Wikipedia classifies falafel as what type of dish?

Wikipedia classifies falafel as a fritter.

A fritter is a food made by coating, mixing, or shaping ingredients and then cooking them in hot oil. Falafel fits that description because ground legumes are combined with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and deep-fried until crisp outside.

Falafel is generally associated with Egypt and the wider Middle East, especially Levantine cuisine. Recipes differ: chickpeas dominate in much of the Levant, while fava beans are central to Egyptian ta’amiya. Some versions use a mixture of both legumes.

Falafel is often served hot or cold, either on its own, as part of a mezze spread, or inside flatbread with salad, pickles, and tahini-based sauces. Its shape and ingredients can vary, but its fried preparation is what places it in the fritter category.

It is easy to confuse falafel with a dumpling because both can be formed into small portions. Dumplings are usually defined by dough or a dough-like wrapper and may be boiled, steamed, baked, or fried; falafel’s defining preparation is a seasoned legume mixture fried in oil.