Explore why our falafel isn’t just food, it’s tradition you can taste, made the Sultan’s way.
Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern classic, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. At Sultan’s Market, we honor the long history of falafel, a dish rooted in simple ingredients and vibrant spice traditions from across the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Made from high-quality dried chickpeas soaked overnight and mixed with fresh herbs and spices, our falafel offers plant-powered protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite you can enjoy on its own or in a sandwich.
Freshly fried and full of bold herbs and deep, satisfying flavor, our falafel has become one of the dishes Sultan’s Market is best known for. Made fresh every day, it’s a plant-based favorite rooted in tradition and loved by Chicago locals and longtime guests alike. Ready to try it for yourself?
Falafel is believed to have originated in Egypt, where Coptic Christians created it as a hearty, plant-based alternative to meat during periods of fasting and Lent. Over time, falafel spread throughout the Middle East, becoming a beloved everyday food known for its bold spices, simple ingredients, and satisfying flavor.
In North America, falafel was once found mainly in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish neighborhoods. Since the 1970s, it has grown into one of the most popular street foods across major cities, loved for its versatility, cultural roots, and plant-based goodness.
Today, falafel represents more than a dish. It represents tradition, migration, and the sharing of food across cultures, values that continue to shape the way we prepare it at Sultan’s Market.
At Sultan’s Market, our falafel is made completely from scratch and 100% vegan:
We soak dried chickpeas overnight for better texture
Hand-grind herbs and spices for vibrant color and flavor
Shape the mix into perfectly sized bites
Fry each batch just before serving for that ideal crisp-outside, tender-inside finish
This careful process gives our falafel its signature satisfaction, the kind Chicago keeps coming back for.
Our falafel is incredibly versatile and delicious in a variety of ways:
Warm, handmade pita lined with creamy hummus, filled with crisp falafel, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and tahini sauce, a beloved staple.
Falafel served with house hummus, vibrant tabuli salad, your choice of curry basmati rice or rice & lentils, and warm pita, a complete and hearty plant-forward meal.
Add extra falafel to any meal or catering tray (great for parties!) for only 50¢ a piece.
Chicagoans have long made Sultan’s Market falafel a go-to, crisp, flavorful, rich in tradition, and always made fresh daily. That’s why locals regularly rank us among the best falafel spots in the city, and why reviewers describe it as a dish worth seeking out.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just love bold flavor in every bite, our falafel is built to satisfy.
At Sultan’s Market, our falafel is made with 100% chickpeas and gluten-free ingredients. If you have severe allergies, please ask our staff, as cross-contact may occur.
Yes, Sultan’s Market falafel is 100% plant-based and vegan. The Falafel Sandwich and Vegan Combination Dinner are also fully vegan.
Falafel is a nutritious, plant-based option that’s naturally rich in fiber and protein. It can be enjoyed in a sandwich, plate, or as a lighter option served over a fresh salad.
The falafel is made from scratch daily. Dry imported chickpeas are soaked overnight, ground with fresh green herbs and vegetables, seasoned with a secret spice blend, and then fried in clear liquid vegetable oil.
Falafel Sandwich: Approximately 20g of protein and 25g of fat
Vegan Combination Plate: Includes three pieces of falafel and provides about 25g of protein and 30g of fat
Individual Falafel Piece: Naturally rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and potassium
Falafel is delicious in a warm pita sandwich with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, served as a plate with rice and salad, or paired with hummus and mezze sides for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
Absolutely. Sultan’s Market offers Middle Eastern catering for events of all sizes, including falafel trays, vegan-friendly options, and full spreads for meetings, parties, and celebrations.
Falafel is believed to have originated in Egypt and later became a staple throughout the Middle East. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide as one of the most popular Middle Eastern street foods.
Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern food or a longtime falafel fan, Sultan’s Market is where Chicago comes for falafel made the traditional way. Our falafel is prepared fresh every day using a time-tested recipe that brings out bold flavor in every bite.
Visit us at any of our four Chicago locations and experience why falafel here is more than just a dish, it’s a tradition.
Looking for meat options too? Explore our tender chicken shawarma and rich lamb shawarma, slow-roasted and full of flavor.
