An introduction to 5 best foods of Israel

While you explore the heritage sights, religious institutions, and Tel Aviv party scene during your visit, don’t forget to stop along the way to try some of Israel’s tastiest dishes. Here are five of the best foods to try on your next trip to the holy land.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is the perfect vegetarian breakfast dish for people who like joy. It’s traditionally made with poached eggs in a tomato sauce with chili peppers, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shakshuka is simple to make, healthy, and light (if you take it easy on the bucket of challah bread it’s served with). Its origins stem from North Africa, but it has become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, taking on slight variations cross-culturally (sometimes served with feta on top, for instance). If you happen to be in Jaffa, do not skip a visit to Dr. Shakshuka, one of the most famous spots in the world to feast on the spicy tomato dish.

Msabbaha

If you fall victim to the plague of “hummus’d out” while gorging yourself across Israel, you might want to try hummus msabbaha, or “deconstructed hummus,” a delicious variant on the traditional creamy staple. Msabbaha is a spread that leaves the chickpeas whole, mixing them in with tahini, which adds an interesting texture and consistency. Order the triple plate at Abu Hassan, which comes with traditional hummus, msabbaha, and ful (fava beans). But if you’re feeling adventurous, head to Halil, a hidden gem and casual lunch spot owned by Arab Christians in the town of Ramle.

Falafel

If you’ve never tried falafel — those spiced, deep-fried chickpea balls — we're so, so sorry. Falafel is a staple of Israeli cuisine and the food your vegetarian friends have been eating for decades. While you can find falafel everywhere in Israel, Falafel Razon, a cheap takeaway spot right by the Carmel Market, is the best. It offers some of the freshest falafel pita sandwiches for under $2. For a finer dining experience, try the falafel at Old Man and the Sea, a gorgeous restaurant right on the Old Port in Jaffa where the falafel balls are perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft and moist on the inside.

Shawarma

Much like falafel, shawarma is the quintessential quick and cheap lunch option. Have you ever seen those revolving spits with fat sacks of meat glistening in rotation? That’s shawarma: a hunk of lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, or veal (sometimes mixtures of two) that’s shaved into thin slices and stuffed into a sandwich. Try Shawarma Bino if you’re a veal or lamb lover, or Dabush for perfectly seasoned turkey and chicken shawarma.

Kanafeh

Think of kanafeh as a crunchy cheese blintz that tastes like a sweet mozzarella stick. With Levantine Arab roots in Egypt, Turkey, and Yemen, kanafeh was largely popularized by Palestinians. This stringy pastry dessert is stuffed with goat or sheep cheese, soaked in sugary syrup and butter, and topped with crushed pistachios. Try Haifa's Café Shtroudl for baked kanafeh with pistachio ice cream on top.

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Tel Aviv, Israel

Source: Internet

Where to go shopping in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin has all sorts of shopping experiences lined up for visitors. Local markets like the Day or Night Markets offer a diverse array of merchandise, while Cicada Market epitomizes Hua Hin’s artistic heritage with its lineup of boutique craft shops, live music entertainment and a hip, next-gen crowd as its patrons.

If you are looking for unique handicrafts, vintage items or antiques then you are in the right place because Hua Hin has an abundance of such items readily available. Also, beachwear and summer accessories are readily available if you are planning on hitting the beach. Cha-Am and Pranburi are a little more on the quiet side on the shopping front, so for variety and choice you’d be better off exploring in Hua Hin town.

Cicada Market

Cicada Market’s art-inspired concept is the first of its kind around here. Divided into four sections, the market offers mainly everything art-related, such as paintings, sculptures, home accessories and handicrafts. The landscaped garden features live music and dance performances most Friday and Saturday evenings, starting 19:00. Cicada Market is as chilled out as lounging on the beach but with a bit of colour and festivity thrown in.

Plearn Wan

Plearn Wan is like a living museum where you can experience a slice of life in 1950s Hua Hin. The two-storey courtyard building houses a community of period-style shops, a food court, an outdoor cinema screen and a 20-room guesthouse. The collection of one-off souvenirs and fashion accessories is quite impressive – even if you don’t buy anything, it makes for quite a pleasurable look around.

Cha-Am Night Market

Known as ‘talat nad’, the market is popular mainly with locals, who come here to check out new clothes, DVDs, CDs and cutesy accessories. Other than this, there is a few food stalls. Fridays are usually the busiest when more traders turn up. This market is not necessarily loaded with things that you would want to buy, but it has a great atmosphere and is a good way to gain an insight into the Cha-Am market experience.

Read more: The amazing day trips from Bangkok

Cha-Am Premium Outlet Mall 

If you are looking to buy authentic brand-name clothes at discounted prices then Cha-Am Premium Outlet Mall should be your first port of call. Stocking brands such as Naf Naf, Lacoste, and Jaspal, G200 you should expect to find a few steals here. Some items are discounted as much as half of what you would usually pay. Some stuff even competes with the prices you would pay for counterfeit brand-name goods in Thailand’s markets.

Source Internet

Top 6 best hotels in Chiang Mai’s old city

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular cities in Thailand where tourists come to taste delicious Thai food, experience the culture of Lanna people and explore the mountainous surroundings. Chiang Mai Old City is the most convenient area to stay in Chiang Mai as from there you can easily reach city’s main cultural attractions, shops and restaurants. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Chiang Mai, check the list of best hotels in Chiang Mai Old City and choose the right place for you.

Pak Chiang Mai

This small upscale Chiang Mai guesthouse embodies everything that’s great about the capital of the north, comfort, style, friendliness and a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are simply designed but elegant and comfortable. The on-site restaurant and small spa get consistently high marks. There is friendly service, complimentary and organic breakfast and Wi-Fi top off the experience.

Dhara Devi

Located outside the walls of the city center, the Dhara Devi Hotel feels more like a small village than a hotel. The luxury resort was designed as a self-contained ancient city, offering breathtaking architecture and scenery. Visitors can take their pick from two-story villas, colonial-style suits or signature residences, set up much like palaces.

Aside from its magnificent rooms, the Dhara Devi is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. The most notable is Falang Sed, meaning French in Thai, which provides an unforgettable dining experience. Dhara Devi can hardly be described in words and has to be seen to be believed. Feel like a member of the Thai royalty when wandering around the extensive garden areas.

Makkachiva

With a stay at Makkachiva in Chiang Mai (Old City), you will be a 5-minute walk from Wat Chedi Luang and 8 minutes by foot from Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request).

Read more: The holy temples you can visit in Chiang Mai

137 Pillars House

Retaining a tasteful balance between the elegance of former times and modern elements, the structure of the 137 Pillars House dates back to 1889. With its magical setting close to the heart of the city, visitors will have a hard time leaving the place.

Shrouded in jungle-like gardens with dark wooden houses, this place has truly managed to capture the essence of the Lanna culture. The home-style residences offer all sorts of comforts and the spacious rooms have been decorated with colourful themes. This is not only one of Chiang Mai’s best places to stay, but one of the best in the country.

Estia Chiang Mai

Estia Hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai near the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre, and Three Kings Monument. There are many room types available at the hotel, including superior rooms, deluxe rooms and family rooms with full facilities. There is also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, coffee bar, restaurant, and spa massage. That is all you would need for a comfortable stay in Chiang Mai.

Parasol Inn

Just around the corner from the Pan Tao temple is this small, personal hotel. Rooms are clean, bright and simply furnished but have little extras such as in-room refrigerators and televisions. There is plenty of space to relax and enjoy a cup of local Northern Thai coffee at the adjacent restaurant.

Source Internet