Israeli cuisine is essentially a combination of Oriental and Western cuisine, plus an additional distinct flavour brought by the many and varied nationalities which make up the Israelis. Some restaurants are expensive, though a high price does not necessarily mean a high standard. Table service is usual. There are many snack bars. Restaurants, bars and cafes catering for tourists usually have menus in two languages (Hebrew plus French or English).
Things to know: The Hebrew word kosher means food conforming to Jewish religious dietary laws. Milk, cream or cheese may not be served together with meat in the same meal. Pork and shellfish are officially prohibited, but it is possible to find them on many menus in non-kosher restaurants.
National specialities:
• Falafel, deep fried mashed chickpeas.
• Humus, ground chickpea dip.
• Tahini, sesame seed paste.
• Shishlik, charcoal grilled meet on a skewer.
• Kebabs, meat usually served in a pita bread.
• Gefilte fish, a traditional Jewish white fish dish.
• Chopped liver and chicken soup.
National drinks:
• The wines of Israel range from light white to dry red and sweet rosé.
• Gold Star and Maccabee, Israeli beer.
• Arak (an anise drink).
• Hard Nut (a walnut concoction of Eliaz winery)
• Sabra (chocolate and orange liqueur). A centre for liqueurs is the monastery at Latrun on the road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Tipping: A 15 per cent service charge is added to restaurant, cafe and hotel bills by law.

There are nightclubs and discos in most cities. Israel's club scene, particularly Tel Aviv and Jeruslem draw DJs and club fans from the USA and Europe. Tel Aviv has a wealth of entertainment to divert the visitor and there are rock, jazz, folk and pop music clubs in all the main cities and resorts. Israeli folklore and dance shows can be seen everywhere, especially in the kibbutzim. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra can be heard at the ICC Binaynei Ha’uma Hall in Jerusalem during the winter. A summer attraction is the Israel Festival of International Music. The New Israel Opera hosts an annual season at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts centre. The season runs from October to July. Cinema is popular in Israel and many cinemas screen three daily shows of international and local films (all Hebrew films are subtitled in English and French). Tickets for all events and even films can be bought in advance from ticket agencies and sometimes from hotels and tourist offices.

There is a wide choice for shoppers in Israel; and in certain shops, especially in Arab markets, visitors can - and should - bargain. Tourists who buy leather goods at shops listed by the Ministry of Tourism and pay for them in foreign currency are exempt from VAT and receive a 25 per cent discount on leather goods if these are delivered to them at the port of departure. Special purchases include jewellery, diamonds and other precious stones, ceramics, embroidery, glassware, wines, religious articles and holy books. ‘Cashback’ on purchased items can be claimed from the Customs Office at the airport. The best place to buy food is outdoor markets or Shuk; the produce is cheaper and fresher. Shopping hours: Sun-Fri 0800-1900; some shops close 1300-1600 and some early on Friday. Remember that shopping facilities are both Israeli and Arabic, and are therefore governed by two different sets of opening hours and methods of business. Jewish stores observe closing time near sunset Friday evenings before Shabbat (Saturday) and Arabic stores close Friday. It takes a while to realise that Sunday is a normal working day unlike in Western countries. For shoppers, Jewish stores are therefore open Friday, Arab markets Saturday and both are open Sunday when Christian stores close. Shops in hotels are often open until midnight.