Home

inisrael.com Travel Guide

Dining

From Fast Food to Croissant Shawarma: A Comparison from an American Tourist’s Perspective

Israel Hotels

Enjoy Israel

$$$

From Fast Food to Croissant Shawarma: A Comparison from an American Tourist’s Perspective

Dining travel guide

Address: HaHistadrut Ave 58

Phone: 0538999989

As an American tourist, I couldn’t resist trying out the latest food craze in Haifa, Israel – the croissant shawarma. As a lover of fast food back home, I was intrigued by this unique combination of French pastry and Middle Eastern street food.

My adventure took me to the Hazan restaurant in Haifa thanks to the help of a local friend. The moment I walked in, I felt like an outsider as the regulars gave me a curious look. But I was determined to try this new dish that everyone was talking about.

The process of ordering and preparing the croissant shawarma was simple yet interesting. The workers sliced the shawarma on the spot, and I was handed a plate with paper on it to make my own croissant sandwich. The croissant was sliced in half and stuffed with a generous amount of veal shawarma, which was excellent in taste and quality. The croissant itself was slightly sweet, and the cabbage salad added a nice sour crunch. I also added some pickled vegetables from the salad bar to complete my meal.

One thing that struck me was the affordability of this dish. It only cost me 30 shekels, which is equivalent to about $9 USD. In comparison, a fast food meal in the US would cost me around $10-$15, and it would not be as fresh or healthy as this croissant shawarma.

As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to American fast food. While both cultures have their own unique fast food offerings, there is a significant difference in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. In Israel, the emphasis is on using fresh and healthy ingredients, and this is evident in the croissant shawarma dish that I had.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend trying out the croissant shawarma if you ever find yourself in Haifa, Israel. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that satisfies your taste buds and wallet. As an American tourist, it was refreshing to see the emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients in fast food, and it’s something that I hope catches on back home.

Opening hours:

Sunday: 10:30 - 21:00

Monday: 10:30 - 21:00

Tuesday: 10:30 - 21:00

Wednesday: 10:30 - 21:00

Thursday: 10:30 - 21:00

Friday: 10:30 - 14:00

Saturday: 11:00 - 22:00

Israel's favorite Dining - More options:

Indulge in Unique Kosher Brunch and Wine Bar at Bat Harim in Zichron Ya'akov

Looking for a delicious and unique brunch spot? Look no further than Bat Harim, a kosher restaurant located in Zichron Ya'akov. This charming eatery offers a brunch menu from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and transforms into a wine bar and restaurant with an elevated menu after 7:00 PM. The standout feature of Bat Harim is their use of independent produce. All of their cheeses come from the Bat Harim dairy on the Lebanese border, where they're made with natural ingredients and no preservatives. The wines served in the restaurant come from the family-owned Avivim Winery, which has been producing wine for four generations. The winery sources grapes from vineyards in the north of the Upper Galilee to Mount Miron and offers unique varieties such as Barbara, Malbec, and Neviolo. The menu at Bat Harim offers a wide range of delicious dishes for diners to choose from. For wine enthusiasts, there are wine tastings available for one, three, five, or eight types of wine, ranging from NIS 85 to NIS 300. The cheese tasting platters are also worth trying, with options for four or six types of cheese, or up to ten types of cheese for a more extensive tasting. Those looking for a full dining experience can opt for the tasting meal, which includes chef dishes, cheese tasting palettes, and paired wine tastings. For main courses, there are options from the sea and from the field, as well as Italian-inspired dishes, including tortellini, ravioli, and risotto. Lastly, dessert options include crumbles of panna cotta, caramelized persimmons, and brown butter ice cream. Whether you're a wine lover, cheese enthusiast, or looking for a full dining experience, Bat Harim has something for everyone. Overall, Bat Harim is a unique and delicious brunch spot that offers a range of dishes using high-quality ingredients. With its charming ambiance and great service, it's a must-visit destination for foodies in Zichron Ya'akov.

Schwartzman Dairy and Farm: A Taste of History and Authentic Craftsmanship

About 120 years ago, Zelig Schwartzman settled in the new Bat Shlomo community and built his home. His family went on to establish the renowned Schwartzman Dairy 20 years later, and has been crafting goat, sheep, and beef cheeses with love and dedication ever since. The family has kept the secrets of their boutique cheese production and preparation for four generations. Bat Shlomo is a small community located in the northern region of Israel, nestled between the Carmel Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The area is known for its breathtaking views, picturesque landscapes, and historical significance. Experience a bygone heritage and way of life while savoring an unforgettable culinary adventure in the family's yard. The ancient stone structure, standing in the courtyard for over a century, transports visitors to another time. The building serves as both a private museum and a restaurant, showcasing representative objects, tools, photos, and documents documenting the farm's past and the settlement's founding. You can admire the agricultural equipment and various machines used in the dairy's early days. The treasures of the past testify to the site's rich history. Savor the variety of flavors offered at the dairy, including fine cheeses made from goat, sheep, and cow milk, ranging from soft to hard and aged to ripe. Enjoy olives harvested with care from Bat Shlomo's orchards and grown at the foot of Mount Horshan. The olives are known for their exceptional taste and are used to produce pure olive oil. The family also produces amber-colored natural honey collected from beehives working diligently to collect nectar from the flowers of Nahal Dalia and the surrounding area. You can try the date honey (Silan), carob honey, honeysuckle honey, and more, all mixed in-house without mass production. Each bite is a journey through the region's flavors and aromas of the past. Don't miss out on the menu's specialties, including green and black olives served at the entrance and the mouth-watering cheese slits prepared with love and pride by Ziv Schwartzman behind the counter. Come for a visit and taste history blended with contemporary produce, seasoned with the aromas of the past, and crafted with real craftsmanship. The Schwartzman Dairy and Farm's unique taste lies in the authenticity preserved since the dairy's establishment, which is still practiced today. Ziv, the third generation, and his fourth-generation daughters refuse to switch to modern methods, inheriting and preserving the cheese-making secrets and traditions of raising cattle, sheep, and producing cheese passed down from Zelig's grandfather and Ziv Shimon's father. Each cow, goat, and sheep is treated with individual care, receiving personal attention and manual milking methods. The dairy's products are processed with endless dedication and love, resulting in high-quality milk and cheese. Come for a visit and combine it with a full meal at the cheese restaurant located in the farm's courtyard. Savor an abundance of flavors, including stuffed and special spreads, and finish with coffee and sweet desserts. Visitors can also purchase the best of the farm's produce at the on-site shop, taking home the flavors worth savoring. Experience a taste of the past and quality craftsmanship in a beautiful scenery.

Skylin Restaurant: Unforgettable Kosher Dining Experience with Spectacular Views

The Skylin Restaurant located in Jerusalem Gardens Hotel is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and has a pleasant and intimate ambiance perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. One can choose to sit inside or outside and enjoy the views while savoring the delicious food. The menu at Skylin is kosher and Galat, with an emphasis on seasonal, creative, and diverse dishes made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The restaurant takes pride in offering homemade dishes, from bread and dips to desserts. The chefs at Skylin tailor the menu according to the freshest available ingredients, ensuring that each dish is unique and delicious. The restaurant's strict adherence to the OU Glat Mehdrin and Rabbis of Mehdrin ensures that all meats served are exclusively kosher of the ultra-orthodox congregation. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes to choose from, with something to satisfy every palate. The aged entrecote steak, selected surgeons burger, and long-cooked lamb shoulder are some of the must-try dishes. The Croissant Benedict, roasted chicken, and burnt eggplant are also highly recommended. Overall, the Skylin Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience with its unique ambiance, delicious food, and spectacular views. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Israel's restaurants and cuisine

Israel Hotels - best hotel deals in Israel