Food is a universal language, and in Israel it’s a language that promotes inclusion and peace. No matter the background, Israeli dishes and Israeli street food are devoured by all.
So what’s on the menu?
1. Hummus
Available pretty much everywhere, we can nickname Israel the “Land of Milk, Honey, and Hummus.
Once you try authentic Israeli hummus, there’s no going back. No one will bat an eyelash if you want hummus with every meal (dessert excluded).
2. Rugelach
Chocolate Israeli Style Rugelach
Hummus goes with just about everything but rugelach, little bits of pastry heaven. The smaller, more delicate cousin to babka, rugelach are an Israeli bakery staple.
You can find classic crispy rugelach–or you can take advantage of Israel’s unique and delicious soft, gooey twists overflowing with flavor. Rugalech are stuffed with chocolate, cinnamon, or halva (sweet tahini paste). Try them all and buy a few extra boxes to cram into your suitcase to bring home. A souvenir for the tastebuds.
3. Shawarma
Shawarma Steak with Homemade Pita
Tahini goes everywhere, from rugelach to the king of Israeli street food: shawarma! If you’re on an Israeli street you’re not far from a shawarma stand.
Large cuts of meat are cooked low and slow on a roasting skewer. The meat is sliced off in thin pieces and stuffed into a pita or laffa with the perfect amount of tahini, hummus, Israeli chopped salad (and more). Try it, try it again, and happily become a street shawarma aficionado.
4. Falafel
If shawarma is the king, then perhaps falafel is the queen of Israeli street food. These crispy, deep fried balls of ground chickpeas are the ultimate crowd pleaser. It may be impossible to walk through the shuk, an outdoor marketplace, without ordering a fresh, made to order falafel to fuel the shopping munchies.
5. Salatim
While you’re ordering, stock up on salatim, an Israeli assortment of fresh, pickled and spreadable salads and dips. Salatim are served as a first course or accompaniment to the entire meal. Variety is the name of the game when it comes to salatim.
Some popular options include Moroccan carrot salad, purple cabbage slaw, cauliflower tahini salad, matbucha, chatzilim (eggplant salad), schug (spicy Yemenite dip), roasted peppers. There are so many more to try and fill up on.
6. Shakshuka
Wherever breakfast is served in Israel, shakshuka is served. Every Middle Eastern country claims rights to the original shakshuka, but whatever its origin, this egg poached in tomato sauce dish is a must-have in Israel. And don’t limit yourself to breakfast, shakshuka is best eaten whenever the craving hits.
7. Bourekas
Warm, straight from the oven bourekas made from pastry dough are a vibe. Bought from a bustling, loud, crowded marketplace– an even better vibe. Fresh ingredients and an exciting atmosphere make Israeli streetside boureka eating almost a sport.
8. Sabich
While America might be a melting pot of cultures, in Israel, Jews from around the world bring their own melting pots and pans and set up shop selling each other incredible dishes from their hometowns of yesteryear.
Sabich is a perfectly delicious example, brought to Israel by Iraqi Jewish immigrants. Modern sabich stuffs a pita with fried eggplant, sliced boiled egg, hummus, salatim, and even fries. Shawarma, falafel, sabich– you really can’t go wrong.
9. Sachlav
On a cold(ish) winter day, if you want a special Israeli drink to enjoy while you eat your way through the shuk, try sachlav. This completely unique drink is somewhat like the hot chocolate of the Middle East. Made into a thick, aromatic drink from ground orchid bulb powder mixed with milk, rose water or orange blossom, vanilla, and cinnamon. Sachlav is a comforting, decadent drink with unparalleled flavor.
10. Mitz Pri
Mitz Pri, or freshly squeezed juice vendors abound in Israel. From oranges to carrots to pomegranates, Israeli farms produce nutritional powerhouses simply made for optimal juicing. These local, seasonal fruit make sipping on a vibrant, colorful juice a refreshing experience for the eyes and taste buds.
