No longer does it have to be hard to find a good butcher in Tel Aviv. We asked our community where they thought the best places were to find great meat in Tel Aviv. Click here to check out how the voting went.
“I’ve got a Shuk guy who hooks me up”. A walk around the Shuk will reveal tens of different butchers, especially on Yom Tov street.
Over the past 100 years, the B’Shara meat shops have been known for their fresh, high-quality meat. Over the years, the chain has gained expertise in veal, lamb and chicken.
A nice, clean butcher shop that sells a wide range of the best meats. Their hamburgers, kebabs made right there, and delicious, juicy entrecote will make your mouth water.
Tel Aviv boasts an incredible food scene. But strict kosher laws make finding bacon and other pork products a challenge in this largely Jewish city As a bacon enthusiast visiting Tel Aviv, you may feel stymied trying to get your fix of sizzling strips
But don’t despair – with insider knowledge, you can track down top-quality artisanal bacon and pork specialties from dedicated Tel Aviv purveyors. Here’s how to source sublime swine delicacies during your visit.
Overcoming Kosher Restrictions in Israel
First. let’s cover the kosher conundrum you’re up against when bacon hunting in Israel
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Jewish dietary laws prohibit pork consumption, so it’s uncommon and availability is limited.
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The Pork Law bans pig farming and slaughter nationwide.
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The Meat Law prohibits importing non-kosher meat into Israel.
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Most restaurants and shops cater to kosher and halal diners, avoiding pork.
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Secular and Christian areas have more pork access than religious neighborhoods.
So purchasing bacon means seeking out specialty vendors in more secular parts of Tel Aviv, not your average supermarket.
Top Spots to Buy Bacon in Tel Aviv
While Tracking down top-tier pork can take some sleuthing, these are the best places in Tel Aviv to find mouthwatering bacon and other porcine products:
Shuk HaCarmel
This bustling marketplace features over a dozen pork butchers interspersed around the main building. Peruse the stalls and shops for excellent deals on artisanal bacon, ham, sausages, pork belly and more. For an authentic local shopping experience, Shuk HaCarmel can’t be beat.
Marinado
With prime locations in Sarona Market and Kikar HaMedina, Marinado sources ultra-fresh premium pork products for their butcher case. Their stellar bacon hails from the lush pastures of the Golan Heights. The knowledgeable staff provides first-rate service.
B’Shara
Operating since the early 1900s, the B’Shara family meat markets have perfected the art of pork butchery. Their location on Eilat Street in Jaffa offers stellar bacon varieties alongside other pork cuts.
Abu Hilweh
This small shop established in Jaffa’s Ajami Market in 1961 churns out sensational breakfast meats like bacon, pastrami, and corned beef alongside their famed kebabs and other specialties. The quality can’t be beat.
Le Boucher
Located in Sarona Market, this kosher butcher shop also maintains a hidden pork section. Peruse their freezers for an array of imported pre-packaged bacon options from Israel and abroad.
Mercato
At Mercato in Basel Square, browse the deli case and freezer for imported Italian and Spanish pork products. Alongside bacon, they offer artisanal salumi, sausages, pâtés, and more to delight pork aficionados.
La Boucherie Française
With a focus on the finest French meat cuts, this upscale butcher shop on Ben Yehuda Street cures and smokes sensational bacon in-house in classic French tradition for top-notch flavor.
Wine & More
At this wine shop on Carlebach Street in the Nahalat Binyamin neighborhood, check the refrigerators for vacuum-sealed pork belly, bacon, and other premium imported pork products.
Tips for Purchasing Bacon in Israel
When shopping for pork in Israel, keep these tips in mind:
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Inspect packaging closely for mentions of pork or pig images since not all labels are in English.
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Opt for vacuum-sealed packages with clear labeling to minimize language issues.
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Seek out pre-sliced bacon to avoid cross-contamination at deli counters.
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Pick products cured or smoked simply; avoid complex spices, beer, etc.
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Request vendors explain ingredients, curing methods, etc. if you have any concerns.
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Cook bacon thoroughly if worried about contamination risks.
Local Alternatives to Pork Bacon
If you can’t source traditional pork bacon in Tel Aviv, consider these tasty local beef and poultry “bacon” substitutes:
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Parveh bacon – Vegetable protein mimics bacon’s flavor and crunch.
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Beef salami – Salty cured beef salami provides smoky, fatty bacon essence.
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Turkey or chicken bacon – Godshall’s and other brands make turkey and chicken versions.
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Grilled turkey – Get smoky notes by grilling turkey breast with spices.
Where to Find Kosher Butchers in Tel Aviv
In addition to specialty pork purveyors, Tel Aviv has great kosher butchers for all your beef, lamb, poultry needs:
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Super Bareket – Several clean branches across the city
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Mega – Select locations like Dizengoff Centre
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Shufersol Sheli – Most branches have kosher butchers
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Tiv Ta’am – Most locations have butchers
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Ibn Gvirol Super Yuda – Well-stocked kosher butcher departments
Enjoy Guilt-Free Bacon Bites in Tel Aviv
In this kosher-focused city, Tel Aviv still manages to deliver small pleasures like incredible beef, salads, hummus and more. And for pork devotees, with the right intel you can now add sublime bacon to the list.
By frequenting dedicated specialists who expertly procure and prepare choice pork, you can enjoy a touch of bacon’s smoky salty magic amid the sights and flavors of Tel Aviv. Just be prepared to pay a bit extra for these artisanal goodies rarely found in Israel.
So don’t deny your bacon urges on your Israeli travels. With the insider tips above, fulfill your cravings for pork perfection and make the most of Tel Aviv’s treasured food experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Bacon in Tel Aviv
Here are quick answers to some common questions about sourcing bacon in Tel Aviv:
What are the best places to buy bacon in Tel Aviv?
Top spots include Shuk HaCarmel, Marinado, B’Shara, Abu Hilweh, Le Boucher, Mercato, La Boucherie Française, and Wine & More.
Where can I find kosher butchers in Tel Aviv?
Good options are Super Bareket, Mega, Shufersol Sheli, Tiv Ta’am, and Ibn Gvirol Super Yuda.
Why is bacon hard to find in Israel?
Kosher laws prohibit pork. The Pork Law bans pig farming and the Meat Law prohibits non-kosher meat imports. Most restaurants and shops cater to kosher/halal diners.
Are there any bacon alternatives in Tel Aviv?
You can find “beef” bacon made from cows or turkey/chicken bacon to approximate the taste. Grilled spiced turkey also mimics smoky bacon notes.
What should I look for when buying bacon in Israel?
Inspect labeling for pork indications, look for vacuum sealing, opt for pre-sliced, and pick simply cured/smoked products.
Can I bring bacon back after visiting Tel Aviv?
Yes, just pack carefully in checked luggage. Keep refrigerated or freeze and transport in a cooler bag. Declare at customs on arrival back home.
Is the bacon I find in Tel Aviv expensive?
It carries a bit of a premium given the special sourcing required, but supporting these dedicated purveyors is worth the splurge!
Other great butchers in Tel Aviv:
- There are several Super Bareket locations in Tel Aviv, and all of them have clean butchers.
- Mega: The Dizengoff Center is one of the stores that has a butcher with kosher meat.
- Shufresol: Most Shufresol Sheli stores have kosher butcherists.
- Tiv Tam – Most Tiv Tams have a butcher.
- Super Baba or Super Yuda: Some have butchers, like Ibn Gvirol.