Cuisine

Local Cuisine

When visiting Palestine, the country's captivating culinary landscape should be a top priority on any traveler's itinerary. Palestinian cuisine offers a unique and tantalizing fusion that reflects the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and diverse influences that have shaped the region over the centuries.

The story of food in Palestine is one of deep passion – a reverence for the bounty of nature and a mastery of the aromatic flavors that distinguish the country's various regions and seasons. Despite the encroachment of fast food, traditional Palestinian tastes and practices remain vibrant and accessible throughout the land.

For instance, exploring the historic quarters of Jerusalem offers an immersive gustatory journey, with each distinct sub-culture – Armenian, African, Muslim, Christian – contributing its own delectable flavors. Venture into the countryside, and the wafting scent of freshly baked taboon bread in the morning air becomes a quintessential marker of the Palestinian heartland.

Whether motivated by cultural exploration, culinary curiosity, or a genuine appreciation for the fusion of nature, tradition, and human ingenuity, visitors to Palestine will find the country's diverse and captivating food landscape to be a profoundly rewarding aspect of their experience.

Maqluba


Maqluba or makloubeh  is a traditional Arabic dish popular in Palestine. It consists of lamb or chicken, rice, and a variety of fried vegetables such...

Qidreh


Qidreh, Hebron's traditional dish, means "cooking pot" in Arabic. It is made from chicken or lamb cooked with rice, garlic, broth, and chickpeas in a brass...

Couscous


In Palestinian cuisine, couscous is known as maftoul, and it is one of the traditional staple foods. Maftoul is an Arabic word derived from the root "fa-ta-la,"...

Mansaf


Mansaf, a revered traditional dish that holds the distinguished status of being the national culinary icon of both Palestine and Jordan, is a sumptuous...

Musakhan


Musakhan, a cherished traditional Palestinian dish, celebrates the bounty of freshly pressed golden olive oil, featuring layers of chewy, charred taboon...

Mujaddara


Mujaddara, a simple yet nourishing staple across Palestine and the broader Near East, is a testament to the region's time-honored culinary traditions....

Bread


The bread-making traditions of Palestine are as diverse as they are deeply rooted in the region's culinary heritage.

Flafel


Falafel is a small, crunchy ball made from raw chickpeas that have been soaked overnight in water, strained, and then ground with onion, garlic, parsley,...

Desserts


The Palestinian culinary landscape is defined by a rich and diverse dessert tradition, with several signature confections that have become celebrated hallmarks...

Snacks


When it comes to snacks and appetizers, Palestinian hospitality is defined by an abundance of freshly roasted and salted nuts, seeds, dates, and dried...

Beverages


Palestine's bountiful fruit production presents visitors with a wealth of refreshing and locally-sourced juices available from street vendors across...