Naturally Gluten Free Israeli Specialities!
- Zoe Wernick
- Mar 18, 2016
- 14 min read
While Israeli's as a whole perhaps aren't as knowledgable about Gluten Free dietary nuances as some other European nations may be, Israeli Cuisine itself is actually very Gluten Free Friendly! If you've traveled to other Mediterranean countries before you may have already experienced this - tables filled with fresh light salads and vegetables, lots of grilled fish, lamb, and fabulous home made spreads. In Israel, we have this - and more! Below you'll find a list of Israeli (and regional) Specialities the Gluten Free can savor!
Hummus -
Good hummus is art in more ways than one.
Israeli cuisine in particular centers around one food: Hummus. If you're visiting Israel for the first time, prepare to have your mind blown. This is anything but your grocery store Sabra - Israeli hummus is warm, smooth, creamy, and delicious. But even here in the land of hummus, not all hummus is "good" hummus. I've listed a few of my favorites below.
Hummus is made of cooked and blended chickpeas and spices, topped with tahini, olive oil, and parsley. You can also add other things to the top of your hummus - favorites include sabich (eggplant), egg, mushrooms, or even meat. For those of us who are Gluten Free, we have a few options as to how to enjoy our hummus. I've yet to find a strictly Hummus joint that offers GF pita (I'll certainly update if/when I do!), so I often use french fries or or raw onion (an Israeli favorite - be sure it try it!) as my vessel. The French Fries can be dangerous for those with severe allergies of course, if the fryer is used for other things (likely it's used for falafel, which shouldn't, but very-well-could have flour in it, see the falafel section!), so be sure to ask and double check. If the fries won't work for you, there's always a spoon! Although Israeli's wouldn't be caught dead eating their hummus this way, it's perfectly tasty (although everyone will know for SURE you aren't a local). If you're opting for this system, I'd recommend getting something like the sabich or the meat to help make it feel more like a substantive dish.
Alternatively, you can always resort to the smuggling method and use your own GF pita if you've brought some along in your bag, (I brought my own pita to the party pictured on the left). The best etiquette for this situation is to have it still in it's original packaging and to double check with the waiter that it's okay. Many places here are Kosher, and there are strict rules as to what can be inside a restaurant like that. However, the GreenLite Pita's are Kosher, so if your server can look at the bag, it should be no problem. They will definitely look at you funny, but if you're stuffing your face with hummus by that point, hopefully you won't be bothered.
One last word of advice - you may not understand your waiter or the cashier when he asks you what chhoooooomooous you want. Don't worry - he's not choking, that's just the correct way to pronounce it.
Hummus Ha Carmel/Hummus Magan David (Star of David) - cheap, delicious Hummus in the middle of the Shuk in an old Synagogue. Often very busy, I don't even think they'd notice if you brought your own GF pita. Also available for take away.
HaCarmel St 11, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Shlomo and Doron - (Pictured above with the egg) voted one of the best in the city. Excellent hummus - lots of types to choose from, and really well done eggs. I had the one with fava beans and loved it...and I don't even like fava beans. Bold, well developed flavors and a nice punch of acidity.
Yishkan 29, Tel Aviv- Yafo
Abu Hasan - most famous place in the city, voted best by most accounts. It grew so popular they bought a place across the street, and while they are separate businesses (order and sit at one or the other), they carry the hummus across the street.
Shivtei Israel St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Abu Zaki - had my most beautiful hummus so far here. Slightly less casual than the two places above, but still casual. Great location, large menu including other things like meat skewers.
Ben Yehuda St 113, Tel Aviv-Yafo
***Note: On many Gluten Free Israel forums or Facebook groups, I have seen people posting about "hidden flour" being used as a thickener in some Israeli hummus, which seems like an absolutely CRAZY and almost sacrilegious idea here. I have asked these people multiple times for their sources regarding this, but no one seems to want to come forward and actually say where they have had this happen to them. My thoughts? Eating too much hummus can be a bit hard on your digestive system if you're not used to it. Shall we say that "Extreme Consumption" of Chickpeas can sometimes cause gas, bloating, upset stomach, and constipation. Since these are some of the symptoms I experience when I eat things that I'm allergic to, it isn't a far leap to imagine that these "flour" criers were actually experiencing just plain old hummus overload. Ask the server if you're worried, but my best advice is to keep your hummus consumption at a reasonable level (I assure you this isn't as easy as it sounds!).
Falafel -
Celiac Haven - Falafel Benin. Yes, that pita IS Gluten Free!
Gluten Free eaters, rejoyc- wait, what? Don't rejoice just yet? Oh, bother.
Traditionally falafel should be Gluten Free, but as with so many things these days, sometimes wheat is added! Such a bummer, because it's such an easy and convenient food to find - you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting someone selling Falafel, but hold- there is some good news for the GF! The Falafel you as a Gluten Free Eater are going to be consuming in Israel will be is the best Falafel, because the Falafel that are safe for you to eat are prepared traditionally, without cutting corners, and made with simpler, better quality ingredients. So commence rejoicing!
Falafel is a simple food, but the spices used and the quality of the ingredients really make or break these little fried balls of delight. At a falafel joint that boasts GF falafel, if you're worried about cross contamination in the fryer be sure to ask, but it is unlikely as there probably no Gluten-Full items on the menu that would also be fried.
Traditionally falafel is made from chickpeas, spices, herbs (parsley and cilantro give it it's green color), and some sesame seeds. That's it, and yet, those ingredients, in different combinations, make for some truly stunning variations.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, and don't be afraid to eat at these places more than once on your trip!
Falafel Benin -knows this little hole in the wall near Shuk Ha Carmel is a must go for the Gluten Free. Mr. Benin's shop boasts a huge sign saying Gluten Free Falafel, and he actually what Celiac is! He asked me when I came in if I was Celiac, and showed me his special, separate fryer for the GF Falafel, and his separate workstation, separate sauces, and separate toppings. Celiac Sanctuary! He works very hard so that there is no risk of cross contamination! If you're highly sensitive, this is your place. They take your time assembling your falafel in pita, working carefully with the more delicate Gluten Free Pita to give you a superior product. He also gave me his phone number and told me to call ahead so he can start warming up the frier! If you don't call ahead, you just may have to wait about 10 minutes, but don't worry - it's worth the wait!
+972-03-525-5434
St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo Tchernichovski
Hippo Falafel - organic ingredients, great salads, good hummus, they will warm a GF pita up for you to accompany your plate of falafel.
64 Ibn Gvirol (opposite Rabin Square), Tel Aviv
HaKosem - famous falafel joint voted best in the city. A bit heavy on the parsley for my taste, but they also offer Shwarma and Sabich (be sure to specify you want Gluten Free eggplant or you'll get a battered variety), and they will warm up a GF pita for you AND wrestle with it to fill it up with deliciousness for you. You can choose to get a delicious pita stuffed with Sabich or Shwarma and get falafel on the side, if you're hungry!
שלמה המלך 1, Tel Aviv
Shawarma -
Shawarma is certainly a staple here in Israel, though, I admit I haven't tried it yet. As I'm thoroughly ashamed to admit this to you all, I will work on rectifying this situation as quickly as possible! However, as Lamb-on-a-spit is common throughout many parts of the world, I am quite familiar with the product from when I lived in Germany. There they call it Dönner, but it's the same thing. Heat + stick + meat + turn, repeat. Here, you can get a plate full of nice slices of Shawarma accompanied by colorful salads or french fries (ask about the fryer again, of course).
As I admitted before, my lack of personal experience in the Shawarma department leads me to giving you the recommendations from the rest of the internet, rather than personal recommendations for now. Although my boyfriend did get the Shawarma from HaKosem when we went there together, he inhaled it before I had the chance to ask for a bite. I suppose that's a recommendation there in itself, so take that with what you will.
Here's what the internet says is the best Shawarma in Tel Aviv (HaKosem is actually in the top on most articles, and pictured above!): Article Click Here!
Fish -
Whole fish, caught that day (by our chef actually!), baked, marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, served with baked potatoes. Pretty much perfect.
Grilled or baked whole fish is very popular throughout Israel! Restaurants here in Israel are often divided into the categories of either Meat or Fish because of Kosher citizens (of course there are other varieties, especially in Tel Aviv, but you'll notice as you walk around that many places will specify "Meat" or "Fish" on their awnings). Being surrounded by so much water, the fish is exceptional here. If you go to a smaller fish place, just ask them what is freshest and then have them prepare it whatever they think best (usually it'll be grilled or baked with some lemon butter and fresh herbs, and a side of baked potato). Be prepared for your fish to be looking at you - it'll come with it's head and fins intact, unless you specifically order fillets. My fish experience in Tel Aviv is limited so far, but I've had whole fish dinners in both the North (Golan) and South (Eilat, pictured). Delicious memories :)
If you're looking for a special pescatarian treat - head to Shuk HaCarmel on Friday's. A young woman has a stand set up selling Ceviche and beer, and it's always got a line! She doesn't have a website so you've got to use your feet to find her. She's closer to the parking lot end (not the Allenby end), off the main isle between some fruit and veggie vendors and the meat section. Good luck! (Her sign says: Ceviche and Beer at Shabta's, Kapach Street/Shuk HaCarmel, Friday's. Also note the blue street sign in the second picture for location!)
Shakshuka -
Not all Shakshuka is created equal.
TIME FOR BREAKFAST! Yahoooooo!
I loooooooove breakfast. I go to sleep every night dreaming of what I'm going to eat the next day. It's usually the same thing (oatmeal, chia seeds, some variety of dried fruit, cinnamon), but when the occasion calls for it, and I get to go out, my go to here in Israel is Shakshuka.
Shakshuka has been making the rounds on the internet and social media, so maybe you've seen it without knowing. Red stuff in a skillet with some eggs in it? Sound familiar? Then you've seen Shakshuka! For a little more depth, the red stuff is a mixture of tomato, bell peppers, and spices, and like falafel, subtle variations can really make or break the dish. Normally it is served with bread to help soak up the sauce, but some restaurants who have rice will be nice enough to substitute that out for the bread for you. Mix a little rice in the dish and voila! Carb-y, starch-y goodness achieved. (This might also be one of those times for a handy GF roll to be waiting in your bag, just in case!)
My Shakshuka quest has only just begun. As my love for this dish is vast, I almost feel terrible making recommendations when I have so many more places to try. Almost all restaurants offer a Shakshuka on their menu, and be sure to note the different variations offered. You can have yours topped with Eggplant (perhaps this can satisfy the need for starch!), or meat, or other veggies. Some restaurants even make Vegan Shakshuka, without the eggs. Also, Israeli style breakfasts come with an assortment of 'salads,' so get ready to eat when you order Shakshuka. There are likely multiple small bowls of deliciousness coming your way, and the statistic I would use is to say that about 90% of these offerings are Gluten Free.
Shuk Shuka - a Superior Product
But here's the best part - although it is a breakfast food, it is also an all day food. Think you can't find anything satisfying for dinner on the menu that is Gluten Free except for the salad? Shakshuka to the rescue! And unlike eating Hummus for dinner, something that many Israeli's would raise an eyebrow at, there is no judgement for Shakshuka consumption at any hour of the day or night. So quest forward into the land of sauce and eggs! Okay, perhaps that doesn't make it sound appetizing, but I promise it is!
Benedict - (pictured in the left picture) great breakfast restaurant, but they don't have anything GF specific (like pastries or other carbs) on their menu. Prepare to wait a long time for a table, but the Shakshouka is great.
1) Rothschild Blvd 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo
2) Ben Yehuda St 171, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Shakshoukia - voted best in the city, although, gasp, I've yet to try!
Ben Yehuda St 94, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Shuk Shuka - (pictured in the middle) small stand just off the main drag of Shuk HaCarmel. Colorful fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked eggs, and delicious spices combine to make an incredible product. All for a less than average price! If you're in the main drag of the Shuk, find the large cheese shop and then turn down the alleyway perpendicular to the main drag just across from it - walk a few steps and you'll see Shuk Shuka!
Simtat HaCarmel 41, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Dr. Shakshouka - (pictured on the right) if you're in Jaffa, this establishment is famous, but not the best quality. A bit greasy and pricey since they know the tourists will come, but it's an institution. However, if you're game, try walking around the flea market area instead - there are some amazing little places to eat in those side streets. Just walk and look around - when you see a delicious looking shakshuka in front of somebody, stop and eat there! However, if you've got a large group, this place can easily, and likely quickly, accommodate.
Beit Eshel St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 68025
Salad -
If you're coming from a different country, prepare to have your definition of salad challenged! Okay, so we are familiar with cucumber and tomato salad, but the Israeli's have really cornered the market on it. Fresh, crisp, and colorful, Israeli salad is really a cut above. But that's just where salad in this country starts! When you order a variety of things here, hummus, shakshuka, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you may have your table soon groaning under a mountain of small plates, boasting all the colors of the rainbow and all sorts of fare. Things that are based in potatoes, cabbage, pickled things, veggies, and olives.....each place has it's own mezze. More than once, we've dug in with gusto and had to have been reminded by our Israeli friends that we still had a main course coming. So if you're Gluten Free in Israel, you never have to worry about being hungry or feeling unsatisfied at the end of a meal, even if you "just eat salad."
If you're looking for the Salad Experience to end all Salad Experiences, then The Old Man and the Sea is your place. For a set price you get an entree with somewhere between 18-23 different salads. The picture featured above is NOT from there. In fact, it's a paltry offering, and a sorry excuse for a picture, but it's the only picture of it's variety I apparently have snapped. I'll get to work on that!
The Old Man And The Sea - good food, a bit pricey, but a lovely location on the Jaffa port. If you're going there you are there for the salad experience. Prepare to hear your table groan under it's load.
נמל יפו, רציף העלייה השנייה 101
Malabi -
Please direct your attentions to the post I wrote about Malabi and the ten pudding pounds I am about to put on. Then head straight to the nearest place that they sell Malabi and eat as much of it as your stomach can handle. Celebrate this delicious, different dessert by coming back for more tomorrow.
Malabi post: Click Here!
Ha Malabia - Stop reading this and just head there post haste. You can thank me later.
Allenby 60, Tel Aviv
Halva -
Time for dessert!
Apparently, there are two types of Halva, flour (semolina) or nut butter based. Israel is the land of tahini (sesame), and therefore Israeli Halva is supposed to be the nut butter based variety. HOWEVER, if you're GF, it's always better to ask and be SURE. Therefore, getting Halva at the Shuks can be daunting because maybe the vendor doesn't speak English well enough, just wants to make a sale, or (most likely) can't properly hear you over the 1000 Jews all trying to talk over each other in the isle way. So, when purchasing Halva, you've got to be careful. If you've got an Israeli friend or Guide, have them ask for you. If don't don't have one of those at your disposal, a safer solution for your Halva craving would be to buy some in a grocery store (but then again, you need an Israeli to read the package for you) or in a dedicated shop.
Made properly, Halva is a sweet, dense, dessert of tahini and honey, often topped or stuffed with nuts and or chocolate. Delicious stuff, but easy to be hiding semolina (wheat) in!
If you're worried about hidden wheat, you can also just buy honey and tahini at the grocery store! Slather it on everything you eat for a delicious, albeit calorie dense, treat.
That all being said - Halva Kingdom in Shuk HaCarmel offers the tahini based Halva! (Main isle of the Shuk, they have two separate stands). They say their Halva is "80% tahina, 10% honey, and 10% other things." Wait, other "things?!" That word is the bane of the Gluten Free's existence. But the "other things" in this case are the chocolate, nuts, or spices that they use to make different flavors. If you're highly sensitive - pick and choose your varieties carefully. The nut "mix ins" will probably be safe for you while the chocolate varieties may be trickier. You know your own allergy the best, so be thoughtful about your decision!
Halva Kingdom - Two locations in Shuk Ha Carmel, plus a location in Sarona Market and based in Jerusalem.
Bamba -
Did you know, Israeli's have the lowest percentage of Peanut Allergies globally? Studies are tracing it back to this delicious, cheeto-reminiscent-peanut-flavored snack that Israeli children start devouring at around 4 months old. Israeli's consume Bamba like it's their job, so join in and help increase productivity.
I sadly must admit that I am allergic to nuts, so I don't get to enjoy it myself, but oh boy does it smell good! (Wahhh I miss peanut butter so much!!)
The regular Bamba is * technically* Gluten Free, but if you are a very sensitive Celiac, you need to search for the one that states so right on the packaging (featured in the picture left)! The chocolate filled one, isn't unfortunately, but if you're dying for some chocolate, pick up a jar of chocolate spread that is GF and make your own! Or just eat more of the regular Bamba to even out the calories. The best part is that Bamba is available everywhere - so if you're starving and stopping at at Gas Station while trekking across Israel, this salty sweet GF snack is right at your fingertips.
Stay tuned for another post in the future all about Israeli snacks that are Gluten Free! I had to include Bamba in here though, because, Bamba.
I hope this was helpful for you all! Please let me know below if you have any questions or suggestions!
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