BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Four Great Food Experiences In Israel

Following
This article is more than 8 years old.

Food is an exceptional way to connect with a new culture. In Israel, freshly ground spices and nuts perfume the open air markets and form the basis of a cuisine rich with fresh vegetables, locally made cheeses and ancient grains. Here are four worthwhile stops for foodies and anyone who wants to explore Israeli culture through its food.

Chai Goat Farm, Mevo Modi’in

Judy Avraham Chai abandoned life in London and a public relations job to start an organic goat farm with her husband, and is now making cheese so popular she couldn’t age it if she wanted to. A sort of mad scientist of cheese, she makes traditional Middle Eastern cheeses like labneh, a thick savory goat’s milk yogurt, but also makes cheddar, manchego, and Roquefort.

Tours and tastings are by appointment only, and Chai also offers cheese-making classes, and opportunities to milk or herd the goats, who graze in the nearby Ben Shemen Forest.

Tel +0544283646, chaifarm@netvision.net.il

Machane Yehuda Marketplace, Jerusalem

Exotic scents overwhelm at this busy but friendly market. Stands are piled high with green and black olives, spice mixes, teas, baked goods, Israeli olive oil, halvah, and cheese, among countless other goodies. Vendors, many of whom have worked in the stalls for generations, are happy to share tastes and cooking tips.

With so many stands stacked with exotic, delicious food, It’s hard to know where to start, but the market makes it easy for tourists to come away with a taste of the market – literally. The Machane Yehuda Bite Card is a self-guided walking tour that comes with a snack. Purchase it for 99 shekels (about $25) and receive a map of the market, a smart-phone based audio guide and six coupons to be turned in at different vendors for tastes of everything from baked goods and stew to hummus and “malabi” – an Israeli-style milk pudding.

Tmarim Plus at Kibbutz Kinneret

In the Jordan Valley not far from the Sea of Galillee, Kibbutz Kinneret has been growing dates since 1933, when the first trees were smuggled out of Persia. At the farm store, taste at least half a dozen different kinds of dates of the highest quality you are ever likely to encounter, as well as syrup and many kinds of cooking sauces made from the fruit. This emporium of Israeli-made foods also sells honey, halvah and a wide variety of spice and nut mixes, all at very reasonable prices. Nearly everything is available to taste, and the friendly staff are happy to help you choose. Tmarim Plus also offers a wide selection of kitchenware and Israeli-made wines and candies. Tours can be arranged of the facility and the orchards, so visitors can learn more about the history of the kibbutz and the production of dates.

Amphorae Winery, Zichron Ya'akov

Tucked at the back of a peaceful organic garden, this winery in the Western Carmel region, about an hour north of Tel Aviv, is located in one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Ancient presses and other evidence of viticulture have been found in the area, and in Byzantine times, grapes from Carmel were famous. These days, the winery is dedicated to modern viticultural practices and ecofriendly production techniques, and has been working with international wine consultant Michel Rolland since the 2008 vintage.

Amphorae uses grapes from the northern slopes of the Golan Heights, the Upper Galilee and the Judah Mountains surrounding Jerusalem to craft classic sauvignon blanc, and elegant Bordeaux-style blends. Robert Parker recently ranked several tipples in the winery’s Makura collection at 90 points or higher, including the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, made of 100 percent Cabernet grapes picked from ancient vines on the hills outside Jerusalem, redolent of toasted marshmallows, blackberries and earth, with soft approachable tannins. The wines are not currently available in the U.S., so enjoy them in the charming sunlight-filled tasting room. Book ahead, and for 130 shekels (about $30), visitors can get a tour of the winery, tastes of five wines and an impressive spread of cheese and fruit.

Makura Farm, tel +972-4-9840702 (Visitors Center)

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedInCheck out my website