- What is a typical Israeli breakfast?
- What is the history of the typical Israeli breakfast?
- My first experiences with typical Israeli breakfasts
- What is a typical Israeli breakfast made up of?
- Typical Israeli hot breakfast
- Is a typical Israeli breakfast nutritious and healthy?
- Any drinks to accompany a typical Israeli breakfast?
- How do I prepare Israeli breakfast? My way
- Looking for Inspiration ? here are some recipes to combine with typical Israeli breakfasts
What is a typical Israeli breakfast?
When it comes to food that makes you gasp, Israeli cuisine gets a standing ovation. But if there’s one star that shines brighter than the rest in this tasty constellation, it’s the typical israeli breakfast!
We’re not talking about coffee and toast and that’s it. No, we’re not.
In Israel, breakfast is a big event. Hotels, restaurants and cafés engage in a delicious daily battle to see who can serve the best breakfast or brunch. And believe me, the levels of competition are worthy of an Olympic final.
But what makes it so special? Abundance: They don’t skimp on anything.
The variety is so great that you don’t know where to start. The freshness of the ingredients is incredible. The tomatoes and cucumbers look like they’ve just been picked from the garden.
What is the history of the typical Israeli breakfast?
From the camps to the kibbutz…
Did you know that the famous Israeli breakfast has deep roots in the country’s modern history? It all started with the Kibbutz movement.
From milking to buffet
These are community settlements. There, workers got up early. They would milk cows or pick cotton. Afterwards, they would gather for lunch. They enjoyed a comforting meal to regain their energy.
Yes, in those communal dining halls, which still exist in some kibbutzim, a buffet breakfast was served. This breakfast was colourful and tasty. There were eggs in many forms, the classic Israeli salad, fresh breads, sauces and more.
From rural to urban
As time went by, this breakfast was no longer just a country breakfast. Hotels started to adopt it and serve it in their dining rooms.
And of course, if something is good, word spreads! And so it gained ground in restaurants and homes all over Israel. Today, you might find yourself having an Israeli breakfast in a family home or at Tel Aviv’s trendiest brunch.
More than a meal, an experience
This breakfast is not just a meal; it’s a national tradition. And yes, it has everything: Shakshuka, colourful salads, grilled aubergine, tahini, avocado, pickles, smoked salmon and herring. There are also cheeses to suit all tastes, crusty bread, warm pita, babka and Danish pastries. And, of course, that perfect coffee.
My first experiences with typical Israeli breakfasts
A childhood memory
Let me tell you something personal: when I was a child, I used to visit my uncle Yael on Kibbutz Lehavot Habashan in the north of the country. For me, breakfast was almost the most exciting part of the day. And no, it wasn’t a fancy feast, but it tasted like glory. It had good cottage cheese (the best in the world, no exaggeration), scrambled eggs, a finely chopped vegetable salad, rye bread and very fresh milk.
Breakfasts to fall in love with at first sight
If you’ve ever stayed in an Israeli hotel, you’ve probably gawked at those endless tables. In the big tourist hotels, the buffet looks like a culinary exhibition: fresh salads, cheeses of all kinds, tempting pastries and more. Meanwhile, boutique hotels don’t give up easily… Every breakfast is a statement of intent!
And what about Airbnb? Although more modest, they also shine: eggs as you like them, vegetables, fruit, natural juices, freshly baked breads, creamy yoghurts…
What is a typical Israeli breakfast made up of?
Fresh bread
Israelis are crazy about freshly baked bread! -And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that irresistible smell?
The best thing is that there are plenty of varieties to choose from. Warm and fluffy pita bread is an all-time classic, but the baking party doesn’t end there. You can also get a kick out of:
- Bagels: from the chewy Yankee-style bagels to the larger, sesame-crusted, Middle Eastern-style bagels.
- Challah or brioche: sweet and braided, like an edible hug.
- Sourdough bread: with that little bit of sourness that wins you over.
- Rye bread or pumpernickel: dark, intense and full of character.
- Crunchy bread rolls: with or without seeds, for fans of crunch.
- Flatbreads such as laffa or pita drusa: perfect for wrapping, dipping or simply devouring.
And when Pesach (Passover) comes, we exchange the bread for matzah or matzah crackers.
Salad for breakfast?
Travellers to Israel are often a little confused to see… salad for breakfast! But yes, it’s totally normal, and in fact, in hotels, cafés and restaurants it’s almost the law: there has to be a good variety of salads.
And no wonder, with the amount of fresh and delicious products that grow in these lands. As the seasonal ingredients are so good, the salads change throughout the year to make the most of the best of each season.
In addition to the tomato and cucumber slices that are usually in an Israeli breakfast, you can find Israeli salad. This salad has chopped vegetables. There may also be tabbouleh or a similar version with grains.
Sometimes there are leafy greens with fruits and nuts. There are also simple carrot salads. And, of course, there is no shortage of ‘snack salads’ such as red cabbage.
And what should never be missing from the table? A good plate of olives, of course!
Fishing for compliments
Fish also features in Israeli breakfasts. Although it may sound strange to some, think of the British. They had smoked kipper and kedgeree, which is rice and fish for breakfast. That’s not so strange, is it?
In Israel, it is common to find cold fish ready to eat. You can enjoy smoked salmon, mackerel, or even smoked tuna and halibut. And if you like intense flavours, herring comes in all its versions: pickled, marinated, with sauces… there’s something for everyone!
There are also spreads and mix-ins, such as a spicy tuna salad or a salmon pâté.
Typical Israeli hot breakfast
The typical Israeli breakfast tends to be rather cold – the warmest you’ll find, in many cases, is freshly made toast. But don’t worry, if you like to start your day with something warm, there are options for you too!
Hot dishes are usually reserved for weekends, when there is more time to sit down and enjoy a leisurely brunch. But you can also find them to take away, in those street stalls that perfume the whole city with tempting aromas from the early hours of the morning.
Some hot delicacies that may appear in the Israeli breakfast or brunch are:
Shakshuka:
Poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, served with bread for dipping and a salad of finely chopped vegetables – breakfast with character!
Toast:
In Israel, toast is more like a warm sandwich, often made on a bagel, filled with cheeses, vegetables and finger-licking sauces.
Sabich:
A pure party sandwich. Fried aubergines, hard-boiled egg, pickles, tahini, amba (a spicy mango sauce) and salad, all wrapped in a fresh pita.
Msabbaha:
Warm hummus with whole chickpeas, lemon, tahini and salad, perfect as a spread on good bread – soothing as can be!
Bourekas:
Freshly baked puff pastries with fillings such as cheese, spinach, mushrooms or potato. Sometimes accompanied by a boiled egg, schug (a spicy sauce) and fresh tomato. Breakfast with attitude
Malawach:
A fried, flaky flatbread of Yemenite origin, usually served with cheese, eggs and/or salad. Crunchy, tasty… and absolutely addictive.
Is a typical Israeli breakfast nutritious and healthy?
The typical Israeli breakfast is not only delicious, it’s also a champion of health! It’s a great way to start the day with a full tank and a smile on your face.
Dairy products such as cheeses:
As well as being tasty, they are loaded with calcium and vitamins A and D – your bones and eyes will thank you!
Vegetables, salads and fruits:
They are a fibre, vitamin C and mineral bomb that your body loves (and your gut too).
Eggs:
Packed with good protein, omega-3s and B vitamins that put you in ‘go all out’ mode.
Olives and olive oil:
They provide those heart-healthy fats that take care of your heart while adding flavour to everything.
Wholemeal bread:
It is rich in carbohydrates. It works like a battery that gives you energy until lunch. No need to snack between meals.
Tasty, varied and healthy: what more could you ask for to start the day in a good mood and with good fuel?
Any drinks to accompany a typical Israeli breakfast?
Israeli breakfast comes with good company, and not just food! There are plenty of options for both hot and cold drinks.
Hafuch coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you’re in luck. You can order a strong espresso or try the famous hafuch coffee. This coffee is Israel’s version of a latte, but with a local twist.
Tea
Do you like tea? In Israel, it is drunk without milk. But they add something special: a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint. This gives it a delicious aroma.
But don’t expect a tea as strong as the British one; this one is milder.
If you want to go authentic, look for the Wissotzky tea bags. (Fans of robust tea may find them a bit… shy.)
Natural orange juice
And if you want something fresh, freshly squeezed orange juice is a delight. It’s best if it’s from Jaffa oranges, an Israeli classic!
Chocolate milk drink
For the little ones (and not so little ones), chocolate milk is a total hit. The funny thing is that it comes in a plastic bag. Yes, you read that right. Just bite off a corner and suck… and you’re enjoying a delicious breakfast in true Israeli style!
How do I prepare Israeli breakfast? My way
Before we start, here’s a tip: look for your prettiest bowls and plates. Choose the ones that make you smile. Here, every detail counts.
It all starts with good planning
Before getting down to work, ask yourself:
- What kind of eggs are you going to prepare today, a loaded shakshuka or something simpler?
- What about salads, do you go with just the classic Israeli salad or do you add a tuna salad as well?
- Which sauces will be present and which cheeses must not be missed?
- And the bread… are you tempted by homemade bread or do you go to your favourite bakery?
- It looks like a lot, but that’s the fun of it! Put it together in your own way, with your tastes and those of your loved ones.
My personal ritual (with love and olives)
When I prepare an Israeli breakfast at home, I always start with salads. The Israeli salad goes first: it’s a fine, colourful mince.
I add olive oil and lemon at the end. It’s fresher that way. I also make a tuna salad; it looks great and goes with everything.
After that come the inevitable classics: olives (just because), assorted cheeses, and that homemade labeneh with za’atar that disappears in minutes at home. Hummus, tehini… the perfect combo!
The turn of the eggs… And the shakshuka
Ah, the eggs. In my house, shakshuka gets all the plaudits. Sometimes I add cheese or vegetables, sometimes I leave it plain. But it is always, always accompanied by hot challah (if you can make it at home, don’t hesitate!).
The table: The finishing touch
With everything ready, I set the table with care. Fresh juices, coffee (cold if it’s summer!), and an atmosphere that invites you to enjoy. Because yes, Israeli breakfast is not just food… it’s a time to share, to savour and to start the day.
