Ashkenazi Archives | World Jewish Travel

Ellis Kosher Kitchen

Perhaps unsurprisingly, people do not normally associate traditional Jewish home cooking within the textured multicultural fabric of the UAE- let alone it’s much stricter Kosher protocols! When Elli moved into the community with her husband and three children back in 2013, this cultural gap combined with the lack of readily available Kosher products in the UAE served to strengthen Elli’s sense of purpose.

Elli was born and proudly raised in South Africa by Greek parents. She is a Sociologist and self-professed foodie with a deep respect for ancient history and culture which naturally led her to live in multiple cities around the world including Argentina. Her appreciation for traditional Jewish and Kosher food has made it difficult to eat in restaurants therefore she decided to invite people into her own kitchen and Elli’s Kosher Kitchen was born!

Over the years, Elli has blended her multicultural family recipes with local flavors to create unique, mouthwatering “Kosherati” dishes that are both familiar to locals and meant to be generously shared with loved ones of all ages.

What started out as a way to help travelers extend their time in Dubai for business or to explore its wonderful cityscape and world-class marvels has led to a growing demand for fresh Kosher meals as well as Jewish cuisine in general for the local population of Emiratis and expats.

To make sure her meals meet strict Kosher food prep protocols, she maintains two separate kitchens (1 for meat and 1 for dairy) and welcomes regular inspections from international rabbis.

By providing Kosher food to travelers and residents in the UAE, Elli’s hope is that you will feel the hospitality, warmth, and quality of service characteristic to this part of the world and embraced by her family.

Eva

In the heart of busy Allenby Street, sits Safta Eva in her established restaurant. Eva specializes in classic Ashkenazi food. For those who remember the special taste of traditional chicken soup with matzah balls and farfel, just like Grandma used to make, Eva’s makes it possible to enjoy these pleasures every day. One will also find additional comfort foods from childhood, such as gefilte fish, and Eva’s famous schnitzel. The atmosphere is very warm and comfortable, welcoming guests to a lengthy stay.

Bar Matti

In 1935, a new and hip saloon opened- Bar Matti. Ever since then, Mr. Matityahu Landstein has been running this successful joint with a firm hand. Locals who frequent the Levinsky market are all familiar with Matityahu, and no one dares to pass by without popping in to ask how he is keeping. Matti prepares a variety of delicacies from traditional Ashkenazi cuisine, including chopped liver, Romanian pickles, stuffed dumplings, and even gefilte fish. Visiting Bar Matti is a real experience. Although now in his eighties, he will still proudly serve you a thirst-quenching glass of cold beer!

Maayan Ha’Beera

Near the Turkish market in Haifa lies one of the only original taverns in the country. Maayan Ha’Beera is a warm and inviting corner which always attracts a myriad of customers, welcoming them with a warm heart. Maayan Ha’Bira was founded by Nachum, and in later years, was taken over by his son. This go-to hangout is best known for its fantastic beers, and the variety of Eastern European food that is available at the bar, including chopped liver. One of the classic pieces featured at the bar is an ancient beer tap, still serving customers even after 64 years. Maayan Ha’Beera is the place to be on a Tuesday night, with live jazz bands, and a lively, cheerful atmosphere.

Kohn’s Kosher Deli

Kohn’s is the only restaurant and deli in St. Louis that can meet all of your kosher needs. Offering a kosher butcher shop, deli, bakery, grocery store, and catering options, we’re certain that we’ll be your only stop for kosher needs.

If you’re in the Creve Coeur area, stop in and try our famous Killer Pastrami Sandwich while you shop for your groceries. If you’re not in St. Louis, no problem! We have an online meat store where you can order kosher meat online and have it sent straight to your door!

Kohn’s Kosher Deli is known for the Killer Pastrami Sandwich. It’s so good that Sauce magazine says,“this is about as perfect as a sandwich can be, and a welcome reminder that the simplest things are often the most satisfying.”. Aside from our pastrami, we serve a number of other sandwiches and lunch options in our Creve Coeur location. In our kosher deli, you can find hot dogs, salads, wraps, and incredible side dishes. If you’re hungry visit our Restaurant Menu for more details.

Quality kosher meat is very important to us. Our butchers can meet your requests for the cut you want and recommend various styles based on your needs. All the meat we prepare is locally sourced from farmers. We offer a wide variety of meats like chicken, turkey, beef, veal, bison, and more. Visit our Butcher page to learn more about what we offer.

Shmulik Cohen

Shmulik Cohen fits all the requirements of the of veteran Ashkenazi population. Juxtaposed with the older generation, who come for a taste of the past, are the young and hip folk, interested in tasting ethnic foods. At Shmulik’s, each meal begins with Polish classics, such as pickles, chopped liver and egg salad. This restaurant offers a wide range of Polish delicacies like chicken soup, homemade matzah balls, and cholent. Shmulik and his team often warm-up the atmosphere, and walk around with a bottle of homemade vodka, pampering the patrons with a few glasses, ensuring you leave with a smile!

Puni

In 1922, Avi Puni, born from a Polish family, immigrated to Israel and opened the first cake shop in Yaffo. After a few years, the family moved to the city center and moved the confectionary with them. This bakery specializes in Bulgarian style baking, including a wide range of bourekas made from ancient Puni family recipes. Today, if you ask nicely, you may get the special opportunity to see the original recipe book, which was written by founders Avraham and Moshe!

Keton Restaurant

Keton Restaurant began as a little watermelon stand sometime in the late forties when Tel Aviv had just began to take shape.

Haim Rafael

Amongst all of the famous delis in the Levinsky market, Haim Rafael is the largest and most well-known of all. The Rafael family personally cares for the needs of the deli, from supplies to preparations. However, it is not just the locals that take advantage of the wonderful place – many restaurants also purchase their secret ingredients from this magical shop.

Grill Plus

After a while spent strolling along Palmach Street where Rechavia meets Katamon, browsing the Islamic Art Museum, soaking up the authentic Jerusalem ambiance, you might work up quite an appetite.

And since Palmach Street is one of the places where Jerusalem’s Ashkenazi old guard used to gather and discuss the affairs of the day (some of them still do), why not satisfy that appetite with some Ashkenazi takeout food? No, not Chinese – Grill Plus, next to venerable Palmach cafe Duvshanit, which is ready for all your meat-related takeout needs with rows of hot, freshly-cooked meat dishes, many from the grill as the name might imply, encompassing both traditional European Jewish fare (lots of chicken) and selections from Jewish cuisines further south (more chicken).

Images by Eli Raz via Google

Restaurant Tag: Ashkenazi