Falafel or felafel[1] (/fəˈlɑːfəl/, /-ˈlæf-/;[1] Arabic: فلافل‎, [faˈlaːfɪl] ( listen), dialectal: [fæˈlæːfel]) is a deep-fried ball, doughnut, or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food that most likely originated in Egypt.[2][3][4] It is commonly served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon; "falafel" also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way. The falafel balls are laid over a bed of salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces.