Israel is a well-known country. For its size, it takes up a lot of news space.
Whatever your political opnions may be, most agree that the people are beautiful, that there are a freaky number of Israeli Nobel Prize laureates, and blah blah.. what nobody talks about is the FOOD.
Being that food is one of my favorite subjects, howevs, I am here to rectify that. And share foodgasmic photos of it. And tell you, food lovers — especially vegetarians — get your butts to Israel.
You can thank me later.
Why is the food so good in Israel?
Well, despite the fact that less than 4% of its workers are in agriculture and that only 20% of its land is arable, Israel produces 95% of its own food. That’s cray-cray.
That also means that the food is insanely FRESH.
In addition to the freshness factor, another key component to Israeli food is its many influences. Israeli cuisine combines Middle Eastern roots with the varied flavors of the Jewish diaspora.
Are you picking up what I’m putting down? These are the building blocks to killer food.
As for vegetarians…
I’m not technically a vegetarian, though I do limit my meat consumption and generally avoid factory farmed shiz. But, when I’m traveling, I usually cheat quite a bit, as I never want to miss out on local specialties.
In Israel (and the Middle East in general), though, it was super easy to avoid meat.
I have heard of India as being a great country for vegetarians, and I’d like to add Israel to the list.
At every meal, you can feel full, satisfied, and not left out. To be honest, I never felt sad about not eating meat. Every shwarma stand also has falafel, making it easy to eat out with friends and stuff your face silly.
Not yet convinced to visit the vegetarian holy land? Check out some of my fave eats from my time in Israel, and you just might be…
Fruits & vegetables
Abundant, and fresh. Not much more I can, or need to, say.
Hummus
This creamy chickpea dressing is available at every meal – to accompany pitas, salads… or your finger.
I thought I liked hummus before going to Israel. Now, I realize that what I felt before about hummus was just a silly schoolgirl crush, whereas now it is a raging, very adult and very explicit, love affair.
Hummus by the bucketful? Think that only existed in your dreams? I have news for you, friend: go to a magical land called Israel, and you shall find it… atop a unicorn wearing a yarmulka. Er, I made that last part up, but the hummus bucketfuls are real.
Baba ghanoush
Like hummus, but with eggplant added. That’s like giving Rogue’s people powers to Wolverine. In other words, unstoppable.
Nuts
There’s not much better travel food than a good trail mix. I don’t know what is up with Israeli nuts, but they are phenomenal. And, like all good things in Israel, they also come by the binful.
Falafel
My good friend, the chickpea, makes a second appearance here. Ground up with some spices and FRIED (yes!), these tasty little fritters will become your new reason for living. Served in a pita with veggies and tahini sauce, you’re never going to want to go home!
Shakshouka
Meaning “mixed-up” in Hebrew, shakshouka is a pan fried dish made of poached eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is served with bread and is simple, hot, and ohsogood.
Now do you believe me?
Israel is one of the best countries for vegetarians, with fresh food and an ample selection of tasty dishes. For anybody looking for some veggie haute cuisine, what are you waiting for?
(I do realize that most of these foods can be found in other Middle Eastern countries. I found, and mowed, them in both Egypt and Jordan. I thought, however, that food was the best and most vegetarian-friendly in Israel, which is why I focused this post solely there.)
What other countries do you recommend for vegetarians?
This was a postcard from Israel, which quickly became one of my new favorite countries. If you like it, then follow me on Twitter. That way you’ll always know when I have ridiculously funny things to say. Which is always.
Ooh the Shakshouka looks amazing. I wonder if I can get that in Toronto.
I bet! I think it’s pretty easy to make, too. I haven’t tried it yet, but am definitely planning on it in the near future.
Forget about vegetarian – Israel is one of the best and easiest places in the world to be a total, ethical vegan. Of course that may be a large part of why there are more vegans per capita in Israel than in any other country on the planet.
So much food porn. You’ve definitely convinced me to make a trip over there.
Trust me, you will not regret it!
A unicorn wearing a yarmulka…haha. Wouldn’t its horn get in the way?! 🙂
Hahaha. Good point! Oh well, it’s a nice image anyways.
This made me hungry …. and miss you!
… not necessarily in that order 🙂
Awww, I miss YOU, Miss Anna! Thanks for stopping by! And btw, it should be in that order. Food first, girl. Always.
I love love love Israel and shakshouka!!! One of my favorite travel destinations and the reason why I love falafel more now than I ever did before! Thank God NYC has more than enough Israeli restaurants to fulfill my cravings!
Mmmmm, falafel. I am jealous of the variety you have in NYC; it’s not quite the same in Alaska! Haha. But I did just try making falafel for the first time the other day. Shockingly easy! Next on the list: shakshouka!
Hi Susan, very nice post, I have been to Israel before and I’m going to visit it again in September, it’s a beautiful country. And food is really great out there, especially I love their water-melons 🙂
Thanks, Jan! I would love to go back to Israel someday. Enjoy the watermelons!
Did you have to tell the whole world. We are already rationed in Hawaii with the amount of baba ganousch rationed by Israel to aficionados in Mid Pacific
If you come to Hawaii bring pictures sine there is a quarantine on mainland fruits and veggies that are hand carried. Ess eppes undo zei gizind. Rafi
Dear vegan indians add israel to your must visit list now.
I’m a magazine editor and would like to ask a question off-post. Thanks.
Meat consumption in Israel is one of the highest of the world, just after America and Argentina and Australia. Although there are a lot of vegetarian options, calling it a vegetarian holy land makes me personally feel a bit uncomfortable, knowing how much animals they kill and eat there 🙂
That’s a good point, Maria! I just meant in terms of how good the vegetarian food was.
Maria makes a valid point – but I must add that Israel’s Animal Rights movement/community is unquestionably one of the most robust and vigorous ones in the world. Gary Yourofsky told me personally on his last visit that he wasn’t planning on ever coming back because the AR campaign here in Israel was already the best and most effective one he had ever seen. We are working hard at changing the meat mentality here in Israel and I am confident that we are making progress and will continue to do so going forward.
Also a great point, Beau. Thanks for all your hard work!
Thanks you Susan for caring!