So where can you get the best authentic food in Israel? Well, Israel consists of different ethnic groups. Jews came to Israel from many different countries, and with them, they brought the local cuisine. For that reason, Israel has many types of food that you can try on my Israel private food tours that I offer. If you are in Jerusalem, I will go to the Machne Yehuda food market to try local places.
Best Authentic Food in Israel: Azura Turkish – Iraqi Food
One of my favorites is Azura, located in the very heart of the food market. The owners are two brothers coming from Iraq and Turkey. That’s why this is the type of food you will find there like kebabs, which is grilled meat on a skewer. And sofrito, which is beef with potato. Of course hummus and all those good stuff. In the restaurant that is in Tel Aviv, on Fridays they have different specials that make your mouth drawl right away.
Best Authentic Food in Israel: Hamotzi (Jerusalem)
Just a step away from Machne Yehuda Food Market, Hamotzi restaurant offers authentic culinary from North Africa cuisine. The flavors, tastes, and aromas are manifested in every dish that chef Aviv Levy dishes out from his kitchen. If I am in the area on a Jerusalem private tour, I try to stop there for a bite.
Best Authentic Food in Israel: Majda (Judean Hills)
This restaurant is a story about love and food. While both were workings in the same hotel in their 20’s, Michal, a young Jewish woman, met Yakob, a young Muslim Arab from Ein Rafa, a small Arab village next to Jerusalem. At first, they were just friends, but then their friendship turned into a real love story. Now they are married and growing their two kids in Ein Rafa. A good symbol for co-existence. Since that around here, there is only a culinary wilderness; Majda is like a diamond shining from afar.
Best Authentic Food in Israel: Ezba
So in the Arab village of Rameh, there is a great local restaurant. Every time while I’m on a Sea of Galilee guided Tour, I eat there. Ezba is proudly showcasing Arab cuisine with no attempt to please the paladar of its visitors. Over hundreds of years, they perfected the recipes that were passed from one generation to the other, says Habib Daoud, the chef and the owner of the well-known establishment. Most times, he is, for sure, getting it right. And even when he’s off the mark, I forgive him because sometimes it’s not just the food but a symbol for what can be here in the future.
