Israeli Food Scene Showcases Pink Chocolate Shawarma, Cube Croissants, and Red Tuna Specials

This week in Israel’s culinary scene features a variety of innovative and trendy dishes for food enthusiasts. A standout is the pink chocolate shawarma and cube-shaped croissants launched by the chain Metuka, celebrating its 30th anniversary with pistachio, chocolate, and raspberry fillings priced at 17 shekels each. Additionally, a new kosher Lucky Chicken branch opened in Kfar Yona, offering its signature crispy chicken to kosher-observant customers.

The Karem wine bar in Jerusalem, under chef Rafi Cohen’s guidance, introduced a summer menu with small plates and classic dishes ranging from 14 to 86 shekels. Highlights include tempura zucchini with Greek yogurt, tuna sashimi with fennel salad, and grilled fish dishes. Meanwhile, Ototo restaurants in Rehovot and Gedera are marking July with a red tuna month, featuring unique dishes like Nakaochi, tuna eaten directly from the fish’s bone with a spoon, and various sashimi and nigiri preparations.

In Tel Aviv, the pop-up COOKIE GIRL by AB Cake offers a fusion of Israeli shawarma and New York chocolate chip cookies, including pink chocolate shawarma cookies and a Dubai chocolate cube priced up to 180 shekels. Also, the Chef’s Table event by San Pellegrino will revive iconic Israeli restaurants for a few days in late July, featuring chefs Tsahi Bukshester, Rafi Cohen, and Erez Komarovsky serving multi-course meals at 490 shekels per person.

Other notable events include a keto menu by chef Omer Miller at Nonno in Herzliya on July 21, featuring dishes like keto buns with shredded meat and eye eggs, and the 11th anniversary of Bar HaDanin in Tel Aviv with comfort food and special events from July 19 to 25. Jerusalem’s 02 restaurant is hosting its annual "Days of Fish" menu from July 14 to 23, offering red tuna tartare, crispy fish, and grilled sea bass. The Sharon region will also host several free culinary festivals throughout the summer, including World Cup finals viewing, art and culinary workshops for children, and a Candy Land festival with edible art from late July to early August.