Druze Hospitality And Cooking Experience In Druze Villages

DRUZE HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN ISRAELI DRUZE VILLAGES

The Druze hospitality experience and cooking workshop offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Druze community's rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality across the Druze villages in Israel. 

This interactive cultural experience takes place in the heart of Druze villages, where guests are welcomed into family homes and invited to learn firsthand the art of preparing authentic Druze dishes. From kneading the dough, barbecued lamb, thin Pita bread, fresh salads, making bulgur patties stuffed with meat(Kubbeh), stuffed cabbage, and grape leaves for kibbeh to layering the flavors of Makluba, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate culinary practices that have been passed down through generations. 

Beyond the cooking, the workshop also contains the core values of Druze hospitality, as guests engage in lively conversations with their hosts, sharing stories and insights into the history, traditions, and community's way of life. This immersive experience not only tantalizes the taste buds but also enables a genuine cultural interaction, allowing visitors to connect with the Druze people and their centuries-old traditions.

For tourists traveling alone or with a tour guide in Galilee or the Golan Heights there are many Druze restaurants to dine in. Still, Druze hosts offer an authentic and original cooking and lunch experience in their homes. 

Who are the Druze?

The Druze are an ethnoreligious minority group found primarily in the Levant region, including Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. In Israel, the Druze community numbers around 145,000 people and is recognized as a distinct ethnic and religious group, the community is scattered in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Carmel, more isolated regions since the Druze were prosecuted, and therefore they chose a more remote location to settle. 

The Druze faith is a monotheistic religion that appeared in the 11th century, blending elements of Islam, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other philosophical and religious traditions. The Druze in Israel are known for their strong sense of community, loyalty to the state, and unique cultural traditions, including distinctive cuisine, music, and traditional dress. Despite being a minority, the Druze have played a significant role in Israeli society, serving in the military and government, and contributing to the country's social, economic, and political fabric.

Druze Hospitality and Cooking Experience Locations

1. Maghar - Upper Galilee 

Maghar is a town in northern Israel that serves as a prominent center of Druze culture and identity, with a majority Druze population deeply rooted in the community's religious traditions, military service, and integration into Israeli society. Pnina is one of the hosts who has a very interesting story, she is a Druze religious woman born and raised in Maghar and lost her husband at a very young age, remaining alone and raising 3 small children, she learned cooking the traditional Druze food with her mother and grandmother. Today Pnina hosts people daily in her house and shares family recipes and stories about the Druze culture.

2. Daliat El-Carmel 

Daliat el-Carmel is a town in northern Israel, situated on the slopes of the Carmel mountain range. It is home to a significant Druze population, being one of the largest and most prominent Druze communities in Israel. Amira and her husband Wagi are secular Druze, very active in the Druze community, and bond Israelis and Druze via cooking experiences. Amira and Wagi host Israelis and tourists almost every day in their houses and prepare delicious traditional foods.

3.Bukata Golan Heights 

Bukata is a Druze village in the Golan Heights that serves as an important cultural center for the region's Druze community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the group's traditional hospitality, cuisine, and way of life. Set amidst the scenic landscapes of the Golan, Bukata's residents have maintained their distinct Druze identity, with the village's architecture, religious practices, and community ties reflecting the group's centuries-old heritage. 

The fascinating character you can meet in Bukta'a is Nasiba. When she was 17, she asked her father to buy her a computer. He agreed on the condition that she first learn how to use a computer. She found that there is a computer class in Bokata. She graduated and got her PC. There, she met Ahmed,13 years older than her, and he began to court her. Although he is religious and she is secular, love blossomed, and they had 3 children. After financial problems, she worked at her father's factory and managed 100 employees. A few years later, Nasiba was banned since she got a driver's license, contrary to the Druze tradition, and started a new path. 

Nasiba and Ahmed bought orchards to grow apples and cherries, and they grew stunning orchards, but customers were missing. She used to stop buses of tourists and invite them to her plantations, met tour guides, and her business grew. At first, Nasiba hosted those who came for tea, coffee, and Druze pita. Later on, she fell in love with hospitality and cooking...nowadays Nasiba is the number one host in the Golan Heights.

Other Locations for good Druze hospitality

1.Deir Hana

2. Hurfeish

3.Arrabeh

4.Kaukab

5.Yarka

 BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE GOLAN HEIGHTS AND BLEND A UNIQUE DRUZE LUNCH AND HOSPITALITY!