Israeli people love to eat! Like every nation which has burek, pita, other dishes from dough, spices and olive oil! And the first dish I’ve tried was, of course, hummus! Hummus is everywhere! Usually served with lots of olive oil, pickled pepper and cucumbers, pita, chickpeas puree is a complete course by itself or it can be a good addition to any other dish. But the main ingredient that makes hummus be an Israeli one is a pretty huge portion of tahini added to it. Sesame seed sauce is a popular condiment throughout the Middle East.
It’s especially prized in Israel because Jewish dietary tradition prohibits mixing meat and dairy products. Thus, the yogurt and cucumber or yogurt and mint sauce served with grilled lamb in Turkey and Lebanon would not be consumed in Israel. But don’t think that all people in Israel eat only kosher food according to these laws (kashrut). It regards only religious Jews. But as the tradition goes far to the history, people are used to it.
As the daytime is really a hot period, the only thing you are able to eat is Jewish fast food. But, don’t think cliché as it is so tasty! Starting from falafel and finishing with sabich [sabih].
This fast food is ready to help you even when you have a hangover! :D Seriously, a funny fact but true: the last day, the departure day was a tough one after much of local tasty white & rose at Habasta הבסטה restaurant… What was I told to do?! Go and eat the best sabich in the city – at Sabich Frishman! So what is it? This is a sandwich made in a pita, stuffed with fried eggplant, hummus, salads, a hard boiled or baked egg and topped with tahini and amba (a tangy bright orange condiment made from pickled mango). Wow wow, sounds interesting, right? :)
A more common sounds falafel – in a pita, as usually served with hummus, tahini, some salad, and spices. And every person in Tel Aviv knows that the best falafel you’ll eat Falafel Gabay! And it is really true, not only according to the Tripadvisor :D
Bograshev street, Falafel Gabay
And if you’ve already arrived at the Bograshev street, don’t leave it quickly! It is a very lively street with lots of “best” of Tel Aviv: the best Ha’pizza is here, best sushi, Thai food, best falafel, right in the corner at Pinsker street you’ll find the best hummus at Mshawashe! Ah! It is really something different which I’ve never tasted! The hummus is served warm in a deep bowl, so there would be around 400 grammes! And the main speciality and the particular taste comes from a lemon juice! Some local do love it, the others truly hate the acid flavor, saying that the real hummus can’t contain lemon!
Ah! It is really something different which I’ve never tasted! The hummus is served warm in a deep bowl, so there would be around 400 grammes! And the main speciality and the particular taste comes from a lemon juice! Some local do love it, the others truly hate the acid flavor, saying that the real hummus can’t contain lemon!
Tel Aviv is so full of places of totally different ranges and tastes that, I think everyone will find something own! But I’ll tell you the secret places, which I was advised by the owner of one old bakery Le Moulin at Bograshev street (see the video). He does have a good taste, so I trusted him and followed his advice. Now I tell you, follow me! ;)
Habasta – a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with local dishes in the heart of Carmel market.
Right after the greeting, you hear the words «We have all the seafood brought today from the sea». And the waiter begins to tell about their appetizers: yellowfish, crab-burek (yes, with crab!), mashed artichoke with almond (this is paradise!)… Delicious! The goes the fish… Also, they have always fresh oysters and a very decent wine cart. Our choice was white & rose wines.
The most particular is the location of this restaurant. It is located in a tiny street just behind the noisy Carmel market. But when the evening comes all the noise disappears… the local come to enjoy the atmosphere, the light, the red-colored trees around and a proper company…
Artichoke with almond
I am in love with Habasta!
If you prefer a more sophisticated restaurant, both the cuisine and the place by itself, then go to
Shila – Sharon Cohen’s Kitchen & Bar restaurant, #10 according to Tripadvisor rating. ;) It offers a fusion Mediterranean cuisine.
A simpler one, but so beloved by the locals and has #65 place in Tripadvisor list is Port Said restaurant/bar. It is the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy quality food. “Port Said” is designed with long tables outside that allows people to gather together and listen to old records playing.
Tasty places:
Sabich Frishman
Frishman 42, Tel Aviv
Sunday-Thursday (until midnight), Friday (until an hour before Shabbat), Saturday (opens an hour after Shabbat)
18 shekels (sabich with cheese)
Recipes
Hummus like it is done in Mshawashe.
Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight; drained
1⁄2 cup tahini
3⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 small red Thai chile, stemmed and seeded
salt, to taste
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