By arrangement.
A culinary tour begins with a shot glass of arak. In Haifa, we will drink arak because we are near the sea, near the sailors who love the smell of arak, and the Mediterranean Sea is definitely connected to Greece and Greek ouzo.
The painting behind us is one of many paintings created at the 2017 and 2018 Wall Festivals. The well-known artists BROKEN FINGAZ (yes, without the 'r") painted this beautiful picture, which is full of optimism and perhaps a wish for what could have been here but will never be. Or will it be? It depends on who you ask.
Next, we will stop at Ran's Hummus Nechama.
Nechama is Ran's grandmother, who always supported him in his dream of becoming a hummus man :) And besides, hummus is a comfort food, so it's fitting.
Ran prepares everything here, including the chili and preserved lemon, so everything is fresh and amazing.
Another highlight of the place is the spiced tea that awaits you at the end of the meal, with its secret ingredient – cumin. If you are lucky enough to be one of Ran's contacts, you will receive a recommendation for an excellent rock song throughout the week.
The Saru confectionery opened several years ago, replacing the Sapira confectionery, which had been around since the establishment of the State of Israel and offered Eastern European desserts to anyone who wanted them. It was a famous place in Haifa, a real institution.
When the Abu Shakra brothers, Christian and Julian, decided to open a pastry shop in the same location, they wanted to preserve the Eastern European character, with poppy seed cakes, Hanukkah doughnuts, and Purim hamantaschen, but also introduce new spices from the East – pistachios, cardamom, and more. And so, sweets that are out of this world were created!
Café Shani is also an institution in the lower city that began with a young baker named Alexander Inglander, known as Shani, who immigrated to Israel from Austria.
In 1964, he decided to open a small pastry shop on Independence Road, bringing with him all the knowledge he had acquired from his parents in their bakery in Vienna. The business was a success, became a hotspot, and even opened nine additional branches.
Perhaps the obvious, simple one, the one we know from childhood, is the star of the tour.
The cart is undoubtedly a long-standing institution, and the smell of charcoal is noticeable as you approach my father's place. There is a real danger here, which is that once you start eating, it's hard to stop.
Mushroom burekas, cheese, spinach cheese, potatoes served with pickles and eggs, and of course za'atar on top. Finger-licking good.
Another "new and modern" place, according to Ayhab, the owner of Cafe Sami.
Café Sami, located in a small alley, has been around for about 60 years, roasting the highest quality coffee beans using the traditional method pioneered by Sami's father.
The café opened branches in Dubai and Qatar and was even chosen at last year's Expo to represent Israel at the exhibition.
I recommend coming to see the different types of beans, tasting flavors 7 or 6, and enjoying a small lokum.
Guide details:
I have always loved traveling. Short tours and long trips, far and near, what could be more fun than breathing fresh air and gazing at the horizon? After a first career working with computers, in 2015 I finally became a tour guide who loves the country, especially Haifa and the Galilee!
Today, I invite you to discover our country and open your hearts to the sights, people, hidden corners, and strong flavors. I believe that there is nothing like an experience that combines our senses to connect us to this place.
Most of the downtown area is a business district, so until 4:00 p.m., most places are open and there is a buzz in the air.
Between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., the area becomes quiet and comes alive in the evening with all the bars and other entertainment venues.
The Turkish market with its restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Wall paintings and the Carmelit, which takes you up to Mount Carmel and allows you to explore each of its six stations!
It's worth wandering around and "getting lost" among the alleys and shops, and even visiting the German Colony along the way.
All food on the tour is vegetarian, and vegan tours can be arranged in advance.
It is important to inform the guide before the trip about any specific sensitivities or allergies.
It is possible to tailor the tour to accommodate the above sensitivities, but it all depends on the level of sensitivity and sterility required for that participant.
Central Eight Railway Parking Lot.
You can get there by bus or train.
If you arrive by train, you should get off at the Central Station, where the tour begins.
