Laila’s Falafael

São Paulo

Dona Laila is Lebanese, and the first time she came to Brazil was in 1988. She returned in 2006, with Lebanon at war, after her house was bombed, and she lost everything, including loved ones. The beginning here was very difficult, she says; she even went hungry at times. However, with the help of a neighbor who discovered her talent in the kitchen, she started selling Arab foods to friends and acquaintances. With the continued support of this neighbor, now a great friend and guardian angel, she obtained permission from the city to set up her stall. It was there that she won over her clientele with her delicious kibbeh, esfihas, typical sweets, and, most notably, the famous falafel. Falafel is a ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, well-seasoned. It is served inside a pita bread, which Laila also prepares herself, along with yogurt sauce, tabbouleh, and tahini. Today, Laila has her trailer in Nossa Senhora Aparecida Square in Moema and continues to fight every day, expressing her immense gratitude to Brazil, which, according to her, allowed her to start over.

Where and When?

Praça Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Moema

Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday:
09:00 – 17:00

Photos: Neto de Oliveira/ Text: Ines Gatçoni