The Ultimate Guide to Israeli Food in NYC

 

New York City is known for its diverse and rich food scene, representing flavors from all over the world. Among the countless cuisines that call this city home, Israeli food has gained significant popularity, offering an exciting blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish influences. Whether you're craving warm, comforting hummus, crispy falafel, or a fresh salad piled high with toppings, Israeli food in NYC offers a vibrant culinary experience that shouldn't be missed.

If you're a foodie eager to dive into Israeli dishes or someone who's already familiar with the flavors of Israel, this guide will take you through some of the best places to enjoy authentic Israeli food in NYC.

1. Hummus - The Heart of Israeli Cuisine

No discussion of Israeli food is complete without mentioning hummus. Creamy, rich, and versatile, hummus is a staple in Israeli cuisine and a must-try when exploring the city’s offerings.

Where to Go:

• Mizrahi Grill (Brooklyn): Known for its outstanding hummus bowls topped with shawarma, tahini, and fresh vegetables.
• Taïm (West Village & Midtown): Serving one of the city's best hummus, Taïm offers a range of unique spreads, from spicy harissa to classic flavors.

What to Try:

• Hummus Masabacha: A variation that comes with warm chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, often garnished with parsley or paprika.
• Hummus with Shawarma: A perfect pairing of hummus and juicy, spiced chicken or lamb shawarma.

2. Falafel - A Street Food Classic

Falafel is the quintessential Israeli street food that has made its way into the global food scene. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these deep-fried chickpea balls are typically served in pita with salad and tahini.

Where to Go:

• Moshe’s Falafel (Upper West Side): Their falafel is legendary, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, paired with fresh pita and a variety of toppings.
• Doughnut Plant (Brooklyn): Though not a traditional falafel spot, the falafel at Doughnut Plant offers an unexpected twist on the classic dish.

What to Try:

• Falafel Pita: Served with a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini, it's the perfect light but satisfying meal.

3. Shakshuka - A Savory Breakfast Delight

Shakshuka is a popular Israeli breakfast dish made of poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It’s often accompanied by fresh bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce. While it originates in North Africa, it has become an iconic part of Israeli breakfast culture.

Where to Go:

• Shuka (Greenwich Village): A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving a delicious shakshuka made with tomatoes, peppers, and poached eggs.
• Balaboosta (NoLIta): Known for its Mediterranean cuisine, Balaboosta serves a version of shakshuka that’s rich and packed with flavors.

What to Try:

• Shakshuka with Feta: Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the rich tomato sauce, enhancing the flavors of the dish.

4. Sabich - A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

A favorite among Israelis, sabich is a warm pita sandwich filled with hard-boiled eggs, fried eggplant, tahini, pickles, and a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s one of those foods that you’ll crave after just one bite.

Where to Go:

• Sabich NYC (Brooklyn): The namesake of the dish, Sabich NYC takes its sabich seriously, serving the sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and a fresh salad.
• Pitopia (West Village): Known for its creative takes on sabich and other Israeli sandwiches.

What to Try:

• Sabich with Amba Sauce: A tangy, pickled mango sauce that adds a zingy contrast to the richness of the eggplant and eggs.

5. Grilled Meats and Kebabs - For the Carnivores

Israeli cuisine includes a rich tradition of grilling meats, especially lamb, chicken, and beef. These are often served on skewers, with flavorful marinades that give the meats a smoky, savory taste.

Where to Go:

• Shalom Japan (East Village): A fusion spot that blends Israeli and Japanese flavors. Their grilled meats are outstanding, with tender lamb and juicy chicken skewers.
• Sami’s Roumanian Steakhouse (Lower East Side): Offering a mix of Eastern European and Israeli-inspired grilled meats, it’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy some classic kebabs and steaks.

What to Try:

• Lamb Kebab: Tender and juicy, served with a side of Israeli salad and pita bread.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Often seasoned with za'atar and sumac for an extra flavor punch.

6. Israeli Salads - A Refreshing Accompaniment

Israeli salads are fresh, light, and full of vibrant flavors. These salads often combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs like parsley and mint, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. They are the perfect accompaniment to any Israeli meal.

Where to Go:

• Cafe Mogador (East Village): Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, their Israeli salad is fresh and flavorful.
• Mamouns Falafel (Greenwich Village): A classic falafel joint serving up fresh salads with their falafel sandwiches.

What to Try:

• Israeli Salad with Tahini: A classic version of the salad, topped with creamy tahini dressing that brings all the elements together.

7. Burekas - A Delicious Pastry Snack

Burekas are flaky, pastry-filled treats that come in a variety of savory fillings such as cheese, spinach, or potatoes. These crispy bites are perfect for a snack or light lunch.

Where to Go:

• Bureka (Brooklyn): Specializing in the flaky pastry, Bureka offers a variety of options from traditional cheese burekas to those filled with sweet potatoes.
• The Bagel Store (Brooklyn): While they’re known for bagels, they also serve excellent burekas stuffed with cheese or potatoes.

What to Try:

• Spinach and Cheese Bureka: Warm, crispy, and filled with gooey cheese and fresh spinach—delicious on the go.

8. Desserts - A Sweet Finish to Your Meal

Israeli desserts offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Popular choices include Knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry) and Baklava (filo dough filled with nuts and syrup). These desserts often combine flavors of honey, rosewater, and nuts, offering a perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Where to Go:

• Patis Bakery (Brooklyn): Known for its authentic Israeli pastries, it’s the perfect spot for a taste of knafeh or baklava.
• Zahav (Philadelphia & NYC): A renowned restaurant that occasionally offers Israeli desserts, including knafeh, to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What to Try:

• Knafeh: A sweet, cheesy pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios.
• Baklava: The flaky, nut-filled pastry drenched in honey is a popular choice.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for street food like falafel or a comforting bowl of hummus, New York City offers a multitude of Israeli dining options. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, you can find a taste of Israel on nearly every corner of the city. So, embark on your culinary adventure and savor the unique, vibrant flavors of Israeli food right here in NYC!