If you’re a foodie, Israel is a must-visit destination. Israeli cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, with influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. From fresh falafel to delicious shakshuka, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll share some foodie rules to follow and highlight some of the best dishes Israel has to offer.
From Falafel to Shakshuka: Israeli Classics to Try
No culinary journey in Israel is complete without trying some of the classic dishes. First up, falafel! This deep-fried chickpea ball is a staple street food in Israel. It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with tahini, hummus, or Israeli salad. Another must-try in Israel is shakshuka. This egg-based dish is made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. It’s usually served with bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Hummus and More: Dipping into Israeli Cuisine
Hummus is another classic dish that’s a must-try in Israel. It’s made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. You’ll find it served with pita bread, veggies, or as a side dish with falafel or shawarma. Israeli cuisine also features other delicious dips like baba ganoush (roasted eggplant dip) and labneh (strained yogurt).
Adventure on Your Plate: Street Food in Israel
Foodies, rejoice! Israel has some of the best street food in the world. Besides falafel, you can try shawarma (marinated meat wrapped in a pita bread), sabich (fried eggplant sandwich), and malabi (rosewater pudding). Each city has its own specialties, so don’t be afraid to wander around and discover something new.
Wine Not? Exploring Israel’s Dynamic Wine Scene
Did you know that Israel has a thriving wine industry? The country has been making wine for over 5,000 years and has a diverse range of grape varieties. Some of the popular wine regions in Israel include the Galilee, the Judean Hills, and the Negev Desert. You can visit wineries, attend wine festivals, and sample some of the finest wines Israel has to offer.
Sweet Treats and Snacks: Noshing in Israel
Israel is a snacker’s paradise. You’ll find an abundance of sweet treats like halva (sesame candy), rugelach (pastry filled with chocolate or jam), and kanafeh (sweet cheese pastry drizzled with syrup). For savory snacks, try kubbeh (meat or vegetarian dumplings), falafel balls, or sabich sandwiches. Make sure to leave some room for dessert – Israeli cuisine has some of the best sweets in the world.
Israel is a foodie’s dream destination. From the classic dishes to the street food, the wine scene, and the sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to follow the foodie rules – eat with your hands, try everything at least once, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Happy eating!