Food and Wines in Israel with Superstar Holidays

Given its bountiful orchards and vineyards and rich blend of ethnic cultures, it’s no wonder Israel is such a great dining country. But the choice of cuisines on offer is even greater than visitors might expect.

There’s little surprise that Israel, situated at the place where Europe meets the Middle East, embraces both the spicy flavours of the Levant and the super-fresh seafood, olive oil and salads of the Med. But there’s more to the dining scene than Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Immigrants from Poland, Germany, Russia, Bukhara, North Africa, Iraq and the Yemen have brought their own dishes to the melting pot, while young Israelis have imported the Asian recipes which have won their hearts while travelling. Young Israelis descend in droves on India and Thailand after national service, and have imported the cuisines of their favourite holiday destinations. There is also an absolute passion for sushi among residents of all ages.

Israel’s avocadoes are now as famous as the country’s citrus fruits – look out for them at breakfast, alongside local dairy delights like laban, a cross between buttermilk and yogurt, and soft homegrown cheeses. All are laid out to be enjoyed with cucumber, tomatoes, herbs and salad leaves, while farm-fresh eggs, wonderful bread and excellent pastries are part of every hotel breakfast buffet. Somehow, the hearty morning kibbutz repasts once reserved for farmers in the fields have morphed into a proudly-maintained urban tradition.

Jaffa, Jerusalem and Ein Karem and throughout the country at stands selling falafel, the deep-fried chick-pea balls which are the national snack. On the other hand tahini, the sesame paste which is an essential ingredient of hummus, is eaten by itself as a dip or as a salad condiment in Israel; another staple of the breakfast buffet. Dining with Bedouins and baking – and breaking – bread with the Druze are other authentic local culinary experiences on offer.

Fresh mint is the star of Israel’s favourite hot beverage – a combination of green tea and huge handfuls of bright green leaves known as “nana tea”. Tel Aviv matches Milan and Melbourne in a caffeine-fuelled coffee culture, while in Jerusalem and the north traditional Turkish-style coffee is popular.

Now Israel is probably not the first country you would associate with wine. However, many Israeli wines have won awards around the world. In fact an Israeli Chardonnay won the Cellars in the Sky Awards top prize, a wine which is now carried in ElAl’s First Class cabin.

Whilst we would not recommend drinking and driving, our Fly Drive and Kibbutz Fly Drive products will allow you to create your own tour and visit some of Israel finest wineries.

With some 75 wineries to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. They vary in size from the larger centres that open on a daily basis, to small family run boutique units offering private viewings (and tastings of course) – L’Haim!! – To Life!!

While nearly every hotel in Israel offers kosher food, the country has many non-kosher restaurants in addition to a selection of kosher eateries offering many kinds of ethnic foods. Seafood lovers will find themselves well catered for with fresh and luscious prawns and calamari as well as the finest sea bream in the world, and Tel Aviv is rapidly becoming a sushi destination.

For further information call Superstar on 0207 121 1500 or click here to email your enquiry.