I have just returned from an 8-day trip to Israel, in association with the Israeli Tourist Board, and was naturally overwhelmed by how much this small country has to offer in terms of history, culture, attractions, nightlife, and scenery.   That said, and because an Israel vacation has been on my bucket list for a long time, I wasn’t totally surprised by it all. I was, however, surprised by the unique and delicious cuisine, and as a result, returned a few pounds heavier!

Suggested Itinerary:
8-Day The Holy Land

The diverse population is really what makes Israel’s cuisine unique. The variety of restaurants, hospitality styles, and the incredible tastes and aromas are all part of the overall richness that make an Israel vacation so special.

EatWith
“EatWith” – it’s not what you eat, it’s who you eat with, which makes for a fun concept, allowing visitors to meet locals and dine with them inside their homes. I had the opportunity to experience this whilst in Tel Aviv. It was hosted by Chef Moshe and his wife, Maayan. The menu was entitled, “The Secret Flavours of Persia” and included dishes such as a black lentil salad with herbs and a cherry tomato sauce, whole cauliflower baked with tahini and chives, and Gondii (traditional rice and meat dish) in a pomegranate sauce. Dessert was a semolina cake with spiced syrup, coconut sorbet, and a tahini and date honey – all a complete taste sensation!

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Cosmopolitan Tel Aviv

Market Delicacies
In Jerusalem, I visited the colourful food and vegetable market, Mahane Yehuda. I was escorted by a local guide to sample a lunch tasting from various stalls. We visited 6 different stalls, and got to sample delicacies in each,  including halva, a savoury pastry stuffed with spinach and cheese, a healthy juice, spices and dried fruit, and rugelach – a decadent chocolate pastry which was so delicious, I brought an entire boxful back with me!

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Especial Jerusalem

Goway can arrange any of these culinary experiences for you, as well as a Shabbat evening with a host family, a Bedouin feast in the desert, and a number of different cooking workshops throughout the country.

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About the Author

Kirsty Perring

Africa Experts Product Manager – Although British born and now Toronto based, Kirsty grew up in South Africa and is completely passionate about all things Africa. She finds it hard to choose a favourite destination, but lists Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana as some of the most special places she has visited, and feels it’s not just about where you go and what you see, but who you get to experience it with. Kirsty is always up for an adventure and will try anything once. As such, she has para-glided in South Africa, zip lined in Mauritius, dived the Red Sea, hot air ballooned in Egypt, and even swam in the Okavango Delta. Next on Kirsty’s bucket list is to climb Kilimanjaro!