You’re headed to the Holy Land — how exciting! And if you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already heard that Israeli food is among the most flavorful and diverse cuisines in the world. Shaped by Jewish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African influences, Israeli cuisine is as colorful as the country itself. Fresh herbs, bold spices, vibrant produce, and centuries of tradition all on a single plate.
But with so many incredible dishes to choose from, where should you begin? That’s where we come in. As Israel travel experts (and passionate food lovers), we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Israeli food, complete with insider tips on what to eat, where to find it, and how to enjoy it like a local.
Savory Israeli Food
Falafel
Perhaps the most famous and best food in Israel, falafel, is a must-try. These crispy chickpea balls are typically stuffed into pita bread with hummus, tahini, pickles, and salads.
Our insider’s recommendation: In Israel, you’re rarely more than a five-minute walk from a falafel stand. Locals will argue endlessly about who makes the best falafel, but truthfully, most are excellent. If you’re unsure, ask the vendor for a sample ball before ordering. They’ll almost always say yes, and it’s the perfect way to judge the freshness of this traditional Israeli food.
Sabich
An Iraqi-Jewish creation that became a staple of fast eats and street food in Israel, sabich is a pita sandwich filled with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, tahini, amba (mango pickle sauce), and fresh vegetables.
Our insider’s recommendation: For the gold standard, head straight to Sabich Frishman in Tel Aviv. Expect a line, but it moves quickly. Trust us, the first bite is worth every minute of waiting.
Shakshuka
A beloved dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, often prepared in a sizzling pan. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Our insider’s recommendation: Shakshuka is a breakfast classic across Israel, but if you want to try it at its very best, head to Dr. Shakshuka in Jaffa. Presented in steaming skillets, it comes in both traditional and creative variations, and the atmosphere there is just as iconic as the dish itself.
Hummus
More than just a dip, hummus in Israel is a meal in itself, topped with warm chickpeas, olive oil, and served with fresh pita. In fact, hummus is renowned as one of the must-eat foods in Levinsky Market. Overall, each hummus joint (called a hummusiya) has its own loyal following.
Our insider’s recommendation: Every Israeli has their “hummus spot” and the debates can get passionate. For a truly authentic experience, try Abu Hassan in Jaffa, one of the most famous hummusiyas in the country. Arrive early, because once the pots are empty, the doors close!
Jerusalem Mixed Grill (Me’orav Yerushalmi)
A local specialty of Jerusalem, this sizzling dish combines spiced chicken, lamb, and organ meats grilled with onions and herbs.
Our insider’s recommendation: The best place to try Me’orav Yerushalmi is in Jerusalem’s bustling Machane Yehuda Market, featured here on our Jerusalem map. Head to the legendary Hatzot restaurant and order it fresh off the grill with warm lafa bread on the side. It’s as close as you’ll get to the original recipe, and the lively market setting makes the experience even better. We highly recommend joining our Jerusalem Food Tour of Machane Yehuda Market, where our expert guides will help you discover all the local favorite dining spots.
Jerusalem Bagel
Unlike the New York version, the Jerusalem bagel is oblong, sesame-coated, and fluffy inside. It’s often sold by street vendors, paired with za’atar spice for dipping. Savoring one of these delicious specialties should be at the top of your Jerusalem bucket list.
Our insider’s recommendation: For the most authentic experience, buy one straight from a vendor outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls. Warm, fragrant, and sprinkled with sesame, it’s a true taste of tradition, especially when dipped in za’atar and olive oil.
Israeli Salad
This simple yet iconic salad is one of the best Israeli foods. Finely chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. In general, Israeli salad is a refreshing side dish found across the country.
Our insider’s recommendation: When tasting this regional delicacy, we highly recommend topping it with tahina. Overall, the combination of these flavors is truly outstanding.
Sweet Israeli Food
Jachnun
A slow-cooked Yemenite pastry traditionally eaten on Shabbat morning. Prepared with grated tomato and a hard-boiled egg, it’s known as a comforting and unique Israeli food.
Our insider’s recommendation: For the real deal, try jachnun at a Yemenite eatery in Tel Aviv’s Kerem HaTeimanim neighborhood. Many spots serve it fresh on Saturday mornings, when locals line up after synagogue. Pair it with hilbeh (fenugreek dip) and you’ll understand why this humble dish has such a devoted following.
Malabi
A silky milk pudding topped with rosewater syrup, nuts, and coconut flakes. Malabi is one of Israel’s most beloved street desserts, often put in little cups by vendors and restaurants alike.
Our insider’s recommendation: Don’t miss Hamalabia in Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market. Their malabi is perfectly balanced — creamy, floral, and not overly sweet. Additionally, the casual vibe makes it a favorite local hangout. You can indulge in even more of the market’s diverse cuisine by joining our Tel Aviv Food Tasting Tour of the Carmel Market. Led by a local foodie, you’ll sample a range of delicacies whilst interacting with the friendly, lively vendors.
Sufganiyot
These pillowy doughnuts filled with jam or chocolate are a staple during Hanukkah in Israel, though bakeries stock them year-round in creative flavors.
Our insider’s recommendation: Roladin bakery takes sufganiyot to another level with gourmet fillings and toppings. Look out for seasonal specials and limited-edition flavors across their many branches nationwide.
Knafeh
A Levantine dessert that Israelis have wholeheartedly adopted. Made from shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and syrup, it’s rich, sweet, and unforgettable.
Our insider’s recommendation: For an unbeatable knafeh, visit the bustling market in Akko (Acre). Pairing a plate of warm, gooey knafeh with a stroll through the ancient port town is an experience that stays with you. Join our Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to be led through the market by an insider expert and be directed towards the best Knafeh spots in town.
Halva
Made from sesame paste, halva comes in countless varieties and flavors. You’ll find this nutty, flaky Israeli food in markets across Israel, especially Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem.
Our insider’s recommendation: To find which type of halva is your favorite, we suggest sampling halva from different vendors. From pistachio-studded slabs to dark chocolate swirls, you’ll quickly learn that no two halvas are the same.
Iconic Israeli Food: Bread
Pita
Fresh Israeli pita is unlike any other. It’s warm, fluffy, and perfect for stuffing with falafel, shawarma, or sabich. Honestly, there is no limit to what you can put in a pita!
Challah
This braided bread, eaten on Shabbat and holidays, is both a ritual and culinary delight. At special times of year, there are often unique challah variations to try. For example, during Rosh Hashanah in Israel, many bakeries serve raisin-filled challah, while on Purim in Israel, you’ll find extra sweet challah with colorful sprinkles!
Lafa
Also called Iraqi pita, lafa is a large flatbread that is chewy, soft, and often used to wrap shawarma. This dish is a must-try, especially if it’s your first time in Israel.
You Can Never Go Wrong With Israeli Food
The Israeli food scene isn’t just about eating, it’s about connection, culture, and community. From grabbing a warm Jerusalem bagel on the go, to sharing plates of hummus at a crowded hummusiya or sitting down to a family-style Shabbat dinner, every bite tells a story of tradition and togetherness.
Our advice? Come hungry, bring an adventurous spirit, and don’t be afraid to follow the locals. Whether it’s a sizzling shakshuka in Jaffa, sweet knafeh in Akko, or malabi in a Tel Aviv market stall, the flavors of Israeli cuisine are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, and probably a craving to come back for more. To make sure you don’t miss out on a single flavor, join one of our incredible Israel food tours, and fully immerse in Israel’s passionate food scene.
In addition to its spectacular cuisine, Israel boasts an array of breathtaking sites. With our Israel Package Tours, you can enjoy captivating landmarks like the Western Wall in Jerusalem or the world-famous Dead Sea, while we take care of all the logistics. Focus on experiencing all that Israel has to offer while plan all your inclusive transfers, expert guides, comfortable hotels, and exciting activities. Join us today!
Article originally appeared at: Israeli Food: The Ultimate GuideTourist Israel – Tours & Travel Ideas, Things to Do
Source: www.touristisrael.com
