Israel has long been renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, blending Middle Eastern flavors with influences from around the world. While Israeli cuisine traditionally features a wide variety of meat and dairy dishes, the Vegan food scene has been booming in recent years. With an increasing number of vegan restaurants, innovative plant-based creations, and a cultural shift towards conscious eating, Israel has become a Vegan food lover’s paradise. While in Israel, I ate some of the best cuisine ever! Everywhere we went the food was so good. If you followed along from part one of the Vibe Wellness tour hosted by Vibe Israel, then you know this blog will be all about the Vegan food scene in Israel and the impeccable food we ate!
Meal in Jerusalem while waiting for our luggage
A Cultural Shift towards Veganism:
Israel is witnessing a remarkable cultural shift towards veganism, with more people embracing plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. This shift is evident in the growing number of vegan-friendly establishments and the increased availability of vegan products in supermarkets and local markets. Israel’s diverse population, which includes a significant number of vegans and vegetarians, has contributed to the rise of veganism and the subsequent demand for vegan cuisine. The country’s rich agricultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on fresh produce, makes it a natural fit for the flourishing vegan food scene.
Vegan Restaurants and Culinary Delights:
Israel’s major cities, such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, boast an impressive array of vegan restaurants that cater to every taste and preference. These establishments have elevated vegan cuisine to new heights, offering creative and flavorful plant-based dishes that rival their meat and dairy counterparts. From vegan sushi to gourmet burgers, shawarma made with seitan, and decadent dairy-free desserts, Israeli vegan restaurants are pushing culinary boundaries. One popular destination is Tel Aviv’s Vegan Friendly Market, a unique concept that combines a vegan supermarket with a delightful food court. Here, visitors can explore a wide range of vegan products and indulge in delectable meals from various vendors. The market serves as a hub for vegan food enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for small businesses to thrive.
Innovative Plant-Based Startups:
Israel’s reputation as the “Startup Nation” extends to the realm of veganism. The country has witnessed a surge in plant-based startups, focused on creating innovative alternatives to traditional animal-based products. These startups utilize cutting-edge technology and culinary expertise to develop plant-based meat substitutes, dairy-free cheeses, and egg alternatives that closely mimic their animal-based counterparts. Notable examples include companies like Redefine Meat, which uses 3D printing technology to create realistic plant-based meats, and Aleph Farms, pioneering the production of cultured meat. These startups are not only transforming the vegan food scene in Israel but are also making a global impact by offering sustainable and ethical alternatives to animal products.
Vegan Festivals and Events:
Israel hosts a variety of vegan festivals and events throughout the year, providing a platform for food enthusiasts, vendors, and activists to come together and celebrate veganism. The Vegan Fest in Tel Aviv, for instance, attracts thousands of attendees who gather to savor mouthwatering vegan creations, attend cooking demonstrations, and listen to informative talks on plant-based living. Additionally, events like the Vegan Congress and Vegan Nation Expo showcase the latest advancements in vegan food, health, and ethical living. These festivals not only promote the vegan lifestyle but also serve as an educational platform, encouraging dialogue and raising awareness about the benefits of plant-based diets.
Okay, so let’s talk about where we ate and what we ate!
We ate at Tzemah, a 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩’s Vegan and Vegetarian restaurant, located in Jerusalem and it did not disappoint! The restaurant had gorgeous scenery, super knowledgeable staff who explained their house wines, and provided stellar service. We took celebratory shots, and ate incredible food. The restaurant has such cute menu titles including ‘’little by little’’ that offers a plate of pickles, Zucchini in a tempera cool dip, and aging cheeses amongst several other tasty choices!
I had some of the most outstanding Arabic food at Jaffabalcony while in Jaffa! Everything was so fresh! From fresh fruits and vegetables, to desserts, focaccias, nuts, rice, and prepared items. This dining experience had it all with intimate family like dining space and stunning views to match!
In the first blog, I touched on our amazing dinner at the Alon Family’s home. Mother Rachel, Father Erez, Doron the oldest (10.5), Aricle (8) and little Dorian (almost 2 years old!) Erez is a hairdresser and makeup artist, Rachel is an administrative manager and an amazing cook! We were all welcomed with hugs and open arms and had a beautiful evening. We felt very at home with the Alon family!
In Amirim, Galilee we spent time at Esther’s lovely space. This part of the trip was the epitome of eating from the earth. We learned more of how food is medicine and what goes in our body to nurture us. We enjoyed a fantastic brunch from the plants we picked from nature. My birthday twin @bunika_bonanno shared so many educational experiences on herbalism and the benefits the practice contains. Our time together was so precious.
Exploring nature and picking our plants and herbs for our meal
Morris on the roof had so many incredible dishes that I wish I could name them all! With every new restaurant we ate at, it seemed to surpass my expectations of my last experience. There was handmade tortellini with four rock yogurt cheeses and fried sage, charcoal grilled eggplant with tahini and blush, and such fresh salads! We thoroughly enjoyed our dishes and the view of the sunset and ocean was the most picturesque view of the trip.
The best Ethiopian food I’ve ever eaten came from our meal at tenat_restaurant. They have injera crepes with mushrooms, veggies, Ethiopian hummus, alongside many other tasty options. We learned that eating with your hands in Ethiopian culture cultivates a connection with ourselves and our souls which connects us to our most natural and primitive origin. The manager, Isaac, is a Vegan and shared the benefits of his high protein injera bread. It was a completely incredible and delicious experience!
Best Ethiopian food I’ve tasted!
Hilton Beach also had some awesome dishes that complimented the beach vibes. I enjoyed their roasted cauliflower while admiring the views!
Our last meal was at A.K.A Tel Aviv. This place was so cute and fancy and the perfect place to reconvene with those we spent time with during the week. We chatted over wine and refreshing cocktails, and had some amazing eats one last time together. A.K.A had salads, eggplants, and select entrees outside of their Vegan offerings.
To sum up the Vegan food in Israel, It was so good and unmatched! The food nourished my soul in so many ways and further expanded my love for being a foodie!
Thank you again to our host Vibe Israel who made all the magic happen within this amazing week!
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