Falafel is a fritter made from spiced ground chickpeas (and sometimes fava beans), mixed with fresh herbs and seasonings, formed into small balls or patties, and fried until crisp. It is naturally plant-based, so falafel is vegan by default and, because it is built on chickpeas rather than wheat, it is typically gluten-free too.
It’s one of the oldest and best-loved street foods across the Middle East and Mediterranean, usually served in a wrap, over rice, or alongside hummus. At Shawarma House in Ocean Beach, our falafel is a vegan option that’s made to order.
What falafel is made of
Traditional falafel starts with dried chickpeas (or fava beans, or a blend of both) that are soaked and ground. The ground base is mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, plus garlic, onion, and warm spices such as cumin and coriander.
That mixture is shaped into small balls or flat patties and fried until the outside is crisp and golden and the inside stays soft and green. There’s no meat, dairy, or egg in a classic falafel recipe. The result is a hearty, protein-rich bite that works in a wrap, over rice, or on its own with hummus and salad.
Is falafel vegan?
Yes. Classic falafel is vegan. Its core ingredients are chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and spices, then fried in oil. There’s no meat, dairy, or egg involved.
The one thing to check anywhere you order is how it’s served: some pita, sauces, or toppings can contain dairy. At Shawarma House, falafel is one of our dedicated vegan options, so plant-based guests have a real, filling choice on the menu.
Is falafel gluten-free?
Falafel is chickpea-based rather than wheat-based, so the fritters themselves are typically gluten-free. That’s what makes it a popular pick for people cutting back on gluten.
Important caveat: our kitchen is a shared space that also handles gluten (pita, wraps, and more). We can’t guarantee against cross-contact, so we don’t consider our falafel safe-certified for guests with celiac disease. If you have celiac or a serious gluten sensitivity, please let us know and use your own judgment. And keep in mind that if you order falafel in a wrap or with pita, that bread does contain gluten.
Is falafel healthy?
Falafel has a lot going for it. Chickpeas are high in plant protein and fiber, which help you feel full, and they bring iron, folate, and other nutrients along for the ride. As a plant-based protein, it’s a solid alternative to meat.
The balanced take: falafel is fried, so it carries the calories and oil that come with frying. It’s a nourishing choice in a normal portion, especially paired with hummus, salad, and vegetables. Order it as a plate over rice or in a wrap and you’ve got a satisfying, veggie-forward meal.
Our falafel at Shawarma House
At Shawarma House in Ocean Beach, falafel is made to order and served the way you want it, in a wrap, as a plate over yellow basmati rice with warm pita, or alongside our hummus and salads. It’s a genuine vegan option, right next to our vegan Cream Chop.
Want to build a full plant-based meal or just add falafel to your order? Browse our full Mediterranean menu in San Diego, and see the falafel page for the details. When you’re ready, order online for pickup and we’ll make it fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Is falafel vegan?
Yes. Classic falafel is made from chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and spices, with no meat, dairy, or egg. At Shawarma House, falafel is one of our vegan options.
Is falafel gluten-free?
Falafel is chickpea-based, so the fritters are typically gluten-free. However, our kitchen also handles gluten and we can’t guarantee against cross-contact, so it isn’t safe-certified for celiac guests. Note that serving it in a wrap or with pita adds gluten from the bread.
Is falafel healthy?
Falafel is high in plant protein and fiber from chickpeas, making it a nourishing meat alternative. It is fried, though, so it’s best enjoyed in a normal portion alongside hummus, salad, and vegetables.
Does Shawarma House have falafel?
Yes. Falafel is on our menu at Shawarma House in Ocean Beach as a made-to-order vegan option, available in a wrap, as a plate over rice, or with our hummus and salads.
Keep reading: Falafel in San Diego · Build a falafel bowl · Vegan Mediterranean in San Diego
