Falafel vs. Hummus — What's the Difference?

Often served in a pita or flatbread with salads and sauces.

A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

A Middle Eastern dish of spiced, ground chickpeas or fava beans, formed into balls or patties and deep-fried.

Characterized by its smooth texture and combination of tangy, nutty flavors.

Can be a part of various meals, from fast food to gourmet dishes.

A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, often accompanied by flatbread.

Known for its crispy texture and rich, herbaceous flavor.

A versatile dish that can be used as a dip, spread, or ingredient in other recipes.

Considered a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Falafel (; Arabic: فلافل‎, [fæˈlæːfɪl] (listen)) is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food, commonly served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon; "falafel" also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way.

Hummus (, ; Arabic: حُمُّص‎, 'chickpeas'; full Arabic name: ḥummuṣ bi-ṭ-ṭaḥīna Arabic: حمص بالطحينة‎, 'chickpeas with tahini') is a Middle Eastern dip, spread, or savory dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The standard garnish in the Middle East includes olive oil, a few whole chickpeas, parsley, and paprika.In Middle Eastern cuisine, it is usually eaten as a dip, with pita bread.

A mixture of ground spiced chickpeas or fava beans that is shaped into balls and deep-fried.

A smooth thick mixture of mashed chickpeas, tahini, oil, lemon juice, and garlic, used especially as a dip for pita.

A fried ball made of such a mixture.

A Levantine Arab dip made of chickpea paste with various additions, such as olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and tahini, often eaten with pitta bread, or as a meze.

A sandwich filled with such balls.

A thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita; originated in the Middle East

(uncountable) A Middle Eastern food in the form of balls made from chickpeas or broad beans and other ingredients. Often served in a pita.

(countable) A pita with falafel balls inside (like a sandwich or a wrap).

(countable) A single falafel ball.

Small croquette of mashed chick peas or fava beans seasoned with sesame seeds

Both falafel and hummus primarily use chickpeas, but falafel is deep-fried and often includes fava beans, herbs, and spices, while hummus is blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

Falafel has a crispy exterior and soft interior, whereas hummus is creamy and smooth

Yes, both are rich in protein and fiber. However, falafel is higher in calories due to deep-frying, while hummus contains healthy fats.

Falafel is typically served in sandwiches or as a main dish, while hummus is used as a dip or spread.

Falafel and hummus are integral to Middle Eastern cuisine, reflecting the region's culinary traditions, with hummus often viewed as a symbol of hospitality and falafel representing a common street food enjoyed by many.

While traditional falafel is made with chickpeas or fava beans, variations may include other legumes or vegetables, adapting to different tastes or dietary needs.

Yes, both dishes are traditionally vegetarian and vegan, making them popular choices in plant-based diets.

Common sides include tabbouleh, baba ganoush, pickled vegetables, and salads, enhancing the meal with various flavors and textures.

Hummus can be flavored with a variety of ingredients such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like basil and cilantro, offering a wide range of tastes.

Chickpeas and fava beans have similar nutritional profiles, both being rich in protein and fiber, though there may be slight differences in vitamin and mineral content.