History of Falafel in Timeline

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Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty originating from Egypt and popular in Middle Eastern, especially Levantine, cuisine. It's primarily made from ground broad beans, chickpeas, or a combination of both. The dish is a common street food and vegetarian option known for its savory flavor and crispy texture.

1936: First Attestation in English

In 1936, the term falafel was first attested in the English language. It has been spelled in various ways, including 'falafel', 'felafel', 'filafel', and 'filafil'.

October 1939: First Mention of Falafel in Pita

In October 1939, The Palestine Post mentioned falafels served in pita bread as a street food for the first time.

1941: Local Products Advocacy

In 1941, Journalist Dorothy Kahn Bar-Adon wrote that domestic science institutions advocated for the use of local products since the outbreak of war. Additionally, falafel was becoming a popular street food in Tel Aviv by the late 1930s.

2008: Lawsuit Threat

In 2008, The Association of Lebanese Industrialists threatened a lawsuit against Israel claiming copyright infringement regarding the branding of Israeli falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and other foods.