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!
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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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
The Best Falafel Pita Sandwich
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
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
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Tim
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.