What it is about
A family from Yad Binyamin discovered their love for local cuisine by conducting a “pizza crawl” in the Shfela region of Southern Israel, showcasing the local flavors from different pizzerias.
Why it matters
Food exploration can be a wonderful family bonding activity, and discovering local eateries promotes both community support and provincial culinary appreciation. This initiative underscores Israel’s vibrant and diverse food culture, enlightening residents and visitors alike about the variety in simple local dishes such as pizza.
Pizzerias on the Crawl
The family sought to explore five distinct pizzerias: Pizza Kafrit, Pizza Tuvia, Esterica, Pizza Regina, and Fabrica. This journey illustrated not just the flavors but also the unique atmospheres that each establishment offers.
Pizza Kafrit, Moshav Berechya
Though finding the entrance proved challenging, Pizza Kafrit delivered exceptionally cheesy pizzas with a standout feature: cheese-stuffed crusts. Local flavors took center stage despite some varieties being a bit heavy, offering a delightfully cheesy experience largely endorsed by the family.
Pizza Tuvia, Be’er Tuviya
This vibrant establishment charmed patrons with thin, crunchy pizza dough and a sweet, flavorful sauce. Despite its contrasts with Pizza Kafrit, the unique ambiance and service at Pizza Tuvia promise an authentic local vibe. Their specialty pizzas, seasoned uniquely, are highly recommended.
Pizza Regina, Gedera
Conveniently located near a gas station, Pizza Regina offers a different take. Despite potentially needing improvements on toppings, Regina is emblematic of casual Israeli eateries, demonstrating the everyday pizzeria feel found nationwide.
Esterica, Kiryat Malachi
Showcasing intricately crafted dough, Esterica offers an oft-crispy delight paired with specialty offerings whereas the day-to-day variations may require adjustment. It remains a stalwart for its familiar, high-quality offerings that regular visitors swear by.
The Bigger Picture
This culinary exploration helps highlight Israel’s rich food landscape beyond traditional dishes, steering focus on adapting universally loved foods with local twists. As dusk settled post their pizza outings, the family’s adventure emphasized family unity and modesty through appreciation of simple pleasures within their homeland.
What’s next
The conclusion drove anticipation for further outings to untapped gems like Fabrica in Rehovot, establishing a new beloved family tradition rooted in culinary discovery and cultural joy.
Thus, such familial culinary journeys reinforce cultural identity, underpinning Israel’s vibrant gastronomy while fostering togetherness and national pride—a simple yet profound celebration of the country’s abundant delicacies.
This story was first published on jpost.com.