A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Falafel
A popular Middle Eastern chickpea fritter, pronounced with a clear 'ah' sound in the middle.
falafel
fuh-LAH-fuhl
/fəˈlɑːfəl/ · fa · la · fel
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's often served in pita bread as a sandwich or as part of a larger platter with dips and salads.
Where the word comes from
The word 'falafel' likely comes from Arabic, possibly related to the word for 'pepper' or 'spicy'. It's a common dish across the Middle East and North Africa.
Common ways people get it wrong
- fuh-LAY-fuhl The second syllable has an 'ah' sound like in 'father', not an 'ay' sound like in 'say'.
- FAH-luh-fel The stress is on the second syllable, not the first. Say 'fuh-LAH-fuhl'.
Frequently asked
What is falafel made of?
Falafel is typically made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices. The mixture is then formed into small patties or balls and deep-fried.
Is falafel vegetarian or vegan?
Falafel itself is usually vegan, as it doesn't contain animal products. However, check if it's served with yogurt-based sauces, which would make it non-vegan.
Is it pronounced falafel or falafel?
The most common pronunciation in English is 'fa-LAH-fel', with the stress on the second syllable.
Is it fa la fel or fa la fel?
It is pronounced 'fa-LAH-fel'. The emphasis is on the middle syllable.
How to pronounce falafel in American English?
In American English, it's typically pronounced 'fa-LAH-fel', with the stress on the second syllable and a clear 'l' sound.
What is the Arabic pronunciation of falafel?
In Arabic, it is pronounced roughly as 'fa-LA-fil', with a slightly different vowel sound in the last syllable.
