Israel

Holidays by Destination Middle East Israel Eating 

This is relatively expensive though hotel buffet breakfasts with salad, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, olives etc are usually particularly good value. Fruit from markets and dairy products might be good for picnics. Snacks include falafel (chickpea fritters) in pitta bread, barbecued and skewered meats (shawarma etc), and deep fried pastries with cheese and potatoes or spinach. Look out also for fresh breads, salted nuts, seeds, corn on the cob, humus etc.

Jewish dietary rules prohibit meat and dairy products being served at the same meal. Kosher restaurants serve one or the other making vegetarian food relatively common.

Options derive from Eastern European with goulash, Wiener Schnitzel, and chicken livers, or Middle Eastern with cooking similar to Arab. In addition there are fast food outlets including MacDonalds and some pizzerias.

Tap water is generally considered safe except in Jerusalem old city. Local bottled water is available. Local thirst quenchers are a soured milk drink Rivion, fresh squeezed juices like orange and grape and lemon with sugar and water. There are also international soft drink brands.