10 Best Street Foods From Israel: From Falafel To Hummus, Foods Worth Dying For

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All cuisines have a unique history topped with cultural influence. Food is not just an ingredient but is a nation's identity. Israel is a Middle Eastern country and it is known for its diverse culinary landscape that is influenced by a variety of cultures, including Jewish, Arab, Mediterranean, and European.

From local vendors, street food, and hole-in-the-wall eateries, this country has dishes that are worth dying for. Here are ten famous foods from Israel.

1. Hummus: It is a very simple creamy dip that is served as a side dish made with very simple ingredients and is typically served with Pita bread, or falafel. All you need is mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. This one is a staple in Israeli cuisine and is considered a healthy food.

2. Falafel: This is a deep-fried ball or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and is seasoned with herbs and spices. It is a popular street food in Israel and is often served on pita bread with tahini sauce and fresh salad. The basic ingredients include onion, soaked chickpeas, garlic, cumin, coriander, black pepper, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and cilantro.

3. Shawarma: This is a delicious dish that consists of thinly sliced marinated meat (often lamb, chicken, or beef), vegetables, and pickles and is roasted on a vertical rotisserie. It is typically served in pita bread or laffa with various condiments. This versatile Middle Eastern dish is very fulfilling and comes in numerous combinations.

4. Sabich: This can be considered one of the best sandwiches. Simple and healthy, this popular Israeli sandwich is made with fried eggplant slices, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, and a variety of salads, all served in a loaf of pita bread. You can serve it with tahini sauce, and pickles. It can be drippy and messy, but extremely favourful.

5. Shakshuka: This is a breakfast dish or can be eaten as a meal and it consists of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili pepper. Typically this dish is served with bread. It is extremely nourishing, filling, and not hot and spicy.

6. Labneh: Another classic breakfast recipe, this one is basically a thick, tangy, creamy yogurt cheese often served with olive oil, herbs, and flatbread. Also, some use a sprinkle of good Za'artar. You can also eat it as a dip, or spread it instead of cream cheese.

7. Baba Ghanoush: Creamy, smoky and savory, roasted eggplant dip that is made by mashing cooked eggplant with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It's similar to hummus and is a dip to kickstart your dinner. This recipe is also spelled as baba ghanoush and ghanoui.

8. Malabi: This is a very popular dessert that is made from rosewater-scented milk pudding or custard, and is typically garnished with pistachios and rosewater syrup. This one is not very sweet and chilled before it is served with a sweet red syrup that is either made from strawberries or raspberries.

9. Knafeh: It is a sweet, cheesy, crunchy dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with a mixture of sweetened cheese or semolina, baked, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It is stuffed with ashta which is a thickened cream or cheese. Then it is baked and drizzled with simple syrup and garnished with nuts like pistachios.

10. Israeli Salad: This is a fresh and simple salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, typically dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. It is a dish believed to be adopted by Jewish immigrants to the Levant in the late 19th century. This one is extremely healthy and fulfilling and can be served as a side dish.