Page 25 - Discover Israel Magazine - UK edition 2019
P. 25
Leoni Jesner
It’s a growing trend that’s swept the serves as Head Chef. The eatery is decked Another go-to lunch spot can be found within
Israeli nation and beyond: veganism in an eclectic mix of antique furniture and Zmora Organi, one of Jerusalem’s largest
- an ideological lifestyle of humane crockery, grand chandeliers and mis-matched organic food stores. Its Yad Harutzim branch
intentions, which follows a diet in tablecloths. A rich fusion of tastes and textures serves hot lunches prepared from fresh in-
absence of all animal produce, including characterise the showstopper menu, which store produce, offering a choice of seasonal
meat, fish, eggs, dairy, leather and fur. The features a 60 Minutes Mangold Boureka, soups, breads with dips, stews, ‘meatballs’
trend has accelerated at high speed in recent barbequed skewer of oyster mushrooms, and other daily dishes of a vegan and gluten
years – an outcome of enhanced media Greek Fatush Salad with vegan cheese and a free nature.
attention, heightened marketing to preserve bag of torn fries with homemade mayonnaise.
the environment and increased access to Wash the meal down with a fruity cocktail and Nagila, resting in on an old-worldly alleyway
healthy food varieties. revel in a moment of indulgence with a serving between Jaffa and Agripas streets, is an
of cocoa dusted chocolate almond truffles. inviting restaurant serving inspired vegan
As a country, Israel has the highest dishes in a charmingly arched building.
percentage of vegans per capita in the Bana, a new vegan hot spot in Tel Aviv, serves Family-run, the popular eatery also displays
world at over 400,000 people, around five a playful selection of mains and enticing rotating exhibitions by local artists on its
percent of Israel’s eight million residents. sweet treats. Imaginative creations such as walls. All the cuisine is cooked with passion
The Israel Ministry Tourism has gone as far burnt beets with fresh peach and nectarine and from the heart to produce an international
to position Israel as the ‘vegan nation’, with in orange vinaigrette and cashew cream, fusion of tastes: from roasted eggplant with
the movement’s growth largely aided by appear on the menu alongside a black rice herbs and tahina and Mejadra La J’ahdana
an influx of vegan produce, including soy and zucchini quiche, with tempting desserts – black sprouted lentils and whole rice or
and nut-based cheeses, milk, yogurts and of ‘nice cream’ and chocolate bark with buckwheat with vegetable patties, to curry
meat alternatives taking pride of place on berries. Among a colourful fusion of cocktails stews and salads. Save room for a tasty
supermarkets and local health store shelves. is a not-to-be-missed ouzo, almond milk and choice of dessert including carrot cake with
mint concoction. walnuts and raisins or banana bread with
Israel’s vegan movement is often spotlighted in tahini and date honey.
mainstream media and was recently featured Jerusalem
in British newspaper The Independent for a Haifa
story on: “How Tel Aviv Became the Vegan Casual vegan ‘lunches on the go’ are
Capital of the World,” showcasing the country’s plentiful across Jerusalem, with small eateries The vegan lifestyle has spread as far as Israel’s
emphasis on freshly prepared produce. frequented daily by their loyal patrons. Much north, where healthy establishments are
adored by its clientele is Village Green, a brimming with patrons and new eateries are
Israel’s creative culinary has played an quaint vegan cafe located a few steps from cropping at pace. Umm Kulthum is a small
invaluable role in shaping the vegan Zion Square on Yoel Moshe Salomon St. The vegan restaurant on Moriya Blvd. in Haifa,
movement, with hundreds of restaurants family-run business has cultivated a distinct serving a creative selection of Druze and
catering to the lifestyle. On your next trip to menu featuring breakfast burekas and topped Middle Eastern inspired dishes. If cauliflower
Israel, make it your mission to sample the oatmeal, lunch choices of soups, quiches, topped pizza takes your fancy, this is the
staples from these celebrated vegan dining pies, lasagna, breads (including gluten free place to dine. Hearty choices include fresh
spots. varieties) and a self-service salad bar. Also hummus bowls and Baba Ganoush, alongside
available are detoxifying wheatgrass or traditional desserts of Knafeh and Malabi.
Tel Aviv ginger shots, or perhaps the enticing display
of cakes and pastries have more appeal for With numerous branches spread throughout
Start your morning in Tel Aviv with a breakfast rounding off the meal. the country, Cafe Louise is a much-loved
at Meshek Barzilay, a ‘farm to table’ chain in Israel. Its first branch, founded in Haifa,
establishment founded over 16 years on a received much applause for its extensive
family run farm outside of the city. Located in vegan cuisine comprising rich ‘morning
the picturesque Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, power’ bowls, layered salads, accompanying
the restaurant serves an inventive menu baked breads, boutique cheeses and even
with organic vegan dishes, inspired by seaweed shakes. Its deli has a mouth-
seasonal produce. Breakfast staples include watering repertoire of homemade baked
a chickpea omelette and a mix of nut-based goods, made from raw ingredients and super
vegan cheeses, whilst lunch and dinner foods, alongside brewed organic coffee
serves zesty salads, topped pizzas and Indian blends and aromatic tea infusions.
inspired dishes. The popular spot serves a
diverse clientele, both in its main restaurant
and adjoining take-away delicatessen.
An upscale vegan dining experience can be Main Photo: Cafe Louise
enjoyed at Zakaim, a family-owned vegan 1. Nagila
haunt off one of Allenby’s side streets, run 2. Meshek Barzilay
by Hila Zakaim and her brother Harel, who 3 3. Bana. Photo: Dan Arvatz
D I S C O V E R I S R A E L 25
