Tel Aviv is an undoubted magnet for food lovers, known widely for its vibrant markets, bustling street food, and superb fine dining. But lurking beneath the well-known hummus and falafel stalls are hidden food treasures awaiting discovery even by seasoned foodies. Each twist and corner of this eclectic city reveals intriguing flavors and fascinating stories sure to surprise even the most experienced culinary adventurer. Forget predictable recommendations—today you’re diving deep into deliciously lesser-known terrain, tasting treats you’ve never imagined in this Mediterranean gem. Prepare your taste buds, sharpen your curiosity, and wear your favorite stretchy pants. Here are nine unique dishes and culinary experiences in Tel Aviv that will pleasantly surprise your palate.
1 Sabich’s Adventurous Cousin: Iraqi Tbit
You might know and adore sabich, Tel Aviv’s legendary Iraqi sandwich bursting with fried eggplant and boiled eggs. But have you ever tried sabich’s lesser-known Iraqi cousin, Tbit? Traditionally cooked overnight, Tbit is a warmly spiced chicken-stuffed rice ensemble slow-simmered to perfection. You can savor this comforting dish at family-run establishments like Azura Restaurant in Sarona Market. Served family-style, Tbit embodies authentic Iraqi Jewish heritage and provides a soulful, comforting contrast to Tel Aviv’s fast-paced vibe.
Tip: Arrive around lunchtime; this slow-cooked delicacy sells fast, and portions vanish quickly.
2 Yemen’s Best Secret: Jahnun
Forget boring pastries; Tel Aviv locals swear by Jahnun for a leisurely weekend breakfast. This rich, flaky dough treat originates from Yemen, baked overnight and served warm with grated tomatoes, hot pepper sauce (schug), and boiled eggs. Cafes like Jahnun Bar at Carmel Market serve Jahnun fresh from the oven each Saturday morning. Expect lines of eager diners; the aroma alone is worth queuing for!
Tip: Jahnun is best tasted fresh and hot. Get yours early—it’s the very definition of a limited-time specialty.
3 Koliva: A Sweet Greek Mystery
Hidden inside Florentin, Tel Aviv’s hip, artistic district, lies “Cafe Levinsky 41,” famous for its homemade sodas and syrups. But the real surprise awaits with Koliva – a delightfully sweet dessert originally from the Greek Jewish tradition. Made of boiled wheat berries, nuts, dried fruits, honey, and pomegranate seeds, Koliva bursts with intriguing textures and layers of sweetness. Locals enjoy it as an occasional delicacy, but adventurous visitors discovering Levinsky Market will love uncovering this deeply traditional treat.
Tip: Pair Koliva with Levinsky’s famous lavender-infused soda for a refreshing contrast of delicate flavors.
4 Gazoz: The Israeli Artisan Soda You Didn’t See Coming
Speaking of Cafe Levinsky 41, don’t leave without tasting their champion creation—Gazoz artisan soda. This colorful carbonated delight combines fresh herbs, exotic spices, seasonal fruits, edible flowers, and soda water. Each glass is a customized masterpiece, visually stunning and vibrantly refreshing. Locals swear it’s Tel Aviv’s best drink to beat the Mediterranean heat—with good reason.
Tip: Let the creator choose your combination; your adventurous spirit will be rewarded with unique explosions of flavors only found here.
5 Sudanese Surprise: Asida
Tel Aviv’s Neve Sha’anan district, near the Central Bus Station, is a culinary melting pot housing authentic restaurants from across the globe. Sudanese eateries here serve a curious but incredibly satisfying dish—Asida. This thick, dough-like porridge made from wheat flour is traditionally enjoyed with various flavorful vegetable sauces, moving from mildly spicy to surprisingly fiery. It’s a hearty, inexpensive eat that’s appreciated by savvy diners eager to explore Tel Aviv’s lesser-known food cultures.
Tip: Go with friends and order several sauces to share—you’ll get the full range of authentic Sudanese flavors in a single meal.
6 An Under-the-Radar Pastry: Knafeh Malabi Combination
Sure, Tel Aviv street favorites Knaveh (warm pastry threads with cheese) and Malabi (silky rose-water pudding) aren’t exactly unknown to food lovers. However, at niche locations like Yaffa Knafeh near Jaffa Flea Market, inventive pastry chefs blend both into one incredible pastry, layered exquisitely—crispy knafeh, creamy malabi, floral syrups, and a crunchy pistachio topping. This dreamy hybrid dessert is both crunchy and luscious, presenting popular Middle Eastern desserts in an entirely unexpected way.
Tip: Visit just before sunset; desserts here sell quickly once locals are out from work and strolling the historic flea market alleys.
7 Armenian Delight: Lahmajoun at HaCarmel Market
Although HaCarmel Market often attracts visitors for falafel and shawarma, tucked away amidst its bustling labyrinth is “Lahmajoun Station,” serving freshly baked, thin Armenian flatbreads topped generously with herbed minced lamb or beef. Lahmajoun (pronounced “lah-ma-juhn”) bursts with freshness when topped simply with zesty lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and raw onions, offering an adventurous break from usual pita sandwiches. Rich yet light, flavorful yet uncomplicated—this is comfort food with a distinctive Armenian flair.
Tip: Ask to add tahini and amba sauce (mango pickles) to your Lahmajoun for an exciting Tel Aviv-style twist.
8 Shakshuka Redefined: Libyan Chraimeh Fish Stew
Shakshuka—eggs poached in tomato sauce—is iconic in Tel Aviv, but adventurous foodies craving the unexpected should seek out its spicy Libyan sibling, Chraimeh. This fiery fish stew simmers tender fish fillets in a vivid red sauce rich with garlic, cumin, caraway, and hot peppers. Some of the best family-run eateries like Dr. Shakshuka, near Jaffa’s Clock Tower, dish up authentic Chraimeh with crusty bread ideal for soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
Tip: Feeling intimidated by spice? Ask chefs to adjust to your heat preference—though it’s authentically spicy, it’s always delicious.
9 Sicilian Surprise: Arancini with Israeli Flair
Think Sicily meets Tel Aviv streets with arancini balls reinvented at “Ballarini” food truck near Dizengoff Center. These deep-fried rice balls, traditionally filled with cheese, get a Tel Aviv twist with bold fillings like Shawarma beef, spicy matbucha sauce, and even falafel-seasoned chickpeas. Each bite packs surprisingly balanced intensity—crispy outside, moist flavorful filling inside. It’s street food fusion at its best, totally unexpected yet irresistibly local.
Tip: Walk hungry along Dizengoff Street on Thursday evenings when food trucks congregate, offering everyone a charming, bustling vibe.
In Tel Aviv, your palate will find adventure around every corner. With this guide, you’ll bravely navigate through undiscovered culinary gems and secret dishes that remain elusive even to locals. It turns out memorable experiences await those who venture off the popular culinary roads into the city’s hidden tastes. Now, who’s hungry?