LIST: Food in Israel for every tastebud
Although some people plan a trip to Jerusalem to explore the many sacred Jewish and Christian landmarks, there are a few who plan to try the food as well.
The food industry in Israel is actually a hodgepodge of cuisines from immigrants who migrated from various areas like North Africa, Mediterranean, and other Middle Eastern countries.
If you're in the area, why not give these dishes a shot?
Baklava is a popular sweet pastry dessert made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup and honey. A must-visit according is the Shawar Coffee Shop and Bakery which has been around for more than 300 years.
Photo by: cityofjerusalem, IG)
No trip to the Holy Land is complete without hummus. Don't let its appearance fool you, the dip is made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It's usually served with pita or flatbread.
Photo by: cityofjerusalem (IG)
Nope, this is not the usual bagel you can find at your nearby bakeshop. The Jerusalem bagels are covered in sesame seeds and are never boiled. Both the texture and flavor are different as the Jerusalem version is fluffier, airier, and less doughy. Best eaten if dipped in olive oil, hummus, or za'atar.
Photo by: halvakingdom (IG)
For people with a sweet tooth, try some Halva. It's a sweet confection made from tahini (ground sesame butter), sugar, and honey. Some vendors in Jerusalem sell them with different add-ons like almonds, pistachios, and chocolate.
Photo by: alyabuzz (IG)
Whether it's lamb, chicken, beef, or buffalo - it's a must when visiting Jerusalem. They serve so many kinds and with so many topping variations that the Shawarma here in the Philippines just isn't enough.
Photo by: laliv.gal (IG)
For the cheese lovers out there, why not try Kanafeh? It is a cheese pasty, most often kaymak, soaked in sugar syrup, and includes other ingredients like pistachio and rose water.
Photo by: cityofjerusalem (IG)
These are flaky pastries made of the same filo dough used in Baklava. Inside, it is filled with different fillings like salty cheese, spinach, mushroom, and mashed potatoes.
Photo by : claudiaaleon, IG
This Egyptian dish is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Falafels have been around since the early 1000 BC as a vegan option in replacement for meat during Lenten season.
Photo by: rachelleyadegar (IG)
The healthiest of the bunch, Israeli salad is simply a mixture of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, finished off with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Photo by cityofjerusalem (IG)
This fruit has a special place in the heart of Holy Land. The pomegranate has a long association with biblical agriculture - from Moses up to the prophets. So if you're in the area, try buying some of this delicious fruit and it's known to be good for your skin.
Photo by: cityofjerusalem (IG)
Take your cooking to the next level and bring home some spices from the Middle East. Must buy spice - za'atar to give your cooking some much needed Mediterranean kick.