Being a Vegetarian or Vegan in Palestine: Is it possible? If you have dietary restrictions or are a very picky eater, traveling can pose some challenges. Depending on what part of the world you travel to, finding foods that you can eat may be one of your top concerns.
However, we don’t want this to be a concern in your decision to come to Palestine. In Palestine, there are truly options for everyone. Particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan, we want to show you just how many food options are available for you when you travel to the West Bank.
Food is Central to Palestinian Culture
Food is central to Palestinian culture. Friends and family typically gather around the table for a shared meal and great conversation, and friendships grow in the presence of cups of coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets. All this to say, food is simply adored in Palestine. But note, it is absolutely possible to be vegetarian and vegan in Palestine.
There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables available and in some Palestinian homes that you visit, you will be served fresh-cut fruits and/or vegetables; sliced apples and oranges are common staples. You may also be served a blend of nuts and seeds or dried fruit when you visit with your host family or the homes of Palestinian friends that you make.
Breakfasts in Palestine Include Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Breakfasts in Palestine typically include vegetarian and vegan options including, tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, olive oil and za’atar, jam, pita bread, and tea. Falafel can also be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and these are all filling and healthy options for vegetarians and vegans traveling to Palestine.
Dishes, Vegetarians, and Vegans
Many traditional Palestinian meals include some combination of rice, meat, and/or vegetables. For these dishes, vegetarians and vegans can opt for no meat and enjoy the rice and vegetable combination.
It may be more difficult for vegans to avoid dairy and eggs, but it is not impossible. Simply ask what the ingredients are in the food that you are served and make adjustments if the dish contains animal products. Plus, pita bread is usually served with every meal, which is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly item.
Cook on Your Own
To cook on your own, you won’t have any issues finding a market that sells loads of fresh produce, legumes, rice, and grains that will fit within your dietary restrictions. Therefore, if you have concerns about dietary restrictions when coming to Palestine, you do not need to worry.
Vegetarian and vegan meal options in Palestine
We hope that in sharing some of the common vegetarian and vegan meal options in Palestine, some of your doubts were put to rest. Gluten-free people can get around rather well in Palestine as well– feel free to reach out to us at our organization if you have any questions or concerns about this.
So, to answer the question: Is it possible to be a vegetarian for a vegan in Palestine? The answer is yes. It is possible. Palestine has plenty of plant-based foods for you to enjoy.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact at Rafat@excellencenter.org
Whatsapp:+972599479880
