A Guide to Being Vegetarian or Vegan in Palestine: Although western countries consume the most meat globally, they also bring the most vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, vegetarianism is a relatively unknown phenomenon in Arab countries, and the story is no different for Palestine.

A Guide to Being Vegetarian or Vegan in Palestine 
Fun Facts About Palestinian Arabic Dialect

We put meat in everything,’ multiple Palestinians jokingly said when I told them I am vegetarian. But don’t fret; you can easily find your way as a vegetarian or vegan. Here is some guidance for being a vegetarian or vegan in Palestine. 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Food is central to Palestinian culture. Family and friends gather around the table for shared meals. Bonds are sealed over coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets. But in contrast to what those multiple Palestinians told me, not nearly everything people eat contains meat. Palestine is a very fertile land with many trees, so there is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables available.

Figs, pomegranates, lemons, watermelon, oranges, you name it. You will likely be served many kinds of fruits and nuts in the Palestinian homes you visit. In addition, you can buy fresh juices and barbecued corn cob on the go on the streets. Nuts and dried fruit are prevalent, and you can buy all kinds and flavors in colorful shops. And don’t forget olives! 

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Breakfast in Palestine is effortless for a vegetarian. A typical breakfast includes pita bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, baba through, olive oil and za’atar, yogurt, and halva. For lunch, falafel is a favorite among the vegetarians here.

Many shops sell falafel in Hebron, and since all of them are different, you must try many. You will not be bored easily since you can choose multiple kinds of bread and all kinds of salads and sauces. As an alternative, you can find savory pastries, such as bread filled with cheese, in local bakeries. 

DINNER

Admittedly, dinner can be a bit more challenging. A few of the most famous Palestinian dishes, such as maqluba and qidreh, are a mix of rice, vegetables, and meat. However, if your host family plans to make such a dish, you can ask them to make a separate portion without beef. Other words, such as mujaddara, stuffed vine leaves, and shakshouka, are vegetarian or vegan. Although some of them will mainly serve meat, many restaurants serve all kinds of appetizers that can quickly fill you up to not needing a main dish anymore.

Think of corn salad, hummus with sumac, Turkish salad, caramelized carrots, and sweet eggplant. In general, Palestinians eat lots of salads, and you can quickly eat them as your main course. Next, try Tabbouleh, Fattoush, and Tahini salad; I promise you will be over the moon. If you do not feel like sitting in a restaurant, you can always take home some falafel. 

VEGAN

The most important thing is to inform your host family of your dietary wishes. Then accommodating a vegetarian will probably not be a problem.

It is a fun and valuable exchange if your host family struggles with your nutritional desires. If you are cooking on your own, making something vegetarian or vegan will be straightforward. 

ENJOY PALESTINE AS A VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN

Although being a vegetarian or vegan in Palestine can be somewhat more challenging than eating meat, it is not a reason to prevent you from coming to Palestine. Palestine is rich in fruits and vegetables, and even though the people may not realize this, Palestinian cuisine is very vegan and vegetarian friendly.

In addition, Palestinian cuisine has a lot of delicious plant-based dishes. So, whether you eat with your host family, in a restaurant, or cook for yourself, there will always be a way to make sure you can eat and enjoy yourself. 

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