Be Wary Of Falafel

[SalmonNationWoman]

I was recently told that the falafel served at a local, family-owned establishment was gluten-free with no cross contamination. I was assured the only items that contained gluten were pita bread and pastries. I was seriously disappointed when I reacted. All sorts of thoughts went through my brain; do I have a new allergy, too much cross-contamination, etc.

Unknown to the owners and me at the time, traditional falafel recipes often use a SLICE OF WHITE BREAD as a binder. BINGO! At least we found the cause and I'm not developing some new allergy.

I felt bad for the owner as they had taken a lot of time and effort to go gluten-free but didn't realize this serious mistake. At least they can correct it but what about other gluten-free people that might have eaten there and not followed up as I did? I hope this restaurant can gain a good repuation as a Celiac friendly place now their gluten-free knowledge has expanded.

ALSO watch out for falafel mixes. Ogran is the only brand I've found so far that's completely gluten-free and soy-free.

[foodiegurl]

Thanks for bringing this up. What city are you in?

In Chicago, I have a regular falafel place I go to, and they assure me it is all chick pea flour, and so far have had no problems, and I go there regularly. But, i wouldn't doubt that not all places are like this. I sure hope there is not white bread in it, I know they make it from scratch.

I do have a falafel mix I bought at home that is gluten-free, from a gluten-free store, by Authentic Foods. I am going to make it this week, I will let you know how it turns out. It is also soy-free =)

[SalmonNationWoman]

Currently, I'm the Kansas City are. Eden Alley makes a number of items gluten-free but this place is an authentic Middle Eastern cafe. I felt bad for the owners as they're really trying to be gluten-free, not mocking or patronizing.

I will eat there again now the problem's corrected. They make some of the best hummus and salads around. YUM!

I haven't tried Authentic Foods but I will ASAP.

There's a local company making gluten-free ready-to-eat falafel balls in a refrigerated bag at Whole Foods, but I can't recall the name. They come in regular and spicy with approx 15 balls per bag for cheaper than the mixes. They're very tasty, quick and easy. Another local company called Yummy's makes a bunch of gluten-free Middle Eastern and Greek foods but I wish they'd make gluten-free flatbread or pita to accompany them.

I'm going out to WF later today and will report the name of thatfalafel company.