopped veggies, white sauce and squashed falafel
    a female hand rolling a pita bread sandwich roll on a wood chopping board
    a pita roll with paper wrapped around half of it

    Tips

    If you are using pita bread that isn’t Lebanese, the small thicker style, you can fill this in a way to create falafel pita pocket sandwiches, by cutting it in half and placing all the filling ingredients in it, no need for rolling.

    Either way, this is still the best falafel sandwich recipe!

    Short on time? Here's how to freeze falafel mix and pre-make falafel spices.

    Falafel Maker
    I highly recommend using a falafel maker to make your falafel balls to ensure uniformity and even frying. It also creates a more authentic look.

    VIEW PRODUCT

    Serving Suggestions

    Enjoy your falafel pita wrap with a side of potatoes, such as air fryer fries, or my favorite Lebanese spicy potatoes. Or the most incredible cauliflower bites.

    Want additional fibre, try a side of fattoush salad or authentic tabouli or the most underrated tahini salad (this one’s a goody!)

    Can't be bothered rolling the sandwich? Try making this falafel bowl recipe instead.

    a stack of veggie and falafel sandwich rolls

    More Vegan Middle Eastern Food

    Here's a list of some of the most amazing vegan Middle Eastern recipes.

    For more amazing vegan Lebanese sandwiches, check out

    • Vegan shawarma, this wrap is bursting with flavor, made with mushrooms.
    • Hindbeh wrap which is filled with lemon garlic greens and caramelized onions.
    • Air fried cauliflower and fries wrap, it's simple, yet mouthwatering, you'll just love it!
    • Tofu shish tawook in a wrap, it's tangy and sour filled with fresh and pickled veggies. You've never had tofu like this before!
    • a round yellow sfouf cake with two pieces cut out of it
      Sfouf Lebanese Turmeric Semolina Cake (Vegan)
    • Mujadara Hamra (Lentils & Bulgur)
    • a bowlful of black eyed peas and chopped greems
      Vegan Black Eyed Peas With Greens (Lebanese)
    • a white plate of mashed eggplant dip with a carrot stick
      Delicious Moutabal (Eggplant Dip Without Tahini)

    Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

    a stack of pita sandwich rolls filled with falafel and veggies

    The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich

    Enjoy the Best Falafel Pita Sandwich, Lebanese style. This is the way my Lebanese family enjoys their falafel in a pita wrap. Loaded with fresh crispy falafel balls, fresh herbs, Lebanese pickles and tarator, the lemon tahini sauce.
    Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Course: lunch
    Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 sandwich
    Author: Janelle Hama

    Ingredients

    • 1 Lebanese pita bread
    • 3 balls Falafel
    • ⅓ medium Tomato thinly sliced
    • ⅓ medium Onion thinly sliced
    • 3 small Radishes thinly sliced
    • 1 handful Parsley leaves roughly chopped
    • 1 handful Mint leaves roughly chopped
    • 1 handful Lebanese pickles strained and cut to fit the sandwich
    • 1 drizzle Falafel sauce be liberal with judgment
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Pull apart a single Lebanese pita bread and then layer the two halves on top of each other on some parchment paper, which will be used to wrap the falafel pita sandwich. See the video for an explanation. See note 1 about other pita bread.
      1 Lebanese pita bread
    • Place 3 falafel balls on the bread, about ¾ down toward the end closest to you and then give them a squash to break them apart. Add layers of chopped parsley leaves, chopped mint leaves, radish, tomato and onion (see note 2). Depending on the Lebanese pickles you use, add a single layer of that too according to their size (see note 3). Drizzle the falafel sauce, (be liberal using good judgment) all over the filling.
      3 balls Falafel, ⅓ medium Tomato, ⅓ medium Onion, 3 small Radishes, 1 handful Parsley leaves, 1 handful Mint leaves, 1 handful Lebanese pickles, 1 drizzle Falafel sauce
    • Fold the bottom of the pita bread up over the filling, then fold the right side over, and roll like a burrito. Place the pita sandwich half on the parchment paper, (to roll it half covered) and roll it away from you, then twist the end like a bonbon. Enjoy!

    Video


    Notes

    Note 1 - if using pita pockets, these do not need rolling. Simply cut them in half and fill them with the filling, enjoy them as pockets.
    Note 2 - use good judgment to use as many fresh veggies and herbs as you like.
    Note 3 - Be sure to strain the pickles prior to adding them to the sandwich.
     
    Nutritional information isn't complete, please calculate your own nutritional values.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 852IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1mg

    N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.


    Tried this recipe?Mention @Plantbasedfolk or tag #plantbasedfolk

    More Vegan Lebanese Recipes

    • baba ganoush and hummus smeared onto a white plate
      Baba Ganoush vs Hummus What’s The Difference
    • four pictures of different Lebanese side dishes, rice, greens, salad and bulgur with squash
      Best Lebanese Side Dishes (Authentic Recipes)
    • a glass jar filled with layers of dried herbs and spices for falafel
      Easy Falafel Spices and Herbs
    • a grey bowl of rice and fasolia
      Lebanese Fasolia (Kidney Bean Stew)
    71 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Tim

      June 28, 2023 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      I made your Lebanese falafel, tahini sauce and this wrap. I give five stars for all these recipes. I am going to make these on repeat I thought it was a lot harder, your pics helped with the process.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A female brunette dressed in black and an apron juggling lemons

    Hello, I'm Janelle, a culinary enthusiast with over two decades of cooking experience and a keen interest in creating delicious vegan Lebanese recipes.

    Let's cook together!

    More about me →


    Recipes Not to Miss

    • a ceramic bowl filled with white beans in green herbs and red chili
      Lebanese Butter Bean Salad
    • shredded cabbage salad with flecks of brown caraways seeds in a white bowl
      Kupus Salata (Croatian White Cabbage Salad)
    • a single muffin with chocolate chips through on white paper
      Easy Eggless Chocolate Chip Muffins (Vegan)
    • Easy Vegan Broccoli Soup (Low Fat)
    a yellow cup of coffee with text reading buy me a coffee

    a preview of a e cookbook cover

    As Featured On

    various logos where Plant Based Folk has been featured

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    Accessibility Policy
    Blog
    Contact
    Cookies Policy
    Disclosure
    Privacy Policy
    Privacy Policy (GDPR)
    Terms of Use

    Newsletter + Links

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Web stories

    Vegan Lebanese Recipes

    Shop Middle Eastern Groceries

    Shop Kitchen Essentials

    Contact

    Work with me
    Social media
    Advertise

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Plant Based Folk