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## Best Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is not only known for its vibrant beaches and dynamic nightlife but also for its booming food scene. As a melting pot of cultures, the city offers a diverse range of flavors, drawing from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish culinary traditions. For travelers who want to do more than just taste the food, cooking classes in Tel Aviv offer a hands-on experience to dive deep into the local cuisine and learn from top chefs. Whether you’re a casual foodie or a gourmet cook, these cooking classes provide an enriching and delicious way to experience the city.
Top Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Cooking with Tami For a more personalized, homey experience, consider taking a cooking class with Tami, a local chef who opens her home to visitors. Her classes focus on traditional Jewish-Israeli dishes, from challah bread to rich stews and salads. This is an excellent way to experience Israeli hospitality while learning family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Highlights: Cozy home environment, traditional Jewish recipes, hands-on learning.
Culinary Workshop at Tel Aviv-Jaffa Cooking School Located in the heart of the city, the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Cooking School offers interactive classes focused on Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine. Run by local chefs, classes typically begin with a visit to nearby Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), where participants learn how to select fresh produce and local spices. You’ll then prepare dishes like shakshuka, hummus, falafel, and other Israeli favorites. Classes are small and intimate, ensuring personalized instruction.
Highlights: Visit to Carmel Market, traditional Israeli dishes, small groups.
“Market to Table” with Delicious Israel Delicious Israel is renowned for its unique culinary tours and cooking workshops. Their “Market to Table” experience takes you on an in-depth tour of Levinsky Market, where you’ll sample different ingredients and learn about their significance in Israeli cuisine. Afterward, you’ll head to a professional kitchen and prepare a full meal, using the ingredients you’ve just picked. You can expect a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes as well.
Highlights: Levinsky Market tour, vegetarian/vegan options, small group experience.
Phyllis Glazer’s Cooking Classes Phyllis Glazer is a well-known Israeli-American chef and one of the pioneers of vegetarian and health-conscious cooking in Israel. Her cooking classes are held in her private kitchen, offering a more intimate and personalized experience. Classes focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes that are both nutritious and bursting with flavor. This is an excellent option for those looking to explore the lighter side of Israeli cooking.
Highlights: Private home setting, health-conscious dishes, seasonal ingredients.
Bishulim – The Israeli Cooking School Bishulim is a prestigious culinary school offering a range of professional courses, but they also have shorter workshops for tourists and home cooks. The classes are led by top Israeli chefs, and the school covers a wide array of cuisines, from traditional Israeli dishes to more international flavors. If you’re a serious cook looking to refine your skills, this is the place to go.
Highlights: Professional environment, wide variety of cuisines, led by top chefs.
Best Food Attractions in Tel Aviv
After honing your culinary skills, Tel Aviv offers plenty of places to indulge in its vibrant food scene. Here are some must-visit food attractions:
- Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) Tel Aviv’s largest and most famous market, Carmel Market is a sensory overload of fresh produce, spices, baked goods, and street food. It’s a great spot to sample local favorites like sabich (pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and salad), borekas (savory pastries), and malabi (a creamy Middle Eastern dessert).
- Levinsky Market Levinsky Market is known for its spices, dried fruits, and nuts. The market reflects the city’s immigrant roots, with Persian, Turkish, and Balkan influences shaping the flavors you’ll find here. Don’t miss out on local delicacies like bourekas and cured olives, or simply sip a cup of Turkish coffee while watching the bustling market life.
- Sarona Market A modern food hall in the heart of Tel Aviv, Sarona Market is home to gourmet shops, bakeries, and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, tapas, or artisanal gelato, Sarona Market has it all. It’s also a great spot for picking up local products like olive oil and Israeli wine.
- Port Said A trendy and casual eatery near Rothschild Boulevard, Port Said is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Their Middle Eastern-inspired menu features inventive dishes like grilled cauliflower, spicy fish, and lamb shawarma, paired with an extensive list of Israeli wines. The atmosphere is lively, making it a perfect place to soak up Tel Aviv’s vibe.
- Hummus Abu Hassan No visit to Tel Aviv is complete without tasting the hummus at Abu Hassan, a legendary hummus joint in Jaffa. Known for serving some of the best hummus in Israel, this spot attracts both locals and tourists eager to taste its creamy, flavorful hummus paired with warm pita bread.
- Miznon Helmed by celebrity chef Eyal Shani, Miznon is famous for its creative takes on pita sandwiches. From steak and eggplant to roasted cauliflower stuffed into pillowy pita, each bite is a culinary revelation. With locations around the city, it’s easy to find and worth the hype.
Final Thoughts
Tel Aviv offers a unique blend of cultures, flavors, and cooking traditions, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. Whether you’re cooking with a top chef or exploring its bustling markets and eateries, the city is sure to leave you with unforgettable culinary memories. Taking a cooking class in Tel Aviv is more than just a fun activity—it’s a way to connect with the city’s rich food culture and bring a piece of it home with you.
For travelers looking to immerse themselves fully in the local flavors, these cooking classes and food attractions provide a perfect balance of learning, tasting, and experiencing the best that Tel Aviv has to offer.