Finnish that falafel

Thank you to our regular contributor Marie for this post.

After a 3 year hiatus, it was time to try flying again with the offer of a berth and company in Helsinki. Gatwick was reputed to be like hell on a bad day but the reality was logistically fine. But I’d forgotten what a humongous FAFF airports, departure gates and planes are. But, given the delights that greeted me in Finland – with its groovy young dancing PM and endless islands lakes and forests – it was worth it. Helsinki and surrounds, in summer, are immediately welcoming to Vegans with varied salads, enormous availability – often in the form of groaningly diverse and delicious lunch buffets where you pay a set price, and a home-grown Falafel chain called Fafa.

After a long day’s driving to see part of the lovely archipelago south of the former capital Turku (one of many jaunts possible from Helsinki) I was gasping for sustenance. Fafa claims to be carbon neutral- (just as well after my 6 hour car round trip ) and they have a variety of falafel in pita or boxed options including harissa. I opted for a simple takeaway Pita with falafel, Salad and hummus and no sauces.

Like everything in Finland it was absolutely extortionate at €9.50, but was delicious with lots of falafels and thick tasty hummus. Bread was a bit tough but nice enough. Apparently there are now 35 Fafas in Finland and beyond – so I’m sure I’ll be trying them again.

Fancy writing about falafel you’ve tried? Was it good, bad or just meh? We’d like to hear from you. Send us your reviews to ratemyfalafel@gmail.com.