Falafellådor

Falafellådor are a category of meals featuring falafel served in a take-away box or partitioned container. The term is used primarily in Swedish-speaking contexts to describe a ready-to-eat or prepared meal rather than a single traditional recipe.

Falafel is typically made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs, onion, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander, formed into patties and either deep-fried or baked. In a falafellåda, these patties are combined with components like salad, pickled vegetables, tahini or yogurt-based sauces, hummus, and often a bread component such as pita, lavash, or flatbread. The exact contents vary by vendor and region, offering both vegetarian and vegan options.

Formats include bowls with falafel, vegetables, and sauces; wraps using pita or flatbread; or box meals layered with grains such as rice or bulgur. Some vendors offer vegan variations that omit dairy-based sauces; others add chili sauce or garlic sauce. In retail settings, falafellådor may be marketed as ready-to-heat meals or lunchbox options.

In Sweden, falafellådor are common in fast-casual restaurants and institutional food services as vegetarian or vegan alternatives. The packaging emphasizes portability and portion control, often using recyclable materials. Nutrition is dominated by plant-based protein and fiber from the falafel and vegetables, with varying fat content depending on whether the falafel is fried or baked and on the sauces used.

See also: Falafel, Mezze, Takeaway meals, Plant-based cuisine.