Discovering the authentic flavors of Tel Aviv @ Azura

Tel Aviv is an incredible place: a city that looks at the Western world whilst remaining deeply attached to its Middle Eastern roots. It’s pure energy, it’s a chaotic bundle of streets where the muezzin’s preach mingles with the church’s bells and markets get all of the suddenly quiet for Shabbat on the Friday afternoon.

It’s a young city with an uncertain future – this is probably why it so lively yet tense – like a woman that is fighting her battle to feel positive in her own body.

I could write pages and pages on Israeli food, on its meanings and traditions that are the mirror of this complex and multi-ethnic country.

If you are visiting and looking for a taste of the most authentic flavours you cannot miss Azura (Mikveh Israel St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israe) for an informal lunch.

The first thing you will notice are the oversized pots on the stove, a staple in many Israeli homes. Azura serves favourites that you won’t find anywhere else: a warm and soothing “goulash”, several varieties of “kubbeh” (meat-stuffed dumplings in a warm soup), and a hearty “moussaka” (eggplant pie) alongside many varieties of meats.

Here you will find distinctly Jerusalemite hummus – creamy and smooth, seasoned to perfection with a steaming pile of chickpeas, beans, olive oil and parsley on top. Paired with hot, fluffy pita and tasty homemade pickles, there is no better meal

It’s so good, it will leave you craving for your next trip to Israel!

Image courtesy Azura