Israel pt 2

So breakfast is covered. Lets continue with lunch. As in most countries around the middle east, many people do not eat out of the home as much as say Americans would. The meals are eaten at home and money is saved for more important things. Like clubbing in Tel Aiv on a Saturday night :)

Yala red bull vodka!! (My Israelis should understand)

So lunch would probably be on the lighter side. Something quick to eat, most likely it will be a burekas. Which is a flaky pastry filled with potato or cheese. Served with lots of pickles and eggs on the side.

Now this my friends is NOT I repeat, NOT a health food.

Although quite tasty, it is dripping with butter due to the pastry dough. You see how they cut it up into pieces? My advice it so share this with 2 or 3 (yes 3!) people, grab a chunk or 3 with some hard boiled eggs and pickles and you got yourself a tasty lunch! I never said you couldn't eat it, its all about moderation! Why deprive yourself of this delicious creation!? 

People also usually eat this after a night of clubbing, can you say the perfect drunk food?

The number one thing you must eat in Israel is a pita filled with Falafel or shawarma meat. Shawrma is meat roasted on a long spit, usually made of chicken or lamb, and then shaved off into slices. Since this is Israel where the majority eat Kosher or Halal, you will never find pork. 

Falafel are balls made of  ground up chickpeas and spices that are then deep-fried.This is then stuffed in a soft pita with hummus, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and tahini sauce.

(Ive used this picture already but really who cares, you need to see this again)

My advice? Keep the pita, easy on the hummus, fill it half way with veggies, add chicken shawarma, throw in 1 falafel ball, no tahini sauce and viola! You've got yourself a healthy filling lunch covering all the food groups. 

My feelings when eating on vacation are, moderation is key. You should never deprive yourself of foods that are once in a lifetime. Eating the food is part of the experience and how you really immerse yourself in the culture. I believe that you can have something "bad" as long as its balanced with something healthy on the side. Because come on, what do you remember most, "that mango that was cut in front of you in the markets of Tel Aviv with your husband", or that "painting in a museum"? :P