Druze Lunch and Hospitality Experience

The Druze are a fascinating ethnic group that evolved from Islam about 1000 years ago. Viewed as infidels by the Muslims, they were persecuted and settled in remote mountainous regions in the Levant. Today, about 140,00 Druze live in northern Israel, while most of them live in Lebanon and Syria. The Druze in Israel are very loyal to the country, and all its men serve in the army.

The Druze are also known for their hospitality and culinary repertoire, which, like the Arab kitchen, is based on local and seasonal ingredients.  Starters include a special extra thin pita bread, a wide variety of fresh salads, rice with lintels (Mujadra), bulgur patties stuffed with meat (Kubbeh), stuffed cabbage and grape leaves, and more. The main courses include a big pot of rice, vegetables, and meat (Makluba), barbecued lamb, or extra fresh kebab. And make sure to leave space for some desserts! Baqlawa, Fatayer (stuffed pastry), and knife are some of the Druze sweet ways to end a great meal with black coffee or herbal tea.

While there are numerous Druze restaurants, some Druze offers an authentic meal experience in their own homes. We especially recommend a lunch Druze experience in Naseeba’s home, in Buq’ata. The meal is followed by a welcoming chat about the Druze and her remarkable family story.