Food in Israel

Israel stands at the crossroads of culinary traditions, drawing influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the many Jewish communities from around the world that have made the country their home. As a tourist in Israel, you will find a vibrant food scene that tells the story of its diverse cultural heritage. From the bustling markets brimming with fresh produce to the innovative restaurants fusing traditional flavors with modern twists, Israeli cuisine is a feast for the senses. This guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes and food experiences that are essential for any visitor looking to savor the true taste of Israel.

Israeli Dishes

Hummus

Hummus is a staple in Israeli cuisine, a creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It is often garnished with paprika, parsley, and whole chickpeas, served with warm pita bread or as a side dish to accompany a variety of meals.

Falafel

Falafel is a popular street food in Israel, consisting of deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices. Served in a pita or laffa bread with salad, pickles, and sauces such as tahini, it's a must-try for any visitor.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a hearty breakfast dish, though it can be enjoyed at any time of day. It features poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, often spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. It's typically served in a cast iron pan with bread to mop up the sauce.

Sabich

Sabich is a sandwich-like dish featuring pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, tahini, Israeli salad, and amba (a tangy mango pickle). It's a filling option that reflects the diverse influences on Israeli cuisine.

Shawarma

Israeli shawarma is a local adaptation of the Middle Eastern spit-grilled meat. Typically made from turkey or chicken, though sometimes lamb or beef, it's marinated with spices and slow-cooked on a rotating spit. Sliced off and stuffed into pita or laffa bread with vegetables and tahini, it's a flavorful and popular choice.

Cholent

Cholent is a traditional Jewish stew typically simmered overnight for 12 hours or more and eaten for lunch on Shabbat (the Sabbath). It's made with meat, potatoes, beans, and barley, with variations that include kishke (a type of sausage) or knaidlach (dumplings).

Matzah Ball Soup

A comforting Jewish soup, particularly during Passover, matzah ball soup consists of chicken broth with matzah balls, which are dumplings made from a mixture of matzah meal, eggs, water, and a fat like oil or chicken fat. Sometimes vegetables such as carrots and celery are added for extra flavor.

Israeli Salad

Also known as a Jerusalem salad, this dish is a common accompaniment to many meals. It's a simple, refreshing salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, and seasoned with salt and za'atar.

Bourekas

Bourekas are savory pastries that originated from Sephardic Jewish cuisine, filled with cheese, potato, spinach, or mushroom. They're made from either puff pastry or phyllo dough and are often topped with sesame seeds.

Meorav Yerushalmi

Meorav Yerushalmi, or Jerusalem mixed grill, is a skewer-less street food dish made with mixed offal (such as chicken hearts, spleens, and liver), onion, spices, and grilled on a flat top. It's often served with tahini, amba, and fresh bread on the side.

Israeli Desserts

Baklava

While not originally from Israel, baklava has become a beloved dessert in the country. It's a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Rugelach

Rugelach are small, crescent-shaped pastries with fillings such as chocolate, nuts, jam, or cinnamon. They're popular in Israel, commonly found in most bakeries and served on Jewish holidays and celebrations.

Malabi

Malabi is a creamy milk-based pudding that is popular in Israel. It's typically flavored with rose water and served chilled with a sweet syrup, often garnished with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Halva

Halva is a dense, sweet confection made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar, with a crumbly, fudge-like texture. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio, and is a common treat in Israeli markets.

Knafeh

Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry or semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese or other ingredients such as clotted cream or nuts. It's a favorite in Israel, particularly among the Arab population.

Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are round jelly-filled doughnuts that are especially popular during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. They are deep-fried, filled with red jam, and topped with powdered sugar. This sweet treat symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Hanukkah story.