FOOD AND DRINK IN THE WESTERN GALILEE

Tour in the Druze Village of Hurfeish with a Local Guide & Authentic Meal – Safta Maha

You are welcome to walk with the tour guide Amir Amer (Maha’s husband) among the alleys of the beautiful village of Hurfeish. The tour will focus on the ancient nucleus, the hysteria of the Druze village – Hurfeish. It is possible to combine a home meeting with creative Druze women, where you can hear their personal stories and their confrontation with the dilemmas of tradition versus progress. The tour is recommended to open or end with an authentic traditional meal at Safta Maha’s. The duration of the tour is between 2 to 4 hours. About Safta Maha: Safta (Grandma) Maha Amer and her husband Amir open their home in the beautiful Druze settlement of Hurfeish. Maha grew up in a village in a traditional home and like most girls her age, she graduated in eighth grade and stayed home to help her mother with the housework. Maha says that she always loved the preparation of the dishes and when there were many events in the village, she used to accompany the preparations and learn from the older women who prepared the food for the celebration. Come hear the moving story of Maha Amer, talk to her about the status of the Druze woman today and in the past, and of course savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Come and enjoy the fresh air, the view from the terrace, and of course the variety of authentic delicacies from the Druze cuisine.

Cooking Workshops with Safta Maha

Let’s learn how to prepare the delicacies of Druze cuisine and enjoy a Druze-style meal. Maha will teach you how to prepare dishes such as maqluba, mujaddara, shulbato, homemade hummus, tabbouleh salad, and more! You can combine the workshop with a light, or full meal on the terrace. The workshop lasts between two to four hours. For groups of 6 people or more. About Safta Maha: Safta (Grandma) Maha Amer and her husband Amir open their home in the beautiful Druze settlement of Hurfeish. Maha grew up in a village in a traditional home and like most girls her age, she graduated in eighth grade and stayed home to help her mother with the housework. Maha says that she always loved the preparation of the dishes and when there were many events in the village, she used to accompany the preparations and learn from the older women who prepared the food for the celebration. Come hear the moving story of Maha Amer, talk to her about the status of the Druze woman today and in the past, and of course savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Come and enjoy the fresh air, the view from the terrace, and of course the variety of authentic delicacies from the Druze cuisine

Authentic Druze-Style Meal at Safta Maha’s

Come to Safta Maha’s house, in the picturesque Druze village of Hurfeish, to savor the open view from the terrace and a variety of pampering breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Maha will serve you dishes such as shulbato, beef or chicken stew, grape leaves, stuffed cabbage, maqluba, mugrabi (stew of chickpeas with meat, pumpkin, and burgul), or pampering Druze-style breakfasts. About Safta Maha: Safta (Grandma) Maha Amer and her husband Amir open their home in the beautiful Druze settlement of Hurfeish. Maha grew up in a village in a traditional home and like most girls her age, she graduated in eighth grade and stayed home to help her mother with the housework. Maha says that she always loved the preparation of the dishes and when there were many events in the village, she used to accompany the preparations and learn from the older women who prepared the food for the celebration. Come hear the moving story of Maha Amer, talk to her about the status of the Druze woman today and in the past, and of course savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Come and enjoy the fresh air, the view from the terrace, and of course the variety of authentic delicacies from the Druze cuisine.

Safta Maha – Druze Experience

Safta (Grandma) Maha Amer and her husband Amir open their home in the beautiful Druze settlement of Hurfeish. Maha grew up in a village in a traditional home and like most girls her age, she graduated in eighth grade and stayed home to help her mother with the housework. Maha says that she always loved the preparation of the dishes and when there were many events in the village, she used to accompany the preparations and learn from the older women who prepared the food for the celebration. Come hear the moving story of Maha Amer, talk to her about the status of the Druze woman today and in the past, and of course savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Come and enjoy the fresh air, the view from the terrace, and of course the variety of authentic delicacies from the Druze cuisine By prior arrangement, you will be served dishes such as shulbato, beef or chicken stew, grape leaves, stuffed cabbage, maqluba, mugrabi (a stew of chickpeas with meat, pumpkin, and burgul), or Druze-style breakfasts. You can also experience cooking workshops or combine all this goodness with a tour of the ancient village to be led by Amir, Maha’s husband, a certified tour guide. Suitable for families and groups of 6 people or more.

Cooking & Baking Workshops with Aviva Khoury

“Ever since I can remember I have stood by my mother and grandmothers, watched them cook, and internalized every recipe, every scent, and every beauty that passed before my eyes. After many years of different types of work, I decided to start a new chapter and cook fresh, delicious, and healthy homemade food with recipes that I developed, and today I am proud that I manage to convey the smell of my cooking to any place and any home.” At Aviva’s, you can learn how to make pâté, grape leaves, mujaddara, maqluba, stuffed vegetables, etc… it’s your choice! At the end of the workshop, you will take with you what you have prepared and you can also stay for the meal.

Aviva Khoury Home Cooking

Aviva Khoury is a native of the Christian village of Fassuta and in her warm home, you can stay, hear her personal story, and most importantly – enjoy fresh, authentic, and loving food. Aviva Khoury is a native of the Christian village of Fassuta. “Ever since I can remember I have stood by my mother and grandmothers, watched them cook, and internalized every recipe, every scent, and every beauty that passed before my eyes. After many years of different types of work, I decided to start a new chapter and cook fresh, delicious, and healthy homemade food with recipes that I developed, and today I am proud that I manage to convey the smell of my cooking to any place and any home.” Aviva learned the craft of cooking from her mother and learned the rest in various cooking courses. Today she hosts in her warm home couples, families, and groups for traditional Christian Arab food. Aviva loves to prepare a variety of traditional dishes such as stuffed vegetables, maqluba, rice with meat but also pitas with hyssop and cheese, steaks and stuffed chickens, and a variety of salads, cookies, and handmade patisseries. When you enter her home she will be happy to tell you her special story, get to know the family, and then sit down to dinner. If you want you can also come to a cooking or baking workshop and learn its cooking secrets and also order prepared food for events.  

Eat with at Beit Elfarasha

Beit Elfarasha invites you to a traditional Akko-style meal. The meal is an experiential event where you can taste a variety of delicious dishes cooked for you by a local cook. During the event you are invited to watch the cooking process and hear about the local cuisine and life in Old Akko. Our initiative is based on two main ideas: First, empower the local women in Akko, most of whom are housewives, to give them a job in something they love and know how to do, cook. Secondly, it is a perfect place to spend a few hours with a local, get to know her, hear stories about her life and the ancient city of Akko. Suitable for a minimum of 4 people.

Cooking Workshops with Local Akko Women at Beit Elfarasha

Beit Elfarasha (Butterfly House) invites you to learn how to prepare real, authentic Akko-style food. The workshop includes a personal meeting and acquaintance with the host, followed by a tour of the local market in Akko, accompanied by explanations and the purchase of fresh raw materials from the market that will be used by us later for cooking in the workshop. After the tour, we will return to Beit Elfarasha and start the cooking workshop. Workshop Menu: Local soup Two types of salads based on seasonal local produce Two Akko-style sides additions Main course of your choice – you can choose a dish of meat, vegetarian or fish Dessert At the end of the workshop we will sit down to a joint meal together. During the workshop, participants will also prepare pickles to take home with them. Suitable for a minimum of 4 people.

Beit Elfarasha in Old Akko

Beit Elfarasha (Butterfly House) was established by women, inspired by women and built for women. Cathy Raff fell in love with Akko many years ago. Beit Elfarasha is the fulfillment of her dream of opening a center where local women can share their love of local cuisine with guests from Israel and around the world. Its aspiration is to allow visitors in Akko to be more than “tourists for a day” through direct meetings with local residents that make Akko a diverse, warm and special city. Beit Elfarasha is located in a picturesque alley in the heart of the Old City of Akko, near the Mediterranean Sea and about a minute walk to the Old Sea Wall. It is housed in a beautiful, recently renovated, Ottoman building. The entrance level includes a modern kitchen where the workshops are held and a guest room for cultural events. On the first floor is located two spacious guest rooms and the top floor contains a large balcony overlooking the sea. It is a perfect place to rest, breathe good air and soak up the atmosphere of an ancient Mediterranean city. Here you will meet chefs from Akko who will teach you how to cook the delicious meals of the local cuisine. Participating in the workshops allows guests to be part of the process of preparing local, special delicacies and of course to get to know their personal story and the tradition in which they grew up. One of the goals of the workshop is to create an experience that brings people together through working together in a direct meeting. The combination of the ancient building, the modern design, the attention to detail in each room and the cooking workshops make the Beit Elfarasha experience one of the many city charms that Old Akko has to offer.

Authentic Kurdish Food Deliveries — Shula from Shtula

Shula Giladi from moshav Shtula, which sits on the northern border, serves Kurdish delicacies in her home and green garden, such as kubbeh with okra, shifta (meatballs), yafrah (onions and stuffed grape leaves), and more heavenly treats. During this period you can also order takeaway and enjoy the wonderful food at your home or B&B — wherever you choose! Pick up from Shula’s home in Moshav Shtula. Important: In accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health, when there is no approval for takeaway, deliveries are made on Fridays. Reservations close on Tuesday evening. Name: Shula Giladi Business Name: Shula Shtula Kosher: Yes Food Style: Authentic Kurdish food Menu: *Suitable for 10 servings Shula’s beef patties in pepper sauce 20 patties, 150 NIS Kubbeh red okra 30 kubbeh, 150 NIS Roast in the oven in onion sauce 8 pieces,160 NIS Chicken stuffed in a stew style 120 NIS Couscous with a very rich soup 200 NIS Moroccan fish 250 NIS Salmon in the oven 350 NIS Broccoli quiche 60 NIS Sides – Each additional 100 NIS: rice, potatoes in the oven, green beans in tomato sauce, beans, cabbage salad, vegetable salad Cholent with fresh meat 500 NIS Availability: Orders are accepted until Tuesday evening. The takeaway/deliveries are made on Fridays Price: Prices are for 10 servings Phone for reservations: 0723970929  

Food Deliveries from GalilEAT — Paul Nirens

Paul Nirens came to Israel from Australia and was excited to meet the cultural, culinary diversity in the Galilee. He founded GalilEAT so he can expose others to the special culinary experience of the Galilee. Name: Paul Nirens Business Name: GalilEAT: Cooking Workshops, Foraging Workshops & Culinary Tours in the Galilee Type of Food: Homemade Druze food Menus: Menu for 4 People – Minimum order of 150 NIS Stuffed grape leaves and zucchini 75 NIS Burghul Mujaddara 45 NIS Freekeh 45 NIS Freekeh with chicken 60 NIS Cauliflower in tahini 75 NIS Siniya with tahini 95 NIS Siniya Bandura (with tomatoes and lemon) 95 NIS Makluba Chicken 120 NIS Makluba Sheep 180 NIS Okra or Manzala (eggplant and chickpea stew) 45 NIS Tabouleh Salad 50 NIS Fetush Salad 60 NIS Manish (pita with hyssop or pepper and onion spread) 10 NIS per pita Full Vegetarian Meal Stuffed grape leaves and zucchini Burghul Mujaddara Cauliflower in tahini Okra or Manzala (eggplant and chickpea stew) Tabouleh Salad Homemade olives and pickles Druze Pita Tamarind Price: 2 People: 300 NIS 4 People: 430 NIS 5 People: 500 NIS 10 People: 1000 NIS Full Meat Meal Grape leaves and zucchini stuffed with meat and rice (can be ordered without meat) Mujaddara burghul or freekeh Siniya with tahini Okra or Manzala (eggplant and chickpea stew) Tabouleh Salad Homemade olives and pickles Druze Pita Tamarind Price: 2 People: 350 NIS 4 People: 500 NIS 5 People: 600 NIS 10 People:1050 NIS (When purchased, Makluba chicken is added for no extra charge) Price: Depending on the type of meal and the number of people. Payment by credit card or BIT at the time of booking only. There is no possibility of payment to the courier. Distribution Area: We have Galilean hosts waiting to cook your meal for you and bring it to your home up to 10 km from their village Daliyat al-Karmel, Yarka, Maghar, Hurfeish Delivery Fee: Includes delivery Active Days: By appointment Phone Number: 0723957568  

Deliveries from Nurit Poran

For the past 6 years, Nurit has been leading people through the alleys and markets of the Western Galilee, revealing local foods to them, introducing them to the locals, and combining cultures, tastes and now bringing to you the delicacies of Akko – Akko home-made food and colorful market spices. Name: Nurit Poran Business Name: Eat with Nurit Suprise Akko-style Package Nurit: “No, this is not a salsa of products that I collected for you in the market, it is a whole tour that I packed beautifully, I attached more surprises and explanations and with all this, I personally come to you. It’s exciting, it’s intriguing, it’s delicious and it’s a special surprise. So to anyone who wants to know what’s in there before it comes… I apologize.” And rumors say it’s worth it !!! Cost: 440 NIS including shipping The case contains about 14 cool and interesting items. Some are sweet, some are salty and some are not really edible but safe to use. Distribution area: Delivery from Akko to Gush Dan or from Akko to the north of the Western Galilee region Phone for reservations: 0723957563

Magical Nature Spots & Authentic Meetings

Chef Meals on Demand with Hagit Lidror

A personal meal cooked especially for you! Enjoy a private vegetarian or vegan meal. It can be brunch, lunch, or dinner. A rich, seasonal, ever-changing menu with: salads, soups, pies, dips, various dishes, and desserts. A meal can host 8-50 people at your house, your vacation house, or in Klil.  

Galilean Cooking Workshop with Hagit Lidror

Traditional Galilean Cuisine Galilean cuisine is very seasonal and mostly adapts to the types of vegetables that can be picked at certain times. In winter – there are plenty of greens growing everywhere: chicory, mallow, wild beets, nettles, wild fennel, and so on. In spring – how can you do without grape leaves? And in summer – stuff everything: peppers, zucchini, eggplants, and more. In collaboration with Insaf, Hagit’s friend from Kfar Yasif, they have created several workshops: *Duet Between Old and New: Traditional and Alternative Galilean Cuisine Workshop – A Duet in the Kitchen: stuffed vegetables, Tabbouleh, majadra, and other wonders of Galilean cuisine. Insaf brings the traditional aspect and I bring the alternative. What’s on the menu? A pot of various stuffed vegetables with traditional rice filling A pot of peppers/chestnut pumpkin/cabbage stuffed with quinoa, greens, and sprouted lentils Traditional Tabbouleh Tabbouleh with quinoa and cranberries Bulgur based on majadra Majadra with rice and lentils And so much more … This is a unique workshop brought by two very different, yet similar women who love to cook and combine flavors and smells, each from her own perspective and inspiration, and together – they merge in a culinary dance in the kitchen (and in the stomach …)

Chocolate & Healthy Sweets Workshop from the Raw World with Hagit Lidror

Imagine a world in which our love for sweets was healthy. We are excited to tell you that this world exists! Cocoa in its natural form is a superfood, Fruits and nuts – you already know are healthy, and sweeteners – have you heard of maple and agave? You are invited to a two-and-a-half-hour sweet and healthy culinary experience for the whole family. You will concoct and prepare together with Inbar and Hagit a variety of vegan sweets from the RAW world from the finest raw materials available! And discover that a passion for sweets can be healthy and creative … We will acquaint you with the wonders of cocoa and chocolate, together we’ll make magical pralines, chocolate balls from another world, and finally, ice creams and fruit popsicles that will refresh your summer. **Bring a cooler with ice to take home what you prepare!** The activity is suitable for children and adults over the age of 4

Baking Workshop at Brioche

Hagit Stern previously worked in a senior position in the high-tech industry but has always loved to bake. Hagit decided to pursue her passion and went to study baking. She studied at “Estella” in Givat Shmuel and then in France in “Perpignan”. Hagit brings her professionalism and passion to Brioche in Nahariya. Brioche offers cooking and baking workshops that bring Hagit’s rich knowledge and experience to your kitchen.

Janet’s Kitchen

Janet welcomes you to her house for some authentic, warm Druze hospitality. Jat Village is a relatively small Druze village with spectacular views and fresh air. Come visit Janet at her cozy kitchen, get to know her and her family, and sit together for a feast with a variety of homemade dishes and fresh pastries made from Galilean produce: stuffed grape leaves, mujaddara, siniya, tabbouleh salad, moussaka, kubbeh, maqluba and more. At the end of the meal you can enjoy some coffee and pastries, talk to the family about Druze customs, traditions, faith, and also hear about the unique connection between the family and Israel’s armed forces. Must book in advance.

Brioche

Hagit Stern worked at a senior position in high-tech in the past but has always loved baking. She decided to follow her love and study baking. First, she studied at Estella in Givat Shmuel and then in France at Perpignan. Keeping to her studies in France and the strict attention to raw materials, some of the ingredients Hagit works with, such as butter and chocolate, are specially imported from France and Belgium. Today, her passion and professionalism are applied at Brioche Nahariya. Brioche offers a rich and kosher meat or dairy catering, including a variety of pastries and delicacies with a true French taste. Brioche can be booked for events as well as cooking and baking workshops.

GalilEAT

GalilEAT is owned and run by Paul Nirens and offers Galilean home cooking workshops, winter wild green foraging in the fields, market tours, and culinary adventures in the Galilee, cooperating with his Jewish, Druze, and Arab neighbors. Come visit our host’s home, get to know them, and hear about their customs. We then cook a meal together, in the family kitchen, and in the end, sit and eat what we have made with our host. Paul says: “I have lived in the rural Galilee region for almost 30 years. In that time, I have developed good relationships with many people in the area. These relationships allow me to offer true local-cultural experiences based on food. If it has to do with food in the Galilee, I know all about it and want to share it with you”. GalilEAT has received a TripAdvisor certificate of excellence for five years in a row, due to its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. The company offers different types of activities, from whole-day tours to a quick home hospitality meal. One of our hosts has a kosher kitchen, rabbinate supervised, and happily welcomes guests who keep kosher into her home. Due to the prominent use of grains and fresh vegetables in the Galilean kitchen, vegetarians enjoy our programs as much as meat lovers.  

Shula from Shtula

Shula lives in Shtula, a Yishuv on the Israeli-Lebanese border. The road leading up to Shtula is one of the prettiest in all the Western Galilee. Shula Giladi loves to entertain groups of people and feed them her tasty cooking. Shula serves delicacies at her house and green garden, the most famous of which is the okra kubbeh. Also served are meatballs, Yafrech (stuffed onions and grape leaves), potato latkes, chicken, cooked and fresh salads, and a side of special rice, beans, and homemade pickles. At the end of the meal, over tea, jams, and pastries, Shula will be happy to tell you her personal and fascinating story with a humorous touch and sometimes end with a song. Visits are for groups of 10 people or more but Shula suggests that you call even if you are fewer – maybe she’s available.