| Jewish culture and Jewish holidays rooted in the | | | | Over the past ten years, Israeli food has truly |
| scriptures of the Torah, often revolve around an | | | | proven itself to the world culinary scene and new |
| element of particular cuisine to symbolize an | | | | Israeli chefs are opening specialty cuisine |
| important message. The stereotypical image of a | | | | restaurants all over the country. Although the |
| Jewish mother offering heaping plates of food to | | | | food in these new places is outstanding, it is the |
| her kindelach without a prayer of a smaller portion | | | | stories behind the chefs and their cuisine that will |
| has become a mainstay in the Israeli household. | | | | truly whet the diner's appetite for more. Many |
| Religious culinary undertones are particularly clear | | | | Israeli citizens are immigrants from around the |
| during the Jewish holidays around the globe with | | | | world, or have a parent who lived abroad. A |
| traditional foods such as the Passover matzah, | | | | synthesis of fusion cuisines and a fresh spin on |
| Tu'bishvat lulav and etrog, and even the Shabbat | | | | Israeli ingredients and staples has contributed to |
| challah. Israeli cuisine takes culinary Jewish | | | | the special food scene in Israel adored by foodies |
| traditions like these and kneads them with | | | | and families. |
| culturally significant flavors into a brand new spin | | | | There are so many special foods unique to the |
| on old world classics. | | | | places they originate from, but a few truly stand |
| Mediterranean climate is the number one factor in | | | | out from the rest as a modern staple in the |
| Israeli cuisine. Fruit and vegetables are all grown | | | | Israeli diet. Jews from Eastern and Central Europe |
| locally in Israel, and typically incorporated into | | | | brought their artisan bread skills to the Holy land |
| every meal. The most popular Israeli staples are | | | | and introduced sourdough and other specialty |
| tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, as well as a huge | | | | breads to round out the Mediterranean diet in |
| variety of fruit and vegetables. Israelis and | | | | Israel. More recently, French bakeries and |
| tourists alike take great pride in the freshness of | | | | patisseries can be found in most cities offering |
| the local produce and outstanding milk products. | | | | baguettes and special pastries made with a blend |
| Dairy products such as cottage cheese and | | | | of Mediterranean and European ingredients. |
| labaneh are common to the Israeli palate and | | | | Sephardic cuisine brought a different spin to the |
| often make an appearance at both the breakfast | | | | pastry scene with two very popular dishes; |
| and dinner table. | | | | sambusac and burekas. Both variations of stuffed |
| Since the first Zionists came to Israel in 1948, | | | | bread and folded filo dough can stand as a meal |
| they made use of the natural ingredients found in | | | | alone or compliment a main dish as a small side. |
| the land of Israel. Olives, barley, wheat, and figs | | | | These dishes originated in the Ottoman Empire |
| are among the few ingredients found in | | | | and their simple fresh tastes are adored by many. |
| abundance at the time, and they were enhanced | | | | Immigrants also brought varied traditions of meat |
| with a variety of spices acquired along the trade | | | | to Israel. European immigrants enjoy breaded |
| routes. One of the most well- known Israeli foods | | | | schnitzel and pasta variations in a meal, and often |
| makes wonderful use of these exotic spices. The | | | | include a meat dish in a long Sabbath lunch meal. |
| Israeli falafel is one of the most well-known fast | | | | Persian cuisine focuses more on cooked rice |
| food staples, and it can be prepared in a variety | | | | dishes with saffron, and kebobs or a thick stew |
| of ways with chickpeas and spices such as | | | | to serve on top. It is not uncommon for Israeli |
| coriander, za'atar, pepper, or turmeric. Chick peas | | | | families to serve a combination of these dishes as |
| are also used to make another Israeli staple | | | | cultures collide and meld into a new Israeli culinary |
| known as Hummus. Driven to infamous status by | | | | generation. |
| the film, Don't mess with the Zohan, humus can | | | | Aside from the stereotypical Matzo Ball soup, |
| be found on every dining table and most | | | | Jewish Israeli cuisine has so many variations and |
| restaurants in Israel. The versatility of these | | | | delicious tastes to bring to the table. As the |
| blended chickpeas provides a wonderful dose of | | | | country is constantly changing and improving year |
| protein for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, and | | | | by year, it will be fascinating to see how the |
| it is the perfect complement to fresh produce or | | | | typical Israeli food awakens the tastebuds in even |
| even meat. | | | | more delicious ways. |