Dinning Etiquette

Dining etiquette is typically informal; "everything is good" when using the fork, knife, and "hand." You should keep in mind that some Israelis may observe kosher for religious reasons by avoiding eating pork, shellfish, or combining dairy and meat. If you are going to a social or business meal, you should do the same.

You can ask your host a question or just do as he says. In Israel, Western utensils are utilized, and eating is done with a fork in the left hand and a knife in the right. You can eat hummus, falafel, sabich, and shawarma with your hands. LeChaim is the Israeli toast for "Cheers," and Beteavohn is the toast for "Bon Appetit."

A mountain of traditional food will probably be presented to you if you are invited to a meal in an Israeli household. Your hosts may provide a selection of roasted nuts, salted sunflower, pumpkin, and other seeds after the meal. It is acceptable to bite down on these, crack the shells between your teeth, and spit the contents into a nearby container. How many nuts and seeds an Israeli family can eat after a meal will amaze you. These nibbles are known as "pitzuchim" in Hebrew.