20 Must-Try Dishes to Explore the Best of Israel Famous Food

Israel isn’t just a destination—it’s a feast for the senses. Located at the heart of the Middle East, Israeli cuisine is a melting pot of cultures, drawing influences from Jewish, Arabic, Mediterranean, and North African traditions.

Whether you’re indulging in street food from Tel Aviv or enjoying a slow-cooked Shabbat dish in Jerusalem, every Israel famous food is a delicious story of history, faith, and diversity. 

From crispy falafels to fluffy challah bread, here are 20 iconic Israeli foods you absolutely must try.

1. Shawarma: Israel Famous Food

Shawarma is a juicy, spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken) roasted on a vertical spit and shaved into pita bread with veggies, tahini, and pickles. It’s one of Israel’s most popular street foods, beloved for its bold flavor and quick convenience.

• Must try: Chicken shawarma with amba (mango sauce)
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹800 (€5 – €9)
• Best Served With: Hummus or fries

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2. Sabich: Eggplant & Egg Pita Sandwich

Originally from Iraqi-Jewish cuisine, Sabich is a pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, Israeli salad, and pickles. It offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures in every bite.

• Must try: Sabich with extra tahini and amba
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹700 (€4 – €8)
• Best Served With: Lemonade or mint tea

3. Cholent (Hamin): The Shabbat Stew

This traditional food of Israel is a hearty slow-cooked dish of beef, beans, barley, and potatoes, prepared for Shabbat. Its rich, comforting flavor develops overnight, making it a Israel famous food for winter meals. 

Slow-cooked to perfection, Cholent is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition that brings families together every Shabbat with warmth, aroma, and deep-rooted cultural flavor.

• Must try: Cholent with kishke (stuffed intestines)
• Price Range: ₹500 – ₹1,200 (€6 – €14)
• Best Served With: Challah bread

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4. Kubbeh: Meat-Stuffed Dumplings

Kubbeh are bulgur or semolina dumplings filled with spiced minced meat and served in rich broths, popular among Jewish Iraqi communities. These dumplings burst with flavor and often come in vibrant, tangy soups like beetroot or tomato. 

• Must try: Kubbeh in beetroot soup
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹900 (€5 – €10)
• Best Served With: Pickled vegetables

5. Jachnun: Yemenite Pastry

A slow-cooked rolled pastry served with boiled eggs, tomato salsa, and zhug (a spicy herb sauce). It is a traditional food of Israel, eaten on Shabbat mornings. Its sweet, caramelized flavor and soft, chewy texture make it a unique Shabbat morning treat. 

• Must try: Homemade jachnun with fresh zhug
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹800 (€5 – €9)
• Best Served With: Grated tomato dip

6. Falafel: Deep-Fried Chickpea Balls

Israel’s unofficial national dish—crispy chickpea fritters served in pita with veggies and tahini. Crunchy outside and fluffy inside, falafel is a must-try for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s the ultimate street food loved across the country.

• Must try: Falafel with Israeli salad and pickled turnips
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (€2.5 – €6)
• Best Served With: Hummus or tahini

7. Hummus: Best Food to Try in Israel

Creamy mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Often served warm and topped with spices or toppings, it’s a meal, dip, or side all in one. Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, hummus is a staple on every Israeli dining table.

• Must try: Hummus with warm pita and paprika drizzle
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (€4 – €7)
• Best Served With: Fresh pita or raw onions

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8. Shakshuka: Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato and pepper stew, served hot in a skillet. A staple of Israeli breakfasts. This hearty breakfast is loved for its bold flavors and filling nature. It’s a comforting dish that brings families together, especially during weekend brunches.

• Must try: Shakshuka with feta and olives
• Price Range: ₹350 – ₹700 (€4 – €8)
• Best Served With: Fresh bread or challah

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9. Malawach: Yemeni Flatbread

A flaky fried bread similar to a crispy pancake, typically served with hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and dips. Its golden layers and rich aroma make it an instant hit for breakfast or brunch. 

Malawach is the best food to try in Israel with crisp edges and soft layers—perfect for scooping up dips or wrapping around eggs and tomatoes for a delicious start to the day.

• Must try: Malawach with honey or tahini
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (€4 – €7)
• Best Served With: Freshly grated tomato and egg

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10. Mujaddara: Lentils and Rice

A comforting combo of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This dish is both wholesome and incredibly flavorful. Simple, satisfying, and packed with protein, it’s a staple of Middle Eastern home cooking. 

Mujaddara is the ultimate comfort food—humble yet hearty, with earthy lentils, fragrant rice, and sweet caramelized onions coming together in perfect harmony.

• Must try: Mujaddara with yogurt
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹500 (€3 – €6)
• Best Served With: Labneh or cucumber salad

11. Matbucha: Cooked Tomato & Pepper Dip

Slow-cooked tomatoes, roasted peppers, garlic, and chili make this spicy Moroccan salad a perfect mezze side. 

It pairs beautifully with bread and adds a zing to any meal. Matbucha delivers a bold, smoky flavor with a spicy kick, making it a beloved staple on Israeli mezze platters and a perfect companion to warm pita or challah.

• Must try: Matbucha with warm challah
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹600 (€3 – €7)
• Best Served With: Hummus and pita

12. Israeli Salad: Fresh & Simple

Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and onions dressed with lemon juice and olive oil—light, healthy, and found everywhere. This refreshing Israel famous food adds a burst of color, crunch, and tang to any meal, making it a staple on every Israeli table. 

• Must try: Israeli salad with tahini dressing
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹400 (€2.5 – €5)
• Best Served With: Any main dish

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13. Labneh: Tangy Yogurt Cheese

A creamy strained yogurt spread, often served with olive oil and za’atar. Its tangy flavor and thick texture make it a delicious alternative to cream cheese. 

Labneh is often considered the best food to try in Israel, which can be enjoyed as a spread, dip, or even a side, offering a perfect balance of tanginess and richness that enhances any meal.

• Must try: Labneh with za’atar and pita
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (€2.5 – €6)
• Best Served With: Warm bread or olives

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14. Challah: Braided Bread

Soft, slightly sweet, and golden brown, Challah is a traditional food of Israel, baked for Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Its rich, fluffy texture makes it perfect for dipping, toasting, or enjoying on its own. Braided with care and tradition, each loaf tells a story of celebration and togetherness.

• Must try: Freshly baked raisin challah
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (€4 – €7)
• Best Served With: Butter or honey

15. Sufganiyot: Jelly Donuts

Popular during Hanukkah, these fluffy donuts are filled with jam or custard and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a festive treat enjoyed by both kids and adults during the holiday season.

• Must try: Strawberry-filled sufganiyot
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹300 (€1 – €3)
• Best Served With: Coffee or hot chocolate

16. Rugelach: Pastry Spirals

Buttery dough rolled with chocolate, cinnamon, or jam and baked into golden spirals. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flaky pastry and rich, sweet filling. Rugelach is a beloved treat often found in bakeries and Jewish homes alike.

• Must try: Chocolate rugelach fresh from a bakery
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (€2 – €5)
• Best Served With: Tea or espresso

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17. Bourekas: Savory Pastry

Flaky pastries filled with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, or mashed potatoes. A favorite snack sold in bakeries and cafés. Bourekas are enjoyed warm or at room temperature, often as a quick breakfast or midday snack. Their crisp exterior and savory fillings make them irresistibly comforting.

• Must try: Cheese bourekas with sesame seeds
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (€2.5 – €6)
• Best Served With: Hard-boiled egg and pickle

18. Kanafeh: Sweet Cheese Dessert

A decadent Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with soft cheese and soaked in rosewater syrup. 

Its rich, buttery texture and aromatic sweetness create a truly indulgent experience. Often topped with crushed pistachios, it’s the best food to try in Israel, served during celebrations.

• Must try: Kanafeh with pistachios on top
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (€4 – €7)
• Best Served With: Turkish coffee

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19. Tenat Shel Laila: Midnight Snack Boxes

Late-night Israeli snack boxes filled with hummus, dips, pita, and sweets, perfect for group hangouts or post-party munchies. These snack boxes offer a delightful combination of flavors, making them a perfect late-night treat for any occasion.

• Must try: A mixed snack box from Tel Aviv’s food trucks
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹900 (€5 – €10)
• Best Served With: Lemonade or iced tea

20. Knafeh: Creamy Dessert with a Crunch

An irresistible mix of creamy cheese, crispy vermicelli, and sugar syrup, often colored orange and topped with crushed nuts. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth cheese.

• Must try: Nablus-style knafeh
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹700 (€4 – €8)
• Best Served With: Mint tea or Arabic coffee

FAQs

What is Israel’s National Food?

Israel’s national food is widely considered to be falafel—deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita with hummus, salad, and tahini. Hummus is also a strong contender, as it is a staple in nearly every Israeli household.

Is Israeli Food Cheap?

Israel famous food can be reasonably priced, especially street food like falafel, shawarma, and sabich. However, prices in restaurants—particularly in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem—can be higher. Budget travelers can still eat well by exploring local markets and food stalls.

What Type of Food is Eaten in Israel?

Israeli cuisine is a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish culinary traditions. Popular dishes include hummus, falafel, shakshuka, couscous, schnitzel, and fresh salads. Meals are often centered around vegetables, grains, and grilled meats.

What is a Typical Breakfast in Israel?

A typical Israeli breakfast is light, fresh, and healthy. It often includes eggs (usually shakshuka or boiled), fresh vegetables, cheeses, olives, bread, and spreads like tahini and labneh. Fresh juice and strong coffee usually accompany the meal.

Which Are the Famous Restaurants in Israel?

Some well-known restaurants in Israel include:

• Machneyuda (Jerusalem) – A modern Israeli restaurant with vibrant vibes.
• Ouzeria (Tel Aviv) – Known for creative Mediterranean fusion.
• Taizu (Tel Aviv) – Offers a Southeast Asian twist with local ingredients.
• Uri Buri (Acre) – A legendary seafood restaurant on the coast.
• Shila (Tel Aviv) – Famous for seafood and steaks.

Which Is the Best Food to Try in Israel During Ramadan?

During Ramadan, try traditional dishes like maqluba (layered rice, vegetables, and meat), knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup), and dates and lentil soup served for iftar. Street markets also light up with delicious Ramadan specialties.

What is the Traditional Food of Israel?

Traditional Israel famous food includes:

• Challah – Braided bread eaten during the Sabbath
• Shakshuka – Poached eggs in tomato and pepper sauce
• Gefilte fish – A Jewish holiday dish
• Kugel – A baked noodle pudding
• Sabich – Fried eggplant sandwich with eggs and salad

What Currency Is Used in Israel?

The official currency of Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small vendors or local markets. ATMs are readily available across cities, and currency exchange services can be found at airports, banks, and exchange kiosks.