Israel is a country where almost everyone always eats on the streets. Still would! It’s warm here all year round. In addition, Israel is a paradise for those who do not eat meat. It just so happens that almost all the food that Israel is famous for is vegetarian. We have collected 8 of the most famous and truly delicious dishes that are worth trying while traveling around Israel.
1. Hummus
What is the most famous Jewish dish? Of course, hummus. Hummus is made from chickpeas, sesame paste, tahini and spices. Hummus is rich in proteins and minerals, and therefore healthy and nutritious. Hummus should not be ordered in cafes or restaurants. You will find the best hummus in specialized hummus shops, for example, in the middle of the market in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Fresh, maybe even still warm, it will be served to you with pita bread, small salads and pickles. They will also definitely bring out a jug of water for the meal.
2. Falafel
Falafel is a vegetarian’s dream fast food. Nutritious and even healthy – falafel can be bought on almost every corner in Israel. Fried chickpea balls, vegetables and spices of your choice – all wrapped in pita bread or pita bread. And you are full for almost the whole day. How to choose the best falafel? Based on the length of the queue!
3. Hatzil-ve-thina
Hatzil in Hebrew means eggplant. Tahini is a sesame paste that in Israel is eaten with almost everything in the world and even just like that, without anything. Tahini with baked eggplant, herbs and spices is a particularly good combination. The most delicious “hatzil-ve-tkhina” can be found, as a rule, in small home restaurants.
4. Shakshuka
The easiest way to say it is that shakshuka is scrambled eggs with tomatoes that Israelis eat for breakfast. But it’s not that simple. Shakshuka contains more than a dozen ingredients, including baked red peppers, tomatoes, spices and lots and lots of herbs. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron skillet. The portions are usually more than enough for two (by the way, in Israel, in general, everything is served in very large portions). Tahini is ideal as a sauce for shakshuka.
5. Sabih
Sabih came to Israel from Iraq. Traditionally, Iraqi Jews ate it on Shabbat morning (“sabah” in Arabic means morning). Sabih is a sandwich made from eggplants, potatoes, vegetables and sauces fried according to a special recipe. If you’re not afraid of spicy food, go for the sabich with amba mango sauce!
6. Knafe
The city of Nablus on the west bank of the Jordan River is considered to be the birthplace of knafeh, a bright orange dessert made from Kadaif vermicelli and goat cheese. The right knafeh is very tender and fresh and not very sweet. When serving, it is poured with sugar syrup and sprinkled with pistachios, almonds or walnuts. The Arab city of Acre in the north of the country is famous for the best knafeh in Israel.
7. Sahlab
Sahlab is more of a dessert than a drink, although it is poured into cups and is also placed in the “Soft drinks” section of the menu. Hot pudding with coconut, cinnamon and pistachios is made from the grated dried roots of a plant called Orchis mascula, a relative of the orchid. Properly prepared sahlab has a delicate floral aroma and a uniform consistency of thick jelly. Try sahlab on a cool, windy day in the Old City of Jerusalem!
8. Bamba
Bamba is not a dish at all. But for Israeli children there is nothing more beloved than bamba. In any store you can easily find a bag of corn sticks in peanut butter and you will probably love them no less than the residents of Israel. And take a couple of bags with you in your suitcase back home!
