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The diversity in the culture of Israel is reflected similarly in the cuisine tradition of the country. As Israel is home to immigrants from almost eighty different countries round the globe, the cuisine in Israel has acquired a wide variety of flavors. Be it the traditional Jewish cuisine or the one influenced heavily by the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German or the more stylized Eastern European culinary styles; having food in Israel is an experience of unmitigated revelry. The Israeli cuisine can be categorized into two groups - Ashkenazic and Sephardic. The Ashkenazic food carries sweetness in its flavor while the Sephardic is spicier among the two and has a distinct aromatic flavor. With the world today racing for Mediterranean food, traditional Israeli cuisines are winning the heart of foodies. There are several lip-smacking delicacies that characterize Isareali food tradition, for example dishes like couscous, felafel and shishlik. Challa or knishes, gems of Jewish cuisines, have gained in popularity among the tourists coming from all parts of the world. Though the outlets of Macdonalds or world famous pizza chains are snatching the lead, the variety of Israeli rolls and pancakes, popularly known as Blintzes or Challas, retain their very traditional charm. But it is an undeniable fact that many Israeli dishes are not 'wholly Israeli', some spices or tastes have been incorporated from other similar food items of the world. For example the much-favored dishes like Shawarma and Humus is basically of Arabian origin. Previously the Israelis lived monotonously on quail and manna only. In the last two decades, there has been a noticeable trend in Israel to combine international culinary and traditional style of cooking. There still exists the curious dietary law of Kashrut, which implicates that meat and diary product should not be served together in one single meal. Many restaurants abide by this rule, keeping a Kosher kitchen separated from normal cooking area. Alno, Atara, Citadel, Habira in Jerusalem, Ba Li Dag, Pekin, Maccao, Caza Mia in Tel Aviv, Astroiya, El Janina in Nazareth are some of the famous reataurants in Israel. The cuisine of Israel truly is a blend of all flavors of the world cuisine and reflects the multi-ethnicity of the country.
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