The food of the Holy Land is a pilgrimage of its own. Every dish carries the warmth of family kitchens, ancient trade routes, and the soil of Palestine itself. Below are eight beloved foods you absolutely must taste when you visit the Holy Land , after all, the food alone is reason enough to come.

1) Za'atar Manakeesh

The only way to wake up in Palestine is with a fresh Za'atar Manakeesh. A favorite Palestinian breakfast of flattened dough drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and dried za'atar, baked quickly over high heat and eaten just as quickly. This wonderful morning bread is usually served with a glass of mint tea and a side of goat cheese.

2) Warak Dawali

A dish that has graced Palestinian tables for centuries. Tender vine leaves (Warak Dawali, or Warak Inab in Arabic) are stuffed with spiced minced lamb and rice, traditionally cooked with stuffed courgettes and beef shanks for added richness. A perfect lunch worthy of any occasion.

3) Kebab and Shish Taouk

The Palestinian barbecue is a summer ritual for every family. Skewers of spiced chicken Shish Taouk and tender lamb kebab are grilled over open flame and served with warm pita bread, hummus, grilled vegetables and a generous spread of fresh salads.

4) Falafel

Crisp golden patties of ground chickpeas, fresh vegetables and warm spices, fried to perfection. Falafel is most often served with hummus, salted tomato and cucumber slices, creamy labneh, and the great traditional salad of the Levant: tabbouleh.

5) Arabic Coffee

Arabic coffee blends finely ground coffee with warm spices, especially crushed cardamom. Brewed slowly on the stovetop in a traditional pot and served in a small cup called a finjaan , an unhurried ritual of hospitality at the heart of Palestinian life.

6) Kanafah and Baklava

Kanafah, also spelled kunafeh, is a Middle Eastern cheese pastry soaked in fragrant sweet syrup. The perfect harmony of sweet and salty, celebrated across Palestine and most beloved in the city of Nablus.

Baklava is a delicate dessert pastry of paper thin filo layers filled with chopped nuts and bound together with sweet sugar syrup. Kanafah and baklava are nearly always found in the same pastry shop, a duet of Holy Land sweets.

7) Saint Peter's Fish

Pilgrims to the Holy Land have the chance to taste the legendary Saint Peter's Fish, also known as Tilapia. This is one of the historic fish of the Sea of Galilee, drawn from its waters since Biblical times. The name recalls the Gospel of Matthew, where the apostle Peter catches a fish carrying a coin in its mouth. Fried or grilled to taste, it is usually served with crisp potatoes and slices of fresh lemon.

8) Pomegranates

While those in northern climates may find it harder to find fresh fruit, do not miss the chance to taste a Holy Land pomegranate on your pilgrimage , whether as fruit, juice, a savory main course, or dessert. You will not be disappointed.

From the simple breakfast bread of the morning to the deep cup of evening coffee, the table of the Holy Land tells the story of its people. Come and taste it for yourself.

Bethlehem Handicrafts , the Holy Land experience you will never forget.

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