Israel Food Tours
Israel Food Tours
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
Full view
About
Israel Food Tours was founded because of our passion for Israeli food and our desire to share with you Israel's exceptional culinary diversity and complexity. Our tours aim to create a connection with location and its people through the shared experience of local cuisine. We visit every geographic region from the Negev desert to the Galilean mountains in Northern Israel, as we introduce you to a wide variety of ethnic cuisines that comprise the contemporary culture of Israeli food. At the moment we are not offering tours, as we engage in other culinary projects, but check back in with us in the future to see if this changes.
Similar Experiences
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
23 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Diane E
Jerusalem6 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
Today we had the pleasure of tasting, seeing, learning about the wonderful produce, nuts, spices, cheeses, baking....you name it... available in Jerusalem. A friend and I met Ben Brewer, of Israel Food Tours, at a coffee shop near the market in the Mehane Yehuda area and had a fabulous time walking through the market sampling all kinds of foods and completed the tour with a great lunch. Ben was an incomparable host. A friend back home will be thrilled that I will be bringing back some ground Sumac for her! Highly recommended.
Written April 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Diane, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour and I had a great time exploring and eating our way through the Shuk along with Suzanne.
I hope you've put the Sumac to good use and were inspired by the spices and foods you ate while in Israel.
Best, Ben
Written May 9, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PixieSaurus-Rex
Chambersburg, PA48 contributions
Jan 2011
My mom and I went to Tel Aviv together and since she'd never visited Israel, a food tour seemed like a great way to introduce her to the culinary delights of the region. To say the least, she was not disappointed. All of the stops provided ample and delicious food to sample and discuss. Liz was great in explaining where different influences came from and how the different cultures of the Jewish Diaspora came together into Tel Aviv and how to tell the difference. We had a great day with our small group, and would love to do a tour of another region.
Written March 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad you and your mother had such a good time on the tour. Tel Aviv has such a unique culinary scene and we are always happy to expose it to those on our tours.
All the best, Ben
Written March 30, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula M
Tel Aviv, Israel3 contributions
Aug 2011
Wow! I'm an American who has been to Israel more times than I can count and so it's hard to find something "new and different" to do when I visit. Israel Food Tours created a special tour for me and some friends that blew us away. We first went to a private chef's quickfire tasting in a beautifully renovated industrial space. For foodies like us who watch "Top Chef" religiously, this was a great, unique way to start our day. We then headed to the Druze village of Daliyat-el-Carmel, where we were taken to the home of one of the town's most established families, who shared their fascinating history with us over some of the best Druze food I've ever eaten. They were absolutely lovely and made us feel as if we were old friends who had come over for lunch. I never would have been able to have this sort of authentic experience on my own and I left with a deeper understanding of the Druze culture and society--as well as a happy belly. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves food, is curious about the nuances of Israeli society, and is looking for a unique activity.
Written August 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marshald
Yardley, PA18 contributions
Jan 2011
I took the "food tour" on January 2, 2011 in Tel-Aviv - Jaffo. I was expecting an experience that focused on Food/Culinary treats, etc. Although the tour provided some educational highlights I enjoyed about Tel-Aviv, I signed on and was expecting a culinary experience, with a lot of taste sensations. I was very disappointed.
I was picked up at my hotel by a very nice Olim named Liz who directed the 6 persons in the tour into 2 cabs to Jaffo. We initially walked around for about 45 minutes while Liz discussed the history and architecture of the surroundings, before ending up at what we were told was arguably the best hummus place in Jaffo. She added we would enjoy the "typical" Israeli breakfast (this was at 10:30 am). I don't know what to say: I have a very hard time believing that the typical Israeli only has a pita, some hummus and some fava beans for breakfast. For drinks, the 7 of us shared 4 bottles of water (this was a constant theme throughout the day: Liz ordered all the food and it almost seemed like she worked on an "anti-commission," earning more by spending less).
After walking another 30-45 minutes or so, we taxi-ed to the old rehabilitated Railway Station. We walked around, could shop, and then stopped for coffee (although we were told lunch would be about 2:00 pm, no snack was offered). We then walked through a nice gentrified area and Liz discussed the history of the rehab and how prices have skyrocketed in the neighborhood.
We then reached the famous and huge outdoor Carmel Market - which sells everything from clothing, to spices, to fruit, vegetables, sandwiches, etc. This was really what I had in mind when signing up for the tour. We enjoyed a few ethnic fried items (i.e., split 7 ways) and a fresh fruit drink for each of us.
Liz also bought us a small quantity of tea and spices from one of the stalls. We then headed to a Yemenite restaurant just off the market.
Now when I say "restaurant," please do not visualize a sit down, menu in hand, experience where each decides what to order and you perhaps share and experience a lot of different foods (I am Ashkenazi and would have enjoyed such an experience). The restaurant was certainly authentic, but it was something of a "dive," very inexpensive, and Liz once again ordered for all. Incredibly, after a meager breakfast and small snacks, her initial order for 7 people was embarrassing small. Although she asked us to "speak up" if we wanted more (placing an uncomfortable burden on the paying customers, i.e., us - fortunately, 2 twenty-somethings did speak up), the amount we all ate - less than 1 shish-kabob a piece with some pita bread and rice dishes - was simply insufficient (I am confident all felt that way). Again, 4 bottles of water split among 7, although Liz splurged for coffee.
We then took a taxi to a separate area of the city for a walking architectural/walking tour. Now don't misunderstand me: I learned a lot about the architectural history of the city (e.g. Bauhaus buildings, etc) --BUT I signed up for a culinary tour. We must have walked a good 2 hours. I am 53 years and one woman was probably at least 60 years, and I can tell you she had difficulty keeping up.
Finally, a last taxi into the center of town for a small cup/cone of ice cream.
Savor Israel does its clients a great disservice. It is not honest about the small amount of food offered (look, I know you can't eat throughout the day, but there should be 3 decent meals and items to take home) and the amount of walking really makes this a walking/architectural tour more than anything (and not everyone can walk 4 hours from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm).
Perhaps the greatest indictment I can make: at the end of the tour, I was hungry.
I was picked up at my hotel by a very nice Olim named Liz who directed the 6 persons in the tour into 2 cabs to Jaffo. We initially walked around for about 45 minutes while Liz discussed the history and architecture of the surroundings, before ending up at what we were told was arguably the best hummus place in Jaffo. She added we would enjoy the "typical" Israeli breakfast (this was at 10:30 am). I don't know what to say: I have a very hard time believing that the typical Israeli only has a pita, some hummus and some fava beans for breakfast. For drinks, the 7 of us shared 4 bottles of water (this was a constant theme throughout the day: Liz ordered all the food and it almost seemed like she worked on an "anti-commission," earning more by spending less).
After walking another 30-45 minutes or so, we taxi-ed to the old rehabilitated Railway Station. We walked around, could shop, and then stopped for coffee (although we were told lunch would be about 2:00 pm, no snack was offered). We then walked through a nice gentrified area and Liz discussed the history of the rehab and how prices have skyrocketed in the neighborhood.
We then reached the famous and huge outdoor Carmel Market - which sells everything from clothing, to spices, to fruit, vegetables, sandwiches, etc. This was really what I had in mind when signing up for the tour. We enjoyed a few ethnic fried items (i.e., split 7 ways) and a fresh fruit drink for each of us.
Liz also bought us a small quantity of tea and spices from one of the stalls. We then headed to a Yemenite restaurant just off the market.
Now when I say "restaurant," please do not visualize a sit down, menu in hand, experience where each decides what to order and you perhaps share and experience a lot of different foods (I am Ashkenazi and would have enjoyed such an experience). The restaurant was certainly authentic, but it was something of a "dive," very inexpensive, and Liz once again ordered for all. Incredibly, after a meager breakfast and small snacks, her initial order for 7 people was embarrassing small. Although she asked us to "speak up" if we wanted more (placing an uncomfortable burden on the paying customers, i.e., us - fortunately, 2 twenty-somethings did speak up), the amount we all ate - less than 1 shish-kabob a piece with some pita bread and rice dishes - was simply insufficient (I am confident all felt that way). Again, 4 bottles of water split among 7, although Liz splurged for coffee.
We then took a taxi to a separate area of the city for a walking architectural/walking tour. Now don't misunderstand me: I learned a lot about the architectural history of the city (e.g. Bauhaus buildings, etc) --BUT I signed up for a culinary tour. We must have walked a good 2 hours. I am 53 years and one woman was probably at least 60 years, and I can tell you she had difficulty keeping up.
Finally, a last taxi into the center of town for a small cup/cone of ice cream.
Savor Israel does its clients a great disservice. It is not honest about the small amount of food offered (look, I know you can't eat throughout the day, but there should be 3 decent meals and items to take home) and the amount of walking really makes this a walking/architectural tour more than anything (and not everyone can walk 4 hours from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm).
Perhaps the greatest indictment I can make: at the end of the tour, I was hungry.
Written January 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you had a poor experience on your tour. I would like to respond to a few points. We clearly advertise that there is an architectural portion of the Tel Aviv tour. This should not have surprised you, and many participants enjoy this portion. Most people are actually quite full after eating hummus, Yemenite food, tasting different ethnics foods in the shuk. Walking after eating is preferred for many of the guests, and this why we incorporate the walking architecture tour in the Tel Aviv tour.
I am sorry you didn't feel like you had enough to eat. We always make it clear that you can have more food at any point. I am sorry you did not take advantage of this request, but I will try to make it more clear in future tours that this is an option.
Our tour advertises the best hummus in Yafo, ethnic Yemenite cuisine, tasting the different ethnic foods in the shuk, and insights into Tel Aviv's coffee culture. We try to frame it in an educational manner as well. This seems very similar to the tour you received. I am sorry you were not full at the end of the tour, and we will do our best on future tours to avoid some of the issues you experienced.
Best, Ben (and all of Savor Israel)
Written January 6, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LisaPlit
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Jun 2011
A visit to Israel would be incomplete without sampling the food and what better way than with a tour through its food markets. Inbal, CEO of Israel Food Tours and our guide, was fabulous. She is passionate and very knowledgeable about food and its part in life in Israel and Jewish culture. We took the tour through the Jerusalem food market, which lasted about 3 hours and ended with a delicious lunch. Although it is a walking tour, it is not strenuous and you make lots of stops to sample different foods and drinks. A camera and an empty stomach are recommended and the tour can be tailored to the needs of the group, which in our case, included two kids aged 4 and 7.
This is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Israel.
This is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Israel.
Written June 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review Lisa. Your kids are foodies in the making, and it was great to share with your family the ins and outs of the Jerusalem market.
Written July 8, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RitaPittsburgh_Pa
Pittsburgh. Pa38 contributions
We spent a marvelous day in the southern Galilee with SAVOR ISRAEL. The tour of the towns, sights, tastes and smells was a wonderful experience. We learned about history, society, trade, foods, spices, and sweets. That day was the highlight of our tip to Israel.
Written April 27, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
salan
Portland, OR81 contributions
Dec 2011 • Solo
I thoroughly enjoyed the food tour with Ben. He was very knowledgeable about food and history. We got to sample very good, and unique foods on this tour - like hummus with fava beans, date cookies, yemenite flat bread, Arab coffee, lot of exotic spice blends etc. Ben's style is very casual and approachable, which I enjoyed a lot.
Written December 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Sala for your kind review. I'm glad you were able to join one of our tours, and I had a great time talking all things middle-eastern food with you.
Best, Ben
Written January 27, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lfriedman924
Jerusalem, Israel9 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
Not only did we eat the best hummus and Indian food Israel has to offer, but we toured a city only minutes from our doorstep. Our guide, Liz, was like a magician who continuously revealed surprises and secrets within this often overlooked city. She explained to us the history of foods and flavours and she made sure that we understood the complexity of seemingly simple foods. It was a fantastic day, relaxed, perfectly paced and a great trip me and my friends. - Lauren Friedman, Jerusalem
Written July 6, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy to hear that you and your friends enjoyed the experience, in particular the surprises that you mentioned that make Ramle our favorite "off the beaten path" tour.
Written July 8, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elaine F
Portland, OR5 contributions
Apr 2011
I had the pleasure of doing an architectural tour of early Tel Aviv with Israel Food Tours. I already knew something about Tel Aviv's early years, and was delighted that the tour guide started by asking us what we already knew. That way, he was able to focus on what would be new to us.
As we walked around the city, we learned an enormous amount about the history of the city, and about the eclectic, Bauhaus and modernist buildings that were put up in the city's early years. We learned their features and function, saw examples of each type, and now understand a lot about how they are renovated, as well as why many have not been renovated. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and he also gave us suggestions of places we might want to return to. So far we have done a few of them (including a visit to the Bialik House) and that was great too. We tried to go to the Tel Aviv Museum that is next door to the Bialik House but it was closed as they are putting in a new exhibit.
He also suggested a place to eat when the tour ended and it was so good with such a broad menu that we went back again the following day. (Panini Lilush on Frishman Street) Based on how much we enjoyed the architectural tour, and this great restaurant rec, we will try to do a food tour with this company if we are back in Israel again.
As we walked around, he checked with us to be sure we were not needing a rest or anything, and he answered all our questions. If you go, wear good shoes or sandals, and if it is hot bring water and wear a hat. Our tour was in English (his English was perfect) but you could take it in Hebrew and probably other languages. Ask if this is an issue for you.
The attraction checklist does not really apply - it was a walking tour, not a specific place to visit like a museum.
As we walked around the city, we learned an enormous amount about the history of the city, and about the eclectic, Bauhaus and modernist buildings that were put up in the city's early years. We learned their features and function, saw examples of each type, and now understand a lot about how they are renovated, as well as why many have not been renovated. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and he also gave us suggestions of places we might want to return to. So far we have done a few of them (including a visit to the Bialik House) and that was great too. We tried to go to the Tel Aviv Museum that is next door to the Bialik House but it was closed as they are putting in a new exhibit.
He also suggested a place to eat when the tour ended and it was so good with such a broad menu that we went back again the following day. (Panini Lilush on Frishman Street) Based on how much we enjoyed the architectural tour, and this great restaurant rec, we will try to do a food tour with this company if we are back in Israel again.
As we walked around, he checked with us to be sure we were not needing a rest or anything, and he answered all our questions. If you go, wear good shoes or sandals, and if it is hot bring water and wear a hat. Our tour was in English (his English was perfect) but you could take it in Hebrew and probably other languages. Ask if this is an issue for you.
The attraction checklist does not really apply - it was a walking tour, not a specific place to visit like a museum.
Written April 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeandroL
Aarberg, Switzerland4 contributions
Feb 2011
What en experience!
I could imagine that this tour would be interesting, funny and tasty....
But it was even better:
Be like on a tour with a friend who is showing where he lives and what he eats!
The food was very good and explanatory notes to the different products where very informative.
I can say I’ve eaten a lot during the day (I’m Italian and I know what means a lot :-P ) and felt after very good (the quality of the food was great).
But it’s not just a food tour.
It’s a complete tour with architecture, history and Israeli way of life.
Due to Ben I could catch even my bus to continuing my trip through the country.
What a service!
I one sentence: Ben knows what he is doing and he does it like a pro.
Grazie mille!
I could imagine that this tour would be interesting, funny and tasty....
But it was even better:
Be like on a tour with a friend who is showing where he lives and what he eats!
The food was very good and explanatory notes to the different products where very informative.
I can say I’ve eaten a lot during the day (I’m Italian and I know what means a lot :-P ) and felt after very good (the quality of the food was great).
But it’s not just a food tour.
It’s a complete tour with architecture, history and Israeli way of life.
Due to Ben I could catch even my bus to continuing my trip through the country.
What a service!
I one sentence: Ben knows what he is doing and he does it like a pro.
Grazie mille!
Written February 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience