Top Israeli Chefs Launch Major Spanish Culinary Festival at Sarona Market

From July 29 to 31, Sarona Market in Tel Aviv will host Mercado Estrella Damm, a large-scale Spanish culinary festival inspired by the vibrant food culture of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and the Basque Country. The event transforms the market into an open Spanish food market, featuring traditional and modern Spanish dishes created by leading Israeli chefs. Notable participants include Israel Aharoni, Rafi Cohen, Erez Komarovsky, Uri Navon, Omri Bar, Ohad Levi, Sima Biton, and Guy Malka, each presenting unique menus inspired by Spanish cuisine.

The festival highlights a special collaboration between two influential Israeli chefs, Rafi Cohen and Israel Aharoni, who have crafted joint dishes such as tomato gazpacho with pak choi salad and chickpeas, and chicken wings in sofrito sauce. Aharoni emphasized the natural connection between Mediterranean Israeli and Spanish cuisines, noting their shared use of quality ingredients like olive oil, fish, vegetables, and meats, and the cultural tradition of sharing food.

Other chefs bring their own interpretations: Erez Komarovsky offers a special series of Spanish-inspired baked goods combining traditional techniques with local ingredients; Uri Navon presents three special pizzas blending Jerusalem culinary style with Spanish flavors; Omri Bar focuses on open-fire cooking with Spanish influences; Guy Malka debuts limited-edition Spanish-inspired dishes; Sima Biton serves a series of popular dishes including smoked aioli and sweet pita; and Ohad Levi offers Spanish-style croquettes and tapas.

Throughout the festival, 22 food stalls will offer dozens of traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes, all priced up to 50 shekels. The event aims to bring the festive atmosphere, flavors, and culture of Spain’s famous food markets to Israel for three days of culinary celebration.