TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Israeli Foods
Marinated and spit-roasted, shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern meat treat whose origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era, while its name stems from the Arabic pronunciation of the Turkish word çevirme (lit. to turn; turning), and refers to the rotating skewer on which the meat is cooked.
Shawarmas are made with either lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or a mix of different meats which are slow-cooked for hours and basted in their own juices and fat, gaining an incomparable succulence, but the real secret to a perfect shawarma is in the marinade.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Kebab
MOST ICONIC Shawarma
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kunāfah consists of two crunchy layers of shredded and buttered kataifi or knefe dough, filled with a luscious cheese cream that's often flavored with orange zest and cardamom, then drenched in a sugar syrup infused with lemon juice and orange blossom water.
Turkish künefe is traditionally made with Hatay, Urfa, or Antep cheese. It is usually topped with pistachios and is best served warm. Elegant and amazingly simple to make, this dessert is nothing short of what cheese-filled pastry dreams are made of.
MOST ICONIC Kunāfah
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This internationally popular, beige-colored spread is traditionally made with mashed chickpeas, tahini sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. People across the world love hummus for its tangy flavor and the fact that it is filled with nutrients.
When served, it is typically dressed with a drizzle of olive oil, and is then used as a dip for vegetables or a flavorful filling for flatbreads such as pita. Even today, not much is known about its origins, although the earliest mention of hummus dates back to 13th-century Egypt.
VARIATIONS OF Hummus
MOST ICONIC Hummus
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Challah is a loaf of leavened, braided egg bread that is traditionally consumed on Shabbat in Jewish communities, although it is also popular on festive occasions such as weddings or brit milahs. Less common varieties of challah are not braided, but shaped into spirals, books, keys, and flowers.
Sometimes, before baking, challah is sprinkled with poppy, sesame, or coriander seeds, symbolizing manna that fell from heaven while the Israelites were in Exodus. On Shabbat, two loaves of challah are traditionally placed on the festive table, their braids symbolizing connection, justice, love, and peace.
First brought to Israel in the 1940s and 1950s by the Iraqi Jews, sabich is a sandwich made by stuffing pita bread with fried eggplants, hard-boiled eggs, tahini sauce, Israeli salad, hummus, pickled mango sauce (amba), and parsley. It is often eaten as a snack or a breakfast on Sabbath morning, and can be purchased from many street food vendors.
MOST ICONIC Sabich
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Shakshouka is a delicious combination of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. Although it has an unusual name, the dish is straightforward and easy to make. It is usually made in a skillet in which onions, tomatoes, and spices are cooked until they form a delicious tomato sauce.
Eggs are then added directly to the tomato sauce and poached until done. Merguez sausage can also be added to the dish. It is believed that shakshouka originated in Tunisia, but the dish is well-known and commonly eaten throughout North Africa and the Middle East as well.
MOST ICONIC Shakshouka
View moreAshkenazi in origin, the Jewish pastry known as rugelach is made by rolling a triangle of dough around a filling, resulting in crescent-shaped pastries. Alternatively, the dough can be rolled in the form of a strudel or a nut roll which is then sliced prior to baking.
The dough can be made with sour cream or cream cheese, but the dairy ingredients can be omitted, while the fillings can vary from nuts and raisins to fruit preserves. These delectable pastries are traditionally eaten on Hanukkah, but they can also be bought all year round in cafes and bakeries.
MOST ICONIC Rugelach
Taboon is a Middle Eastern flatbread that is traditionally baked in a clay oven, giving the bread its characteristical bubbly shape. It consists of flour, water, yeast, and sugar. The bread is commonly sold on the streets, stuffed with falafel, shredded meat, or hummus.
It is also often used for scooping up meat stews or gravy-based dishes.
Bourekas is a traditional pastry of Sephardi Jewish origin. There are many versions of bourekas, made with bourekas dough, phyllo dough, puff pastry, or brik pastry, filled with cheese (feta or kashkaval), spinach, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, or pizza filling.
Distinctive shapes are used to indicate different fillings – bourekas made with puff pastry and containing dairy products are always shaped into triangles, while those containing non-dairy products are shaped into squares or circles. Before they're baked, bourekas are sprinkled with poppy seeds, nigella seeds, black sesame seeds, or za'atar.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Even though these protein-packed chickpea fritters are listed as one of Israel's national dishes, and are a staple in many Middle Eastern countries including Palestine and Lebanon, it is often suggested that falafel might have evolved from the Egypt dish known as taameya. By the 1950s, to earn a living, Yemenite immigrants in Israel started making falafel in the streets, selling it wrapped in paper, which has eventually transformed this ancient dish into an early form of Israeli fast food and facilitet the global recognition of it.
As an alternative to the Israeli version, the Egyptian taameya uses fava beans instead of chickpeas, while the mixture is typically flavored with parsley, coriander, cumin, and onions. Today, both in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, falafel fritters are most commonly enjoyed in pita or lafa flatbread sandwiches, topped with fresh or pickled vegetables, and coated either in hummus paste, tahini dip, or a zesty, garlic-flavored yogurt sauce.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Taameya
MOST ICONIC Falafel
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Israeli Food Producers
Kibbutz Magal is located in the Central District of Israel and is known for producing high-quality olive oil. The olive oil is derived from olives grown in the region's Mediterranean climate, which provides favorable conditions for olive cultivation.
The production process at Kibbutz Magal emphasizes both traditional and modern techniques to ensure a premium product.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2016
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Kibutz Magal Olive Oils
Meshek Hilman is an Israeli producer of olive oil located in the northern region of the country. The farm cultivates various olive varieties, such as Arbequina and Koroneiki, to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Meshek Hilman employs traditional and sustainable farming practices to ensure the quality and taste of their products.
The farm also engages in the direct sale of olive oil to consumers, often through local markets and online platforms.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021, 2019, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
BEST Meshek Hilman Olive Oils
Halutza is an olive oil producer based in Israel. They cultivate olives in the Negev Desert region. The company focuses on sustainable agriculture and advanced irrigation techniques. Halutza's olive oils have won awards at international competitions.
They offer a variety of olive oil products, including extra virgin olive oil. The company also exports its olive oils to various countries.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2019, 2014
BEST Halutza Olive Oils
Eretz Gshur Olive Oil is produced in the southern Golan Heights of Israel. The brand is known for cultivating its olives in nutrient-rich volcanic soil, which contributes to the high quality of the olive oil. The company implements advanced agricultural techniques and adheres to strict quality control measures throughout the olive oil production process.
Eretz Gshur offers various types of olive oil, including extra virgin varieties.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019, 2018, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2017, 2015, 2014
BEST Eretz Gshur Olive Oil Olive Oils
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019, 2018
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2019, 2017, 2015, 2014
BEST Eliad Olive Oil Ltd. Olive Oils
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2019, 2018
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2019, 2018, 2017
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2017
BEST Har Vaemek Olive Oils
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2019, 2017, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2018
BEST Ets-hasade Olive Oils
Meshek Achiya is an olive oil producer located in Israel. The company specializes in high-quality extra virgin olive oil and cultivates its olives using sustainable agricultural practices. Meshek Achiya operates its own olive groves and has a modern pressing facility to ensure the freshness and purity of its oil.
The company also offers educational tours about olive oil production and sustainability.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2021
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021
BEST Shemen Shean Olive Oils
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Israeli Food Products
Masik Kibbutz Magal Koroneiki is an olive oil produced by Kibutz Magal. This product is made from Koroneiki olives, which are known for their high-quality oil production. The olives are harvested and processed at Kibutz Magal, ensuring a fresh and uniquely flavorful product.
The oil typically has a robust, fruity flavor profile with peppery undertones, making it a popular choice for culinary uses ranging from dressings to cooking.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2019
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2022
Masik Kibbutz Magal Souri is a distinctive olive oil made exclusively from Souri olives, a variety native to the region and celebrated for its robust, earthy flavor. This single-varietal oil offers a rich, full-bodied profile with hints of green herbs and a pleasantly peppery finish.
Perfect for dipping, dressing, or adding depth to your favorite dishes, Souri olive oil reflects the tradition and expertise of Kibbutz Magal's olive-growing heritage.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2018
Masik Kibbutz Magal Askal is a high-quality olive oil made from the Askal variety of olives, known for its smooth, mild flavor and subtle fruity notes. This oil has a delicate, well-balanced taste with a gentle peppery finish, making it perfect for use in dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch to salads and Mediterranean dishes.
The Askal olive oil highlights the dedication and tradition of Kibbutz Magal in producing exceptional olive oils, ideal for enhancing everyday meals.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2016
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021, 2019
Meshek Hilman Koroneiki Olive Oil is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil produced by Meshek Hilman in the Golan Heights, Israel. Made from the Koroneiki olive variety, this oil is known for its vibrant and complex flavor profile. It offers a balance of grassy, herbaceous notes with a mild bitterness and a peppery finish.
The Koroneiki variety is prized for its rich fruitiness and smooth texture, making this olive oil perfect for a wide range of dishes, including salads, dressings, and roasted vegetables. It is celebrated for its freshness, low acidity, and versatility in both cooking and as a finishing oil.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021, 2018, 2017, 2016
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019, 2014
Masik Kibbutz Magal Organic is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Kibutz Magal Olive Oil. This artisanal olive oil is crafted using organic olives grown in the Kibbutz Magal region of Israel. The olives are harvested and pressed following organic farming standards to ensure high quality and purity without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
This olive oil is known for its rich, robust flavor, which can enhance a variety of culinary dishes.
AWARDS
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2016
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019, 2018
Masik Kibbutz Magal Picual is a premium olive oil made from 100% Picual olives, renowned for their bold and distinctive flavor. This oil features a vibrant profile with notes of fresh-cut grass, green tomatoes, and a balanced peppery finish. Its high antioxidant content and robust taste make it ideal for enhancing grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or simply drizzling over crusty bread.
Crafted with precision and care, this olive oil showcases the excellence of Kibbutz Magal's agricultural expertise.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2019
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021, 2016, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2017
Coratina Olive Oil - Meshek Hilman is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Meshek Hilman in the Golan Heights, Israel. The Coratina variety is known for its robust flavor profile, offering a balance of bitterness and spiciness with a distinctive fruity aroma.
This high-quality olive oil is made from the finest hand-picked Coratina olives, and it is prized for its intense green fruitiness, herbaceous notes, and smooth texture. It is ideal for drizzling over salads, grilling vegetables, or using in Mediterranean dishes, adding a bold and fresh flavor to any culinary creation.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021, 2019
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2015, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - TOP TEN
2019
Eretz Gshur Picholine is an olive oil product produced by Eretz Gshur Olive Oil. This olive oil is made from the Picholine olive variety, which is known for its distinctive flavor profile that typically includes notes of apple, almond, and sometimes a slight buttery finish.
It is often praised for its balanced bitterness and pungency. The olives are harvested and processed at optimal times to ensure the highest quality and preservation of the aromatic compounds. This product is commonly used in both culinary applications and as a finishing oil due to its dynamic flavor characteristics.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019, 2018
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2016, 2015
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2014
Masik Kibbutz Magal Nabali is a high-quality olive oil product produced by Kibbutz Magal. Known for its rich and robust flavor, it is often praised for its superior taste and unique characteristics. This olive oil is derived from Nabali olives, a variety noted for its balance of fruity and peppery notes.
It is frequently used in gourmet cooking and for enhancing the flavor of various dishes.
AWARDS
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022, 2021
Masik Kibbutz Magal Barnea is a premium olive oil made exclusively from Barnea olives, a variety developed in Israel and prized for its unique flavor profile. This oil features a mild, buttery taste with subtle grassy and nutty notes, balanced by a gentle peppery finish.
Perfect for both cooking and as a finishing oil, it highlights the innovative spirit and agricultural expertise of Kibbutz Magal.
AWARDS
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Israeli Foods” list until March 20, 2025, 9,183 ratings were recorded, of which 4,339 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.