Druze Village Julis in Galilee Offers Traditional Kosher Cuisine and Cultural Experiences
Julis, a Druze village in the Galilee region of Israel, is known as a spiritual center for the Druze community and a place where locals deeply value community ties. Visitors quickly notice the close-knit nature of the village, where business owners frequent competitors’ cafes and young entrepreneurs return home to start ventures. Residents believe Julis is one of the best places to live.
One highlight is "Mamtakei Noor," a confectionery opened four years ago by Adam and Moran Hayno, nephews of Basma from the Noor restaurant. The shop specializes in traditional sweets like baklava, knafeh made with fresh cheese, and other desserts blending tradition with modern touches. Moran, who often runs the shop alone during his brother’s military service, also offers workshops teaching the art of baklava making.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Julis offers guided off-road tours through nearby forests and caves, led by Wasim Shanan, who turned his passion for vehicles and nature into a business in 2022. These tours showcase the wild Galilee landscape, olive groves, and scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Another cultural gem is the Al-Muna Gardens, created by Najee Abbas over many years. The gardens feature stone paths, waterfalls, and plants from around the world, serving as a tranquil space where visitors learn about Druze beliefs in fate and reincarnation.
Culinary experiences culminate at the Noor restaurant, founded by Basma in memory of her late son, Marcel, who was severely injured during reserve military service. After discovering that some kosher-observant soldiers did not eat her food, Basma certified the restaurant kosher to welcome all guests. The menu includes generous traditional dishes such as finely chopped Druze salad, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, stuffed cabbage and zucchini, and the signature mansaf with tender lamb cooked for hours over fragrant rice with almonds and pine nuts.
Julis thus offers a rich blend of tradition, hospitality, and community spirit, inviting visitors to experience authentic Druze culture, cuisine, and nature in the Galilee.
