25/07/2024
Tastings from Haifa: a culinary trip in the northern capital
Culinary trip in Haifa - surprising flavors in the beautiful city
Haifa, the third largest city in Israel, is known for its spectacular scenery, its historical sites and its cosmopolitan atmosphere. But beyond all these, Haifa is also a city of food, offering an exciting variety of tastes, aromas and unique culinary experiences. From the lively markets to the gourmet restaurants, from the cheap street delicacies to the luxurious desserts - in Haifa you will find plenty of options to eat well and pamper yourself. Whether you are visiting for a moment or planning to stay in Haifa for a few days, whether you are die-hard food lovers or just looking for a good meal - Haifa will always be a perfect culinary destination for you.
Credit: Shlomo Rodad, from the pikiwiki website
Colorful markets full of flavors
Haifa is famous for its lively markets, full of colors and smells. If you are using car rental services in Israel, go directly to the Talfiot market, located in the city center, which offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and local delicacies. In contrast, the Wadi Nisnas market is one of the largest Arab markets in Israel, where you can find a huge selection of food products, fresh meat and traditional pastries. The combination of Jewish and Arab cultures is reflected in the abundance of foods offered in the markets. On one side you will find authentic falafel, hummus and sabih stalls, and on the other side you can enjoy cheese delicacies, salted fish and homemade Jewish-style spreads. The markets are a fascinating meeting point between different culinary traditions. In addition to food, in the markets you can also find a wide variety of fresh and unique spices, which will upgrade any home dish.
Gourmet restaurants for food lovers
Haifa is blessed with many diverse restaurants that offer an extraordinary culinary experience. The "Onyx" restaurant, for example, located on Independence Road in Haifa, is a real gem that offers a menu rich in many international dishes, with an emphasis on good European dishes. If you are interested in fine Italian food, the restaurant "Italiano de la Costa" overlooking the boardwalk, is a destination not to be missed. It combines, and in a successful way, between the fine Arab Galilean food and the beloved Italian food and brings out excellent dishes alongside a great view. The chef restaurant "Del Mar" located in Ypa Nof offers you a unique culinary experience in Haifa with fish dishes, and more. And if you haven't had enough of food that comes from the sea, the "Venia Bistro" restaurant brings you a menu based entirely on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients that create traditional dishes combined with innovation that is hard to ignore.
Tasty and cheap street food
One of the special things in Haifa is the abundance of tasty and affordable street food options. Scattered throughout the city are small stalls that offer stuffed animals, bureks, pitas and a variety of other foods that can be eaten while walking. In the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood you can find great falafel stands, some of which have already become a local institution. The filling and delicious dishes are served with salads, tahini and spicy, at a price equal to everyone's heart. The burkasim and sambosk stalls on Herzl Street are also worth a visit - crispy, hot and filled with cheeses, potatoes and meat, and in the side alleys of Hadar you will discover street food stalls with simple and delicious food. The street food in Haifa is suitable for any time of day and any budget, and is an integral part of the unique local experience.
Sweet and indulgent desserts
The residents of Haifa as well as its visitors are well aware of the excellent cafes and patisseries in the city. "Barda" on Hanamal Street in Haifa offers excellent, fresh and sweet pastries. This is a bakery with a cafe next to it, and a variety of breads, rolls, pretzels and pastries of all kinds. A cafe that is also a bakery in Paris Square that you should not miss is "Bakery & More" with a great selection of excellent croissants and excellent pastries. A real gem, as far as desserts and sweets are concerned, you will find it on Jaffa Street. "Saro" is a small and highly sought-after bakery in the city with cakes, cookies and other surprises, all of which are prepared on the spot.
Guided food tours around the city
An excellent way to get to know Haifa's culinary diversity is to join one of the guided food tours offered in the city. Different companies organize such tours in different areas, such as the German colony, Wadi Nisnas and the Turkish market. During the tour you will visit unique food stores, meet local producers and taste the typical foods of each region. The experienced guides on these tours also share stories and anecdotes about the history of the city and the development of local cuisine. It is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in food and culture. The food tours are suitable for small groups and individuals, and the guides will be happy to adjust the route according to the taste preferences and budget of the participants. In addition to the main areas of interest in the city, you can also find special tours in lesser-known neighborhoods, where surprising culinary treasures are hidden. Participating in such a tour is an excellent way to deepen your acquaintance with Haifa's rich cultural and culinary heritage.
