A Pilgrim’s Palate: What to Expect from Israeli Food (And Your Hotel Buffet)

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is food for the soul, but a common question we get is: “What about the food for my stomach?”

For many first-time pilgrims, the food is an unexpected highlight of the entire journey. Israeli cuisine is a fantastic blend of fresh Mediterranean ingredients and rich Middle Eastern flavors.

On our Multi-Day Christian Tours to Israel & the Holy Land, all your hotels include half-board, which means your breakfast and dinner are included every day. This is a huge benefit, as it simplifies your travel and lets you focus on your spiritual journey, not finding your next meal.

Here is a practical guide to what you can expect to eat on your tour.

The Main Event: The Famous Israeli Hotel Buffet

You will quickly discover that the hotel buffets in Israel are legendary. They are a core part of the experience and something our pilgrims talk about long after they return home.

What is a classic Israeli Breakfast? 

Your included breakfast is a massive, fresh, and delicious spread. The key thing to know is that it is almost always a dairy and vegetarian meal (you won’t see bacon or sausage next to the cheese).

You can expect to find:

• Fresh Salads: A huge variety of chopped Israeli salads, fresh vegetables, olives, and pickled items.
• Cheeses & Yogurts: A wide selection of local soft and hard cheeses, cottage cheese, and yogurts.
• Eggs to Order: A chef waiting to make you a fresh omelet or fried eggs just the way you like.
• Breads & Pastries: A bakery’s worth of fresh breads, rolls, and sweet pastries like rugelach.
• Fruits, Fish & More: Fresh fruit, cereals, and often a selection of pickled herring or lox.

Your Included Half-Board Dinner

The included dinner buffet is just as impressive but features meat. This is where you will find a wide international and local selection of hot dishes.

You can expect to find:

• Main Courses: Multiple options like roasted chicken, grilled fish (like St. Peter’s Fish), and slow-cooked beef or lamb dishes.
• Side Dishes: A huge variety of roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta, and couscous.
• Salad Bar: Another extensive salad bar with fresh options and dips like hummus and tahini.
• Dessert Bar: This is a major highlight. Expect a long table filled with cakes, small pastries, fruit, and puddings.

Lunch on the Go: Your Daily Culinary Adventure

Lunch is the one meal you will typically pay for yourself. This is a great opportunity to explore local flavors. Your guide will stop the bus at a vetted location with several quick, safe, and delicious options.

Quick & Authentic: Falafel and Shawarma

The two most popular and authentic lunch options are falafel and shawarma.

• Falafel: A pita bread stuffed with fried chickpea balls, salad, and tahini sauce. It’s a delicious and filling vegetarian option.
• Shawarma: A pita bread stuffed with spiced meat (usually chicken or lamb) shaved from a rotating spit, along with salad and sauces.

Sit-Down Options and Lighter Fare

You are not limited to fast food. Most lunch stops will also have sit-down restaurants where you can get a simple grilled chicken breast, a fresh salad, or a hamburger. On our [Classic 10-Day Israel Pilgrimage] (Link to 10-Day Page), a popular option when visiting the Sea of Galilee is to have a “St. Peter’s Fish” lunch.

Drinks, Snacks, and Water

Is the Water Safe to Drink?

While the tap water in major Israeli cities is technically safe to drink, we strongly recommend sticking to bottled water during your tour. Your system isn’t used to it, and the last thing you want is to feel unwell. Your tour bus will always have affordable bottled water available for purchase.

Coffee, Tea, and Local Specialties

Coffee and tea are included with your breakfast buffet. Throughout the day, don’t miss the chance to try fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice from a street vendor in the Old City or a “limonana,” a refreshing slushy drink made of lemon and mint.

A Worry-Free Culinary Journey

Food is a wonderful part of the Holy Land experience, not a source of stress. By having your breakfast and dinner covered in our tour packages, you are free to simply enjoy your lunch adventure and focus on what truly matters—walking where Jesus walked.

If you have any more practical questions, be sure to check our Holy Land Tour FAQs or our First-Timer’s Guide to the Holy Land.

 

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