For those planning a trip to the Holy Land, we are talking about food prices in Israel in 2021. What national dishes are worth trying and what is the average bill in restaurants and cafes. Food prices. Tips on how to save money.
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Exchange rate: 1 Israeli shekel (ILS) ≈ 21 RUB.
Food Prices in Israel - 2021
The average bill for a three-course lunch for two is 150-250 ILS. More expensive restaurants in Haifa and cheaper ones in Jerusalem. Please check serving sizes before ordering. They are usually very large. One hummus or salad can be eaten together. You can always order half a portion, and the price will be half the price!
Prices for food in cafes and restaurants in Israel in 2021:
- hummus - 28-30 ILS
- salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs - 25-30 ILS
- falafel - 19-25 ILS
- chicken and turkey shawarma - 30-35 ILS
- meat dish - 50-100 ILS
- whole pizza - 40-75 ILS
- shakshuka - 30-39 ILS
- bun - 5 ILS
- pomegranate juice, 0.5 l - 10-15 ILS
- cappuccino - 1-12 ILS
- beer - 15-20 ILS.
Alcohol prices in Israel
The Israeli company Tempo Beer Industries covers about half of the country's market. Israelis and tourists alike love the Goldstar, Maccabee and Nesher beers. Fans of strong alcohol prefer the local Vodka Perfect vodka. Renaissance-Perfect produces it from the water of the Jordan River.
If alcoholic drinks are on the menu of a restaurant or bar, they are served during all opening hours of the establishment. Alcohol does not exist in humus, fast food and Muslim restaurants.
Prices for alcoholic beverages in stores in Israel in 2021:
- Israeli beer - 5-8 ILS
- imported beer - 9-20 ILS
- Vodka Perfect - 80 ILS
- wine - from 25 ILS.
Food prices in shops in Israel
There are many chain stores in Israel. One of the most popular is Shufersal, a chain that serves over 270 supermarkets across the country.
Food prices in stores in Israel in 2021:
- loaf, 400 g - 4 ILS
- pita, packing 5x100 g - 7.5 ILS
- matzo, 100 g - 1.5-5 ILS
- milk, 1 l - 5-6 ILS
- yogurt, 100 g - 1.5-4 ILS
- cheese, 1 kg - 40-60 ILS
- ravioli, 0.4 kg - 20 ILS
- bananas, 1 kg - 10-11 ILS
- apples, 1 kg - 9-11 ILS
- water, 0.5 l - 8-10 ILS.
What to try in Israel
The people of Israel love delicious and satisfying food. The national cuisine is part of the rich Mediterranean cuisine that combines the subtle traditions of the East and the classics of Europe. The Israeli diet is full of fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes and fish. The dishes are kosher. Pork and rabbit meat are not popular here, and the visitor will not be offered a meat dish with a creamy sauce.
To get acquainted with Israeli cuisine, we advise you to try:
- hummus - golden chickpea paste with olive oil and lemon juice
- falafel - fried chickpea balls
- babaganush - eggplant puree
- shakshuka - scrambled eggs with tomatoes, bell pepper and onions
- khatsil-ve-tkhina - eggplant baked in sesame paste
- cholent or hamin - roast beef or chicken with potatoes, chickpeas, beans, onions and spices
- jerusalem mixed grill - lamb, goat and beef, fried at the same time
- forshmak - chopped herring pate
- st peter fish - grilled tilapia
- malauach - unleavened pita bread with sauces
- burekas - square, triangular and round puff pastries with potatoes, cheese and vegetables
- knafe - a dessert made with goat cheese and kadaif vermicelli.
What you need to know
Restaurants in Israel are divided into two types. In kosher establishments, food is stored, prepared and served according to the traditions of Judaism. The menu does not necessarily have Israeli cuisine. Kosher can be a pizzeria, a European food restaurant, or an ice cream parlor.
Non-kosher restaurants are owned by immigrants from the former USSR, Arabs, Christian denominations, emigrants from Southeast Asian countries, or residents of Israel who do not comply kashrut... If you love pork chops or want to eat seafood, go to a non-kosher establishment!
If a customer is satisfied with the quality of service and food, it is customary in Israel to leave a tip. In restaurants, they are indicated on the check - 10-15% of the order amount. In small establishments, tips of up to 10% are welcome.
Many restaurants and cafes offer business lunches until 17:00. A 2-3 course set costs 40-60 ILS.
Israel has a hot climate, so food spoils quickly. Choose your fruit carefully and pay attention to the expiration dates on the packaging.
In stores, some goods are sold in small wholesale - 3, 4, 6 pieces. Re-calculate the price per item carefully, because such an offer is not always profitable.
Products labeled organic, bio or eco sell 50-100% more. Be careful! Sometimes the organic label is even put on ordinary table salt, and they ask for it much more than for ordinary packs of salt.
How to save money on food in Israel
- Food and grocery prices are high in Israel. The consumer basket costs 1.5-2 times more than ours, and the cost of dairy products is 30% higher than in Russia. However, Israelis are thrifty people. They know how to count money and know how not to spend extra shekels on food. Local residents do not miss promotions in supermarkets, they are always aware of when there are discounts and in which market they sell inexpensive food. If you want to buy cheaper, ask your Israeli friends where to go for groceries.
- Lower prices - away from tourist attractions and in Arab quarters. It is better to go to the markets for vegetables and fruits.
- There is a lot of inexpensive street food in Israeli cities. Kebab costs 10 ILS, large shawarma 35 ILS, 5-6 pieces of falafel 6-7 ILS, hamburger 12-16 ILS, sandwich 10-12 ILS, portion of grilled chicken with rice 45 ILS, slice of pizza 7 -12 ILS, coffee or drink with a bun - 5 ILS, water in vending machines - 8-10 ILS.
- Supermarkets, coffee shops and bars with the name Cofix are gaining popularity. Baking, coffee and other food costs 5 ILS. Locals love the Coffee Express café, where they also sell everything for 5 ILS. Great opportunity for an inexpensive snack!
- According to tourists, in Tel Aviv, cheap food is served at Foodix at Herzl St., 102, in Falafix at Allenby St., 95, and at Falafel Ratzon at King George, 17. In these establishments you can dine for 15-20 ILS.
