BBC: Egypt Has World's Best 'Falafel'

Travel blogger Dene Mullen, starring in BBC's Culinary Roots series, has written an article about his experience down a small alleyway in the Abdeen neighborhood while eating one of Egypt’s popular food, 'falafel' aka 'tameya'.

Dene highlighted the happiness he experienced while munching down on a piping hot 'tameya' served inside 'aish baladi' (local bread) with nothing more than tomatoes, lettuce and a drizzle of tahini.

He also mentioned nearby countries such as Syria and Lebanon that have a reputation for their 'falafel' sandwiches.

“In my opinion, these countries would be hard-pressed to beat the Egyptian version. In fact, 'falafel' cooked by Egyptian fast-casual chain Zööba won ‘best falafel’ at 2016’s London Falafel Festival in Borough Market, beating Palestinian-Lebanese competitors and leading to more ‘best in the world’ talk.” Mullen wrote.

Thanks to the certain way Egyptians make their 'falafel', as they replace chickpeas used in many other countries, and use –along with garlic, onion and coriander seeds – broad beans as the main ingredient, which fry better and result in a lighter, fluffier take on the popular snack.

They also mix also a greater number of fresh herbs and vegetables – such as parsley, coriander, and leeks – than its neighbors’, producing a pale green interior and greater depth of flavor.

Google Doodle honored the meal on June 18, 2019, by replacing their logo with three animated falafel balls.

Culinary Roots is a series from BBC Travel connecting to the rare and local foods woven into a place’s heritage.