Celebrating International Falafel Day: Exploring Pune’s Middle Eastern Bites
Celebrating International Falafel Day: Exploring Pune’s Middle Eastern Bites
By Aarushi Prakash | Pune | June 12
June 12 marks International Falafel Day, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in this crispy, flavour-packed Middle Eastern delicacy? From humble fritters made of chickpeas or fava beans, falafel has evolved into a star dish across several Pune eateries, each offering a unique take rooted in authenticity and culinary creativity.
One such destination is Mister Merchants, launched two years ago by Rakshay Dhariwal. “Our mission was to bring the recipes of the legendary Mister Merchant back to life,” he says. The fictional Mister Merchant pays homage to old-world Parsi traders who once journeyed through Persia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Styled as a modern nod to the Silk Route, the restaurant serves falafel shawarma with tahini, labneh, and pickles, as well as a classic falafel dish paired with harissa and tahini.
Another stalwart in Pune’s falafel scene is Cafe Arabia, one of the city’s oldest Middle Eastern chains with over 10 outlets since its inception 15 years ago. “During my business trips to the Middle East, I fell in love with the street food,” says founder Kunal Jagwani. “There weren’t many places offering authentic, affordable Middle Eastern cuisine in India back then, so I started Cafe Arabia.” The eatery now features a classic falafel made with chickpeas and cilantro, served with dips. On select days, guests can enjoy two special variations—one stuffed with mozzarella and another spiced with sumac and onions. “The menu has evolved, but authenticity remains our foundation. We even bring in chefs from Lebanon and Dubai to train our teams,” he adds.
Marrakesh, founded in 2007 by hotel management graduates Gaurav Gite and Imran Inamdar, now boasts five outlets across the city. “We were young graduates when we decided to bring Middle Eastern fine cuisine to Pune,” says Inamdar. The restaurant’s falafel offerings include a regular and devil spicy falafel shawarma—both rolled in pita bread with pickled vegetables, fries, garlic sauce, tahini, and hummus. “The spicy one has harissa for an extra kick,” he says. There’s also a mezze platter featuring falafel, grilled pita, hummus, toum (garlic sauce), harissa, and pickled veggies.
Over in Baner and Koregaon Park, Za’atar—a popular Lebanese restaurant originally launched in Mumbai has found its niche. Founded by four passionate foodies, Za’atar aims to introduce authentic Lebanese flavours to Indian palates. The menu features a variety of falafel dishes: shawarma wrapped in whole wheat pita, a falafel platter with sauces and pickled vegetables, a falafel bowl with hummus or labneh, salad, falafels and feta, and simple falafel bullets served on their own.
Lastly, Arabian Mandi, with outlets in Kondhwa and Hinjewadi, brings a fusion twist. Founded in 2015 by IIT alumnus Ashok Parimi, along with Sabir Kazi and Arshad Shaikh, the restaurant is known for blending Indo-Arabic flavours. Their menu includes both classic falafels and a shawarma-style version served in pita bread, topped with vegetables and house-made sauces.
Whether you’re a falafel fanatic or a curious first-timer, Pune has plenty of flavourful options to help you mark the occasion in style.
