Israel has the highest per capita vegans in the world, thus there are plenty of health-centric, wellness and vegan options available.
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Jerusalem: Food market and Hummus
Machane Yehuda Market
The Machane Yehuda Market is a good place to visit for the Health-centric traveler in Jerusalem. Here you’ll find typical Israeli snacks and foods such as nuts, dried fruits, tahini, halva, hummus, juices, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices. At one of the shops, you can see how Sesame seeds are milled with a large stone-mill, into Tahini.
Etrog + Khat = Etrogat
The most fascinating drink in Jerusalem I found at the Machane Yehuda Market at a stall operated by an immigrant from Yemen. It’s a mix of Etrog, a citrus-type fruit, and Qat or Khat, which is banned in several countries. It is however legal in Israel. The cultivation and use of Khat in countries like Yemen is an interesting research topic (1). Both Alexander the Great and the Yemeni government have at some point acknowledged and recommended this plant for its medicinal benefits. It is a stimulant similar to Caffeine but considered a drug of abuse by the World Health Organisation. When you consider the negative health effects of alcohol and white sugar, it creates questions whether Khat is any more a drug of abuse than sugary drinks or alcohol. In any case, one glass of EtroGat is not likely to have that much of a stimulant effect on you by itself. The question of Khat is somewhat similar to the question of Coca Leaves in South American countries like Bolivia.
Hummus
Be sure to check out the Hummus workshop at the very central and social Abraham Hostel, to learn how to make perfect hummus. This is the national staple food of Israel. The hummus in Jerusalem comes in a variety of different flavors and blends. Furthermore, it’s one of the healthiest food options, along with being vegan-friendly.
Hummus contains the five basic ingredients: Chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and Tahini. These are in varying proportions along with some extra spices such as cumin, salt and paprika. Here’s a summary of the health benefits of these ingredients:
- Chickpeas contain Folate, Fibre and Protein.
- Olive oil contains healthy unsaturated fats.
- Lemon juice contains Vitamin-C.
- Garlic has Anti-Oxidants, an anti-bacterial effect, minerals and it boosts the immune system.
- Tahini (milled sesame seeds) contains minerals, healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins, calcium and protein.
Other activities
Tourist activities in Jerusalem are plentiful, such as the Holy City tour, during which you can see the Jewish, Christian and Muslim neighborhoods of Jerusalem in one go. This includes a stopover at a restaurant for a vegetarian falafel all you can eat buffet, the most common type of food you’ll find in the middle-east. In addition, you can take a day trip to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem central bus station, and experience the feeling of floating in salt-water. For fitness purposes, there are gyms available but expect to pay about $15 for a workout.
Nazareth and its spices
Nazareth is a small Christian city in the North of Israel. Apart from being a very comfortable accommodation option, The Fauzi Azar Inn also offers a free morning city tour every day. During this excursion, you’ll visit interesting Health-Centric businesses in central Nazareth. The first stop is the Galilee Mill at Elbabour. Here you can find all the Middle Eastern spices such as Za’atar, Sumac, Thyme, Mint and a lot more. Another stop is a cinnamon tea house, where you can taste the tea made of sweet cinnamon bark. In addition, you’ll find a lot of fresh fruit and vegetable vendor stalls in the Old Town, along with the typical falafel kiosks. Take note that in the city center there are no gyms available. Moreover, don’t count on finding vegan restaurants – but there are vegan-friendly food joints such as Greg Cafe.
Tel Aviv – one of the most vegan-friendly cities
Tel Aviv is known for its vegan food scene. Using an app like Happy Cow, you’ll find vegan alternatives to ice cream, Sushi (the Green roll), Pizza (the Green cat), and almost any other type of food. There are also fine-dining vegan options, such as Nanuchka, but it’s quite expensive. Nanuchka features solely Georgian vegan cuisine, which is ironic since there’s barely any vegan food scene in Georgia itself. A vegan food tour taking you to a few of these restaurants runs once or twice a week (TL Veg).
Although there are a few quality food markets in Tel Aviv, some of these only operate on certain days of the week, such as the Homemade Food Market at the Dizengoff Centre. Furthermore, the Carmel Market is the right place to go for the Health Centric Traveler. The Health stores here have vegan alternatives for most type of foods, e.g. seitan sausages made of wheat gluten and spices (also popular in another vegan mecca: Berlin), along with every variety of Vegan cheese. Moreover, you’ll notice the fresh Pomegranate juice vendors. Pomegranate contains plenty of antioxidants and may contribute towards keeping your arteries clean while promoting cardiac health. The definite negative about shopping for vegan food in Tel Aviv is that most of the food info and ingredients are in Hebrew. Lastly, gyms are available in the city center with tourist-friendly day-passes e.g. Space Gym for about $15.
Israel Health Travel Junkie Challenge
Readers who are not vegan: Spend a full day being completely vegan in Tel-Aviv, or otherwise Jerusalem – in the small cities it’ll be more difficult. This will introduce you to new and interesting types of food that you wouldn’t normally eat or drink. While helping you be less dependent on cholesterol-raising red meat (and other animal products). If you are already vegan, go to Machane Yehuda Market, while trying out the local Tahini and Hummus.
Health Travel Junkie Scale
Fitness activities – 8.5
Food – 9
Cost of traveling – 7.5
Other Health-related activities – 9
Overall rating: 85%
Have you ever been to Israel or do you want to visit? Post your tips and questions below for other travelers!
After Israel, many travelers cross the border to Jordan to see the great ruins of Petra. Get a few essential tips, to know what to expect, in our Petra post.