Kebab vs. Falafel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
"Kebab" is a dish of skewered and grilled meats, while "falafel" is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.
Key Differences
"Kebab" typically references dishes primarily composed of skewered and grilled or roasted meats. These meats, often marinated, are cooked on skewers, sometimes with vegetables interspersed. The concept of the kebab is widespread, with variations existing in many cultures, from the Mediterranean to Asia.
In contrast, "falafel" is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. These ground legumes are mixed with herbs, spices, and onions, then shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, falafel is often served in pita bread or with tahini sauce.
The universality of "kebab" means its preparation and ingredients vary by region. For instance, in the US, one might encounter "shish kebab" with diced meat and vegetables, while in Turkey, "döner kebab" made of sliced meat served in bread is common.
"Falafel," while having regional variations, generally maintains its core ingredient of ground legumes. It is regarded as a vegetarian or vegan dish, making it a staple in many vegetarian diets and eateries. The taste and texture of falafel make it a favorite even among non-vegetarians.
In essence, while "kebab" is centered around grilled meats on skewers, "falafel" is a vegetarian delicacy made of deep-fried ground legumes, each representing distinct culinary traditions.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Ingredient
Meat (like lamb, beef, chicken)
Ground chickpeas or fava beans
Cooking Method
Grilled or roasted on skewers
Deep-fried
Typical Region
Widespread, from the Mediterranean to Asia
Primarily Middle Eastern
Dietary Consideration
Non-vegetarian
Vegetarian or vegan
Presentation
Often served with sauces, in bread, or with rice
Typically served in pita or with tahini sauce
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Kebab and Falafel Definitions
Kebab
A popular street food in many cultures, often served in bread.
I bought a kebab wrap from the vendor.
Falafel
A deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.
I love falafel in a pita pocket.
Kebab
A culinary tradition of cooking meats on skewers, with regional variations.
The Turkish döner kebab is different from the Persian kebab.
Falafel
Ground legumes mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried.
The falafel had a perfect blend of spices.
Kebab
Sliced or diced meats cooked on skewers.
The beef kebab melted in my mouth.
Falafel
A popular street food, especially in Middle Eastern countries.
Street vendors had the best falafel in town.
Kebab
A dish of skewered and grilled or roasted meats.
We had lamb kebab for dinner.
Falafel
A Middle Eastern dish of spiced legume balls or patties.
Falafel with tahini sauce is delicious.
Kebab
Shish kebab.
Falafel
A vegetarian or vegan dish often used as a meat substitute.
I ordered falafel since I'm vegetarian.
Kebab
(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.
Falafel
A mixture of ground spiced chickpeas or fava beans that is shaped into balls and deep-fried.
Kebab
(AU) A hand-held dish consisting of pieces of meat roasted on an upright skewer mixed with fresh vegetables and sauces and rolled up in a round piece of unleavened bread.
Falafel
A fried ball made of such a mixture.
Kebab
(US) A shish kebab or any other food on a skewer.
Falafel
A sandwich filled with such balls.
Kebab
A restaurant that sells kebabs
Let's go to the kebab after the club.
Falafel
(uncountable) A Middle Eastern food in the form of balls made from chickpeas or broad beans and other ingredients. Often served in a pita.
There's a stall at the market that sells fantastic falafel.
Kebab
(chemistry) The outward growing portions of a shish kebab structure.
Falafel
(countable) A pita with falafel balls inside (like a sandwich or a wrap).
Kebab
A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.
Falafel
(countable) A single falafel ball.
The stallholder puts salad into an open pita bread, followed by the four falafels, and then liberally covers them with hummus.
Kebab
The vulva.
Falafel
Small croquette of mashed chick peas or fava beans seasoned with sesame seeds
Kebab
(GUI) menu icon of three vertical dots
Kebab
(transitive) To roast in the style of a kebab
Kebab
To stab or skewer
Kebab
See kabab and kabob.
Kebab
Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
Kebab
Meat marinated and cooked on skewers, often with vegetables.
The chicken kebab was seasoned perfectly.
FAQs
Is "falafel" considered healthy?
"Falafel" is nutrient-rich, but its healthiness depends on preparation, especially frying.
Are kebabs spicy?
Kebabs can be mild or spicy, depending on the marinade and region.
Can "kebab" be made with fish?
Yes, some regions have fish or seafood kebabs.
Is "kebab" always made of meat?
While traditionally made of meat, there are vegetarian kebab variations.
Can "kebab" be oven-cooked?
Yes, while traditionally grilled, kebabs can be oven-cooked or pan-fried.
What's the main ingredient in "falafel"?
The primary ingredient is usually chickpeas or fava beans.
How is "falafel" usually served?
It's often served in pita bread, with salads, or with tahini sauce.
Are there gluten-free "falafel" options?
Yes, many falafels are naturally gluten-free, but always
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
