Israeli Restaurant in NYC Sparks Controversy Over 'Arais Dish

A new dish added to the menu of an Israeli restaurant in Manhattan has ignited a social media firestorm, with pro-Palestinian activists accusing the establishment of "stealing" Arab cuisine. The restaurant, Shifka, which describes its food as Mediterranean, found itself at the center of the controversy after posting a video showcasing its new 'Arais' dish. According to Al Araby TV, the video prompted backlash from online users and activists who claim it exemplifies attempts to attribute Arab, Palestinian, and Middle Eastern dishes to Israeli cuisine. The network framed the incident as another instance of 'theft' of a dish, reigniting debates over the origins of popular Middle Eastern foods.

However, Shifka's menu presents a more nuanced picture. The 'Arais' dish, priced at $17, features beef, caramelized onions, and tahini-yogurt. The restaurant officially describes its offerings as "Mediterranean street food," not exclusively Israeli. The establishment was opened in October 2025 by the team behind Sami & Susu, and its culinary identity draws from a variety of traditions, according to co-owner Amir Nathan. Nathan, who grew up in Beersheba, has previously stated that while Israeli influence is evident, the kitchen incorporates diverse inspirations, including influences from Romanian and Yemenite cuisines.

Nathan also shared that the team undertook a culinary journey through Israel, visiting Arab and Druze restaurants, to absorb the region's diverse flavors and cultures for Shifka's menu. This is not the first time the restaurant's Israeli identity has encountered tension in New York; Nathan previously reported graffiti attacks on Sami & Susu during the war, alongside an increase in Jewish customers after October 7th.

Despite the current controversy, Shifka is expanding, with reports in July indicating it will be one of the eateries featured in a new food hall, The Market Hall, opening in Manhattan. The 'Arais' dish has thus become a focal point in a broader debate about food, identity, and nationality, highlighting how even a pita-filled meat dish can become a political talking point in New York.