Capturing the True Flavor of Israel

When it comes to Israel travel, no trip is complete without experiencing full range of Israeli culture – which includes, of course, Israeli food! From falafel and hummus to shwarma, couscous, and shakshooka, the list of Israeli culinary delights is long and tasty… 

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Falafel
image by: Tasty Kitchen

Israel is famous for many things: ancient Biblical sites, historical monuments, revolutionary archeological discoveries, breathtaking scenery, adventurous hikes, reviving the Modern Hebrew language, famous scientific inventions, and more. Israel is also renowned for its many achievements in the areas of dance, sports, theater, fashion, literature, music, and cinema. However when it comes to cuisine, Israeli food really takes the cake!

As you travel through Israel and enjoy its diverse landscape, grab a bite of an authentic Israeli breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you're not sure what's on the menu in many Israeli homes these days or what street foods will leave your taste buds watering for more, here is a miniature guide to Israeli foods, including main dishes, side dishes, snacks,
and deserts.

To begin with, you can't pass by many Israeli street corners without running into a falafel stand. Considered a modern symbol of Israeli culture, falafel is consumed as both a main course or as a quick snack on the go. Don't know what falafel is? Picture a fresh pita pocket stuffed with deep-fried chickpea balls and topped with Israeli salad, a drizzle of tahini, and some Israeli "chips" (otherwise known as French Fries…) Additional Israeli foods you will encounter as you walk the streets of Jerusalem or pound the pavements of Tel Aviv include shwarma (grilled lamb) served in pita or laffa bread, malawach, a flaky pastry served with a sweet or savory topping, and bourekas, mini puff pastries stuffed with a potato, vegetable, or cheese filling.


Hummus is another not-to-be-missed part of the Israeli cultural experience. A traditional food popular throughout the Middle East, hummus is made from mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and tahini (a sesame seed paste). Served on a round platter in most Israeli restaurants and eaten as a spread or a dip, hummus is typically enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, or raw vegetables. If you want to watch your figure while you feast, hummus is the perfect travel companion. With only 27 calories per tablespoon, hummus is low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, and an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and folic acid.

Whether you rise at the crack of dawn to watch the early morning sunrise atop the majestic Judean hills at Masada, or whether you sleep in late after a tiring tiyul (excursion) to Israel's upper Galilee and Golan Heights regions, enjoy waking up to an authentic Israeli breakfast. Israeli foods you can look forward to in the morning include: Israeli salad (made from fresh vegetables, eggs, and cheese); Leben (plain and fruit-flavored yogurts); jachnun (a dish made from dough and cooked overnight); shakshooka (a spicy Middle Eastern egg & tomato dish made with onions, peppers, and potatoes).

Israel, Travel Israel, Travel, Food, Travel Tips, Travel Guide, Falafel, Hummus, Israeli, Holy Land, Middle East, Travel Middle East
Holy Land

If all this talk of Israeli food has whet your appetite, here a few more taste-bud-tingling treats to enjoy as you traverse the Holy Land all the way from Eilat in the south to Mount Hermon in the north: Schnitzel (fried/breaded chicken or vegetarian cutlets); Bamba (a peanut-butter flavored children's favorite snack food); Ice Cream (the perfect way to cool off from the hot Israeli sun). 

On your next trip to the Middle East, spice up your travels by capturing the full taste and favor of Israeli food!

When you're planning a trip to the Middle East, it pays to travel with the experts. American Israel Travel (AIT) boasts 40 years of expertise in conducting Holy Land tours, offering trips for groups and families and for all occasions. Committed to customizing each step of the way to match your interests and needs, there is no better way to connect with the history of the land and to make your dream trip to Israel come true.

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