Interview - Mona Lumani - Arabian Bites

Good nutrition, ease of preparation and excellent versatility sounds like a dream trinity for home cooking goals. All of these are features in Arabian Bites’ Dry Falafel Mix. We spoke with founder, Mona Lumani about why her falafels are so popular in Aussie homes.

FFW: Who is behind Arabian Bites?

ARABIAN BITES: Arabian Bites is a family-run business headed by Mona Lumani.

FFW: What products do you offer?

ARABIAN BITES: We offer Dry Falafel Mix in 4 flavours (original, pumpkin, beetroot, onion & garlic free).

FFW: How is your product different from what else is out there?

ARABIAN BITES: They use fava beans which are higher in fibre and protein than chickpeas, and all ingredients are added. Simply add water and mix. We use local Victorian produce, our packs are a bigger size, serving a family of four, and they are all natural, with no preservatives.

FFW: How did you decide to go into business making falafel mixes?

ARABIAN BITES: I was made redundant through Covid and I was making fresh falafel a few years back which I put on hold for personal reasons. I did not waste anytime jumping straight into the falafel business again but in a different way that works better for me (longer shelf life and I can work from home). I substituted all the fresh ingredients for dry ingredients.

I wanted people to get the same falafel taste as if they made them themselves or went toa Middle Eastern restaurant, without the fuss.

FFW: What makes your shelf-stable, homemade falafels preferable to ready-made, refrigerated ones?

ARABIAN BITES: Nothing tastes better than a fresh falafel. They are healthy, easily prepared and are so convenient – when guests come over, you don’t know what to cook, or having a meat free day, etc. Also, they can be shaped any way you want (patties, balls, burgers, sausages) and enjoyed any time of day. Plus, you can cook them any way you want, baked or fried (and your choice of oil).

FFW: Can home cooks add other ingredients to their falafels when they’re making them?

ARABIAN BITES: Yes, they can certainly add fresh herbs or chilli as they wish.

FFW: Do your products contain preservatives? What other virtues do they offer?

ARABIAN BITES: No, my falafel do not contain any artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives; they are all natural. They are also gluten free, MSG free and vegan.

FFW: Are your ingredients sourced locally?

ARABIAN BITES: Yes, we source 93-95% of our ingredients from the Wimmera region in north western Victoria.

FFW: Can the falafels be made in advance and frozen or refrigerated for later use?

ARABIAN BITES: Definitely, I say rest for 15-20 minutes but that’s if you are in a super hurry, but you can rest them for much longer and they can also be frozen, cooked or uncooked.

FFW: What place do you think your products have in home kitchens?

ARABIAN BITES: They’re a great pantry staple to keep on hand and they produce a healthy meal in under 30 minutes.

FFW: What kinds of customers are perfect for Arabian Bites products? [e.g. unskilled home cooks, kids learning to cook, those looking to add Middle Eastern flavours to their repertoire, etc.]

ARABIAN BITES: Everyone. They’re ideal for unskilled home cooks, kids learning to cook and those looking to add Middle Eastern flavours to their repertoire. Plus, they are loved by vegans/vegetarians and those following gluten free diets. They’re perfect for people who are time poor and want an easy, healthy meal.

FFW: Do you offer bulk quantities for foodservice businesses?

ARABIAN BITES: Yes, in 2kg tubs.

FFW: How do foodservice businesses use your products? [e.g. sandwich shops, kebab shops, burgers, etc.]

ARABIAN BITES: Sandwich shops, burger outlets and kebab shops use our falafels and so do caterers, restaurants, cafes, meal delivery services.

FFW: Where would you like to see your range stocked?

ARABIAN BITES: In every store possible!

FFW: Tell us about your Falafel Mixes’ versatility.

ARABIAN BITES: They’re incredibly versatile because you can make them in whatever shape you like and serve them in many different ways such as on sandwiches and burgers, in salads, with dips and with meats on a grazing platter. They can be enjoyed any time of day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks.

FFW: What makes your falafels popular with kids?

ARABIAN BITES: Kids can help make them and getting them involved makes them want to eat them. They are so easy for kids to make and they really enjoy shaping them, like playing with Play-Doh. They’re really nutritious for kids and they love the golden crunch and subtle flavours.

FFW: What is the shelf life of your falafel mixes?

ARABIAN BITES: 12 months.

FFW: As a boutique food business, you must be aware of other small food producers doing great things. Any you’d like to share about?

ARABIAN BITES: Etch Sparkling, The Broth Sisters, San Elk.

FFW: If you could get Arabian Bites products in the hands of the most exciting client ever, who would that be?

ARABIAN BITES: Ooh, Nigella Lawson – I know she would create something beautiful from them!

FFW: Stock Arabian Bites in your food retail business or serve them in your café or restaurant. For more information or to place an order, get in touch with Arabian Bites today.