If you’ve ever visited a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurant, you’ve probably seen Gyro and falafel on several menus. While there are a few similarities between these options, the ingredients and overall taste are quite different. The next time you order one of these specialties, here’s a guide to help you choose.

What Is a Falafel?

This dish is popular in Persian cuisine and several Middle Eastern cooking styles. It consists of mashed chickpeas and spices formed into fried balls. People normally enjoy them alongside pita bread or in a folded pita. Some restaurants also add a side of tahini sauce for extra flavor.

What Is a Gyro?

This sandwich is made with pita bread and meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat — which is usually lamb, pork, chicken, or beef — is normally slathered with Mediterranean spices as the base for this dish. The sandwich may also contain tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.

How Do They Differ?

Aside from the inclusion of pita bread and some spices, these two items do not contain many of the same ingredients. Falafel is a vegetarian dish that is often considered lighter and healthier than Gyro; it still contains a ton of flavor and texture. Their origins also differ since Gyro has been made popular mainly in Greek cuisine, and falafel is more prevalent throughout the Middle East.

If you’re interested in trying falafel at a quality Persian restaurant, head to Sufi Kitchen in Atlanta, GA. The fine-dining restaurant offers a wide array of menu items, including falafel, kabob, salads, wraps, and polo. They also offer Persian cocktails and a selection of beer and wine to complement your meal. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, take advantage of the restaurant’s event catering options to bring flavor and interest to your menu. View a full selection of dishes online, or call (404) 888-9699 to make a reservation.