Falafel Bowl Near Falls Church, VA
Crispy chickpea falafel, fried to order, served over your choice of basmati rice, mixed greens, or house-made hummus. Topped with Arabic salad, tahini, and your picks from 14 free toppings, built at the counter. This is a falafel bowl built at the counter the way you ask, with falafel straight from the fryer.
Priced $10.45. No bread. No filler. Just honest falafel over a base you actually want to eat.
Our Bowl Menu
Bowls at Taza
Three bowl options. The falafel bowl is the plant-based pick. The chicken shawarma and beef shawarma bowls offer the same format with protein carved off the vertical spit.
Falafel Bowl
$10.45A hearty bowl starting with your choice of rice, mixed greens, or hummus base, topped with crispy falafel fried to order. Finished with tomatoes, cucumbers, Arabic salad, tahini sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil. A satisfying vegetarian meal.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl
$12.45Chicken shawarma carved off the vertical spit, served over your choice of basmati rice, mixed greens, or creamy hummus. Topped with Arabic salad, pickled turnips, garlic sauce, and fresh herbs. A protein-packed Mediterranean feast.
Beef Shawarma Bowl
$12.45Tender slices of beef shawarma, carved off the vertical spit, served over basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus. Garnished with Arabic salad, pickles, tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of sumac. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Inside the Bowl
What Goes Into a Taza Falafel Bowl
Six components, built to order. Falafel straight from the fryer, never from a heat lamp. Here is exactly what you get when you order a falafel bowl from Taza.
Crispy Chickpea Falafel
The foundation. Ground chickpeas with parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander, the classic Levantine falafel mix. Shaped by hand, fried to order. The outside shatters. The inside is bright green and herb-packed. Every falafel in your bowl is fried to order.
Your Choice of Base
Three options. Fluffy basmati rice seasoned with aromatic spices -- the most filling choice. Mixed greens for a lighter meal with more crunch. Or a bed of hummus for something rich and creamy. The base changes the entire character of the bowl, so it is worth trying all three.
Arabic Salad and Fresh Vegetables
Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and parsley dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. This is the traditional salad that appears on every table in the Levant. It adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the fried falafel and tahini.
Tahini Sauce, Made In-House
Ground from roasted sesame seeds, blended with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Our tahini is smooth, nutty, and slightly tangy. It ties the entire bowl together. We make it daily in small batches -- never from a jar, never from a food service distributor.
Pickled Vegetables and Toppings
Pink pickled turnips, crunchy pickles, black olives, fresh mint, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. In store you get 14 free toppings, your choice, built at the counter -- tell the crew what you want. Online you pick up to 6 of 11. No extra charge.
No Bread Required
The falafel bowl gives you everything from our falafel wrap or pita -- minus the bread. For anyone tracking carbohydrates, avoiding gluten, or simply preferring a bowl format, this is the move. All the flavor, all the toppings, nothing you do not want.
From Chickpea to Bowl
How We Build Your Falafel Bowl
Five steps. Every bowl is assembled to order. The falafel comes out of the fryer hot and goes straight into your bowl.
Choose Your Base
The first decision: basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus. Each base changes the bowl fundamentally. Rice gives you a warm, substantial foundation. Greens keep it light and crunchy. Hummus turns it into a rich, creamy experience where chickpeas appear in two forms -- ground in the hummus and whole in the falafel. There is no wrong answer. Start with rice, then try hummus on the next visit.
Fry Your Falafel Fresh
Your falafel goes into the fryer the moment you order. Chickpeas ground with fresh herbs, shaped by hand, and fried until the outside is deeply golden and the inside stays moist and green. It goes from the fryer straight into your bowl. That crunch you hear when you cut into it -- that is the sound of falafel made properly.
Layer the Arabic Salad
Freshly diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion dressed with lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Parsley throughout. This salad is the standard accompaniment across every family table in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. It adds moisture, acidity, and color. The lemon juice in the salad also helps your body absorb the iron from the chickpeas -- a nutritional bonus built into the tradition.
Drizzle the Tahini
Our house-made tahini goes over the top in generous ribbons. Ground from roasted sesame seeds, blended with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of water for the right consistency. Tahini is the soul of a falafel bowl. Too little and the bowl feels dry. Too much and it overwhelms. We know the balance. You can always ask for extra on the side.
Pick Your Toppings
This is where you make it yours. Fourteen toppings, all included, no extra charge. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fresh mint, parsley, pickles, black olives, pickled turnips, tahini sauce, garlic mayo, olive oil dressing, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Most regulars have a go-to combination. Newcomers tend to try a bit of everything. There is no wrong way to build your bowl.
Choose Your Base
Rice vs. Greens vs. Hummus: Which Base?
All three bases are included in the $10.45 price. No upcharge. Here is how they compare so you can pick the right one for your appetite and dietary goals.
Our recommendation: If this is your first falafel bowl at Taza, start with the rice base. It is the most balanced option and gives you the truest sense of the bowl. On your second visit, try the hummus base for a richer, creamier experience. The greens base is ideal when you want something lighter without sacrificing any of the falafel or topping portions.
Plant-Based Friendly
A Falafel Bowl That Vegans Actually Want to Eat
This is not a side salad rebranded as a main course. The Taza falafel bowl is a complete, protein-rich, genuinely satisfying meal that happens to be 100% plant-based.
100% Plant-Based Falafel
Our falafel contains zero animal products. Dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, and a touch of baking powder for lift. That is the entire ingredient list. No eggs as a binder. No dairy. No hidden animal-derived additives.
Fully Halal Kitchen
Every ingredient in our kitchen meets halal standards. For families and individuals who require halal compliance, there is no guesswork at Taza. The falafel bowl is simultaneously vegan and halal -- satisfying multiple dietary requirements in a single order.
Build It Your Way
A falafel bowl on a greens or rice base with tahini and vegetables is fully vegan. Add hummus or baba ghanouj -- also vegan. The only topping on our bar that contains dairy is the garlic mayo. Ask for extra tahini instead and your entire bowl remains 100% plant-based.
Nutritionally Complete
Chickpeas plus tahini (sesame) provides a complete amino acid profile. Add the vegetables, olive oil, and fresh herbs and you have a meal with protein, fiber, healthy fats, iron, and vitamins. This is not a compromise meal for vegans and vegetarians. It is a genuinely satisfying dish that stands on its own.
Eat Well
Falafel Bowl Nutrition at a Glance
Chickpeas are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. High in protein, high in fiber, rich in iron and folate. Here is what a Taza falafel bowl delivers.
Chickpeas deliver roughly 15g of protein per cup. Combined with tahini and the hummus base option, your falafel bowl provides substantial plant protein without any meat.
Chickpeas are one of the highest-fiber legumes. A single falafel bowl with vegetables provides a significant portion of your daily fiber requirement.
Chickpeas and parsley are both rich in iron and folate. Pairing them with the lemon juice in tahini enhances iron absorption.
Tahini (ground sesame) and olive oil provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. No trans fats in our frying oil.
The falafel bowl on rice or greens is naturally gluten-free. The falafel itself contains no flour. Only the hummus base is naturally gluten-free as well.
Our standard falafel bowl contains no animal products -- no meat, no dairy, no eggs. Cholesterol-free by default.
Nutritional information is approximate and varies based on base selection, toppings, and sauces chosen. For specific dietary needs, ask our staff.
Complete Your Meal
Best Sides with a Falafel Bowl
A falafel bowl is a full meal on its own. These sides turn it into a spread.
Hummus
$4.95Extra hummus on the side with warm pita bread. Scoop between bites of your falafel bowl for a double-chickpea experience. The warm pita adds a bread element to an otherwise bread-free meal.
Baba Ghanouj
$4.95Smoky roasted eggplant dip with a completely different texture than the falafel. The charred, silky eggplant contrasts against the crispy falafel and crunchy vegetables. A strong pairing for anyone who wants depth in their meal.
Labneh
$4.95Thick strained yogurt with olive oil and dried mint. The cool, tangy labneh balances the warm, crispy falafel. It also adds probiotic benefits. Spoon it directly into the bowl or scoop with pita bread.
Lemon Mint
$5.95Lemon and mint blended with a touch of sweetness. The acidity cuts through the tahini and fried falafel. A light, refreshing drink pairing with bowls, and a traditional Levantine flavor.
Try the Falafel Bowl Today
$10.45 gets you crispy falafel, your choice of base, tahini, and your choice of free toppings. Order online for pickup through Clover.
Order NowDeep Dive
The Falafel Bowl: How a Street Food Became a Modern Staple
Falafel has been eaten across the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. In Egypt, it started as ta'amiya -- fried fava bean patties that Coptic Christians ate during Lent. As the dish spread through Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, chickpeas replaced fava beans. Fresh herbs became essential. The spice profile settled around cumin, coriander, garlic, and onion. The falafel we serve at Taza follows this Levantine tradition precisely.
Traditionally, falafel was served in bread -- stuffed into pita pockets or rolled in thin shrak flatbread. The bowl format is a newer development, emerging in the last two decades as diners began asking for bread-free alternatives. The bowl trend started in health-conscious markets in the United States, Australia, and Western Europe, where customers wanted the same flavors and ingredients without the carbohydrates from bread.
What makes a falafel bowl work is the same thing that makes falafel work in any format: the contrast between crispy and smooth, hot and cool, rich and acidic. In a bowl, you control the ratios. You decide how much tahini goes on top. You pick your toppings. You choose a base that complements your appetite and dietary goals. The bread is gone, but nothing is missing.
At Taza, we offer three bases that each create a different bowl experience. Basmati rice ($2.95 as a standalone side) is the most filling -- warm, aromatic, and substantial. Mixed greens offer a lighter, crunchier foundation where the falafel crispiness contrasts against the raw leaves. The hummus base ($4.95 as a standalone side) gives you chickpeas in two forms: ground into a creamy dip below, fried into crispy fritters on top. Each base changes the character of the bowl, which is why many regulars rotate through all three.
The falafel bowl at Taza is priced $10.45. That includes your base, five freshly fried falafel, Arabic salad, tahini sauce, and all 14 toppings included at no extra charge. For comparison, a falafel pita is $8.95 and a falafel shrak wrap is $9.95. The bowl is slightly more because you get a larger portion of base and toppings. It is the most food per dollar on our falafel menu.
Make It Yours
How to Customize Your Falafel Bowl
Every falafel bowl at Taza is built to your specifications. Here are the decisions you make when you order.
Step 1: Pick Your Base
Basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus. All three are included in the price. You can also ask for a half-and-half split -- rice and greens is a popular combination that gives you both warmth and crunch. The hummus base effectively doubles the chickpea content of your bowl since the falafel itself is also made from chickpeas.
Step 2: Pick Your Toppings
Fourteen free toppings in store, built at the counter. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fresh mint, parsley, pickles, black olives, pickled turnips, tahini sauce, garlic mayo, olive oil dressing, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Tell the crew which ones you want (online, pick up to 6 of 11). A classic combination: tahini, pickles, pickled turnips, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. Vegans should skip the garlic mayo (it contains dairy) and use extra tahini instead.
Step 3: Add Extras (Optional)
Want more falafel? Add extra pieces at $0.85 each. A side of warm pita bread is $0.95 -- useful for scooping hummus or tahini from the bowl. You can add a side of baba ghanouj ($4.95) or an extra portion of hummus ($4.95) to share. For something sweet after, our rice pudding ($2.95) comes topped with pistachio.
More Reasons
Why Order Falafel Bowls from Taza
Levantine Falafel, Fried to Order
Our falafel follows the Levantine style: chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic and cumin, shaped by hand and fried when you order. Taza means fresh in Arabic, and the falafel is the clearest example. You can taste the difference.
Open Until Midnight, 7 Days
Most restaurants in Falls Church close by 9 or 10 PM. We serve falafel bowls until midnight, every single day. Late-shift workers, students, night owls -- a fresh, hot falafel bowl is available when other kitchens are already dark.
Online Ordering and Catering Delivery
Order online through Clover for pickup, with free parking at the door, or book catering with delivery for 10 to 200+ guests. Bowls travel well -- the falafel stays crispy on top and the base stays intact.
Catering for Groups of Any Size
Falafel bowls are one of our most requested catering items. They accommodate vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free diets in a single dish. We cater office lunches, parties, and events across Northern Virginia. Call (703) 340-1014 for large orders.
Common Questions
Falafel Bowl FAQ
Where can I get a falafel bowl near me in Falls Church, VA?
Taza Shawarma & Falafel at 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041 serves falafel bowls made fresh to order. Your choice of basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus base, topped with crispy falafel fried when you order, Arabic salad, tahini, and your choice of 14 free toppings, built at the counter. Priced $10.45. Open 7 days a week from 11 AM to midnight.
Is the falafel bowl at Taza vegan and gluten-free?
Yes on both counts. Our falafel is made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices -- no eggs, no dairy, no flour. On a rice or greens base with tahini and vegetables, the entire bowl is vegan and gluten-free. The hummus base is also vegan and gluten-free. The only topping that contains dairy is our garlic mayo; substitute extra tahini for a fully plant-based bowl.
What base options are available for the falafel bowl?
Three bases: basmati rice (fluffy, aromatic, the most filling choice), mixed greens (lighter, crunchier, lowest calorie), or hummus (creamy, rich, double-chickpea experience). All three bases are included in the $10.45 price. No upcharge for any base. You can also ask for a half-and-half split of two bases.
How many calories are in a Taza falafel bowl?
A falafel bowl on a greens base with standard toppings and tahini runs approximately 400-500 calories. On rice, approximately 550-650 calories. On a hummus base, approximately 600-700 calories. These are estimates -- your exact calorie count depends on which toppings and sauces you choose. The bowl is high in protein and fiber from the chickpeas regardless of base.
Can I customize my falafel bowl at Taza?
Completely. Choose your base (rice, greens, or hummus), then tell the counter which of the 14 free toppings you want: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fresh mint, parsley, pickles, black olives, pickled turnips, tahini sauce, garlic mayo, olive oil dressing, hummus, and baba ghanoush. In store all 14 are free and the crew builds the bowl for you; online you pick up to 6 of 11. You can also add extra falafel pieces ($0.85 each) or a side of pita bread ($0.95).
Can I order falafel bowls for delivery in Northern Virginia?
Everyday orders are pickup: order online through Clover for pickup at our Falls Church location, with free parking at the door. Bowls travel well because the falafel sits on top and stays crispy. For catering of 10 to 200+ guests, delivery is available -- call us directly at (703) 340-1014.
What makes Taza's falafel bowl different from other restaurants?
Three things. First, our falafel is chickpeas ground with fresh herbs and spices, shaped by hand. Second, every falafel is fried to order, not batch-fried in the morning and held under heat lamps. Third, in store you get 14 free toppings, your choice, built at the counter, so the bowl comes out exactly the way you want. The difference is in the taste: bright green interior, shattering crust, fresh herb flavor in every bite.
Is the falafel bowl halal?
Yes. Our entire kitchen operates under halal standards. Every ingredient -- oils, sauces, spices, bread, proteins -- meets halal requirements. The falafel bowl is also naturally vegan, which means it satisfies halal, vegan, and vegetarian dietary requirements simultaneously. For families who need halal compliance, there is zero guesswork at Taza.
Falafel Bowls Near You in Northern Virginia
Located at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041, Taza serves falafel bowls to customers across Falls Church and greater Northern Virginia. We are within a 15-minute drive of all these neighborhoods.
Address
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
Hours
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Phone
(703) 340-1014Fresh Falafel Bowls, Built When You Order
Chickpeas, herbs, spices. Falafel fried when you order. Your choice of rice, greens, or hummus. Fourteen free toppings, built at the counter. That is a Taza falafel bowl.