Highlight of our vacation in Israel - Our reaction to the cooking workshop with a Druze couple echoes that of other reviewers. We were graciously and warmly welcomed and began with a discussion of Druze culture and religion. Next we donned aprons and set about preparing a multi-course dinner. We were two couples and needed to avoid various ingredients (including sesame and garlic) due to food intolerances. Our hosts did a fabulous job accommodating our requirements—better and more cheerfully than most restaurants. We’re looking forward to receiving the recipes so that we can prepare these dishes for friends back in the U.S. Both the food and the cultural exchange were highlights of our Israel vacation. The views from our hosts’ home were to die for.

A truly special and memorable experience—and my favorite meal in Israel! - I cannot recommend GalilEat strongly enough! Our guide, the excellent Baruch of Touring With Baruch, suggested that we do an Arabic cooking class while on our trip. To be honest, I’m not sure I would have gone for this if not for the fact that my mom, who was on this trip to Israel, did something similar when she visited India and said it was a fabulous experience. I really value eating well when I travel, and I love visiting restaurants. So to do this home cooking class meant not going to a restaurant one night. Well thank goodness we did this home cooking class! Because, as it turns out, it was my favorite meal in Israel. More importantly, it was a beautiful experience of the profound joy that is making new friends in other countries, and a reminder that language barriers and geographical distance are no match against everyone’s common humanity. How it worked: Baruch drove us to the home we were visiting, which was the home of a lovely woman named Pnina. There, we also met up with Paul, who owns and runs GalilEat. When we arrived, we visited in Pnina’s living room and asked her questions about her life in Israel and her Druze faith. Paul functioned as the translator. My family and I knew nothing about the Druze, and it was utterly fascinating to learn about their long-ago break from the Muslim faith, their history across time, and their lives in modern-day Israel. Pnina happily fielded or questions, answering all of them, and Paul was the ever-ready middleman, making the conversation feel natural and seamless. Pnina also asked some questions about us, which we were just as happy to answer. Eventually, we moved into Pnina’s kitchen, quite literally rolled up our sleeves, and got cooking! In advance of our arrival, she made the more labor-intensive and time-consuming dishes of our dinner. We helped her with a salad, an appetizer, and this crazy delicious bread that I’m still thinking about. At some point prior to our trip, I mentioned to Baruch that I’d recently been introduced to the wondrous dessert that is knafeh. He asked Paul if we might be able to make knafeh, and Pnina very graciously granted this request! I was blown away by everyone’s kindness and flexibility, as it was so much fun to make fresh knafeh (and oh my goodness was it good). In time, dinner was ready, and all of us—Pnina, Paul, Baruch, my six family members, and I—gathered in Pnina’s dining room and broke bread together. It was so special to share in a meal with strangers-turned-friends. We had lively conversation, and Paul always took care to translate to Pnina so she could remain just as engaged as the rest of us. And, as I said, the food was phenomenal. All in all, this was way better than a restaurant! It was a way more personal experience than any restaurant, no matter how great their food, could have ever offered. I will never travel overseas again without scheduling a similar home cooking experience whenever possible. It’s such a unique and fun way to learn about a country, its people, its culture. It’s a truly immersive experience, and one that comes with the bonus of incredible food. I enthusiastically recommend an evening with GalilEats—it’ll be among your most memorable experiences on your trip to Israel.

Wonderful cooking class / experience - Wonderful authentic experience learning to cook traditional food at a locals home. Defiantly worth the visit! Food was fabulous and experience was not to be forgotten

Learning about cooking, culture and history from a Druze family - A spectacular experience. My wife and I spent an evening with a Druze couple, learning about both culture and cuisine in their house. The only thing more amazing than the delicious food was the experience of connecting with them, with Paul as our guide. It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to the Middle East.

Amazing Druze workshop and mea! - The most amazing experience ever!! Pnina is the kindest, and most wonderful host and chef. She taught us to create delicious Druze dishes, which we were able to enjoy at her table. Paul was great at translating and explaining what we would be doing at the workshop and the background of Druze culture and cuisine. Thank you for letting us experience and enjoy this workshop and meal. It was the highlight of our tour and we encourage all visitors to book this workshop. Thank you, Paul and Pnina, for sharing these recipes with us.

Druze cooking workshop - I would give MORE stars if I could! Our group of 12 enjoyed every minute at the Druze house. We learned lots, we cooked, ate, and laughed. I highly recommend this workshop!!! :-)

Unforgettable, delicious fun in the Galil - Our group of three adults spent an incredible afternoon getting to know Miad, learning not just about Druze history but something about what it is really like (at least for one person) to be Druze in Israel today, and preparing and eating the most delicious food. I look forward to preparing the recipes again in the future (after we're done eating the leftovers), and to telling all my friends to try one of these fantastic cooking workshops.

Turkish Coffee + Forever Memories - This is experience -- where to begin. The highlight of our trip. For the whole family, my son too. We learned about the culture in the most poignant, personal way. One of those moments I'll never ever forget. Our host is a person I will treasure forever.

Great culinary experience! - Such a wonderful experience! Our host was warm and welcoming. Paul was so nice and made the booking quick and easy. We walked away with delicious food, great recipes, and a better understanding of Druze culture! Also, the cooking experience was almost done mainly outside and our host was very mindful of distancing. It was very covid-friendly.

I loved learning a lot an cooking a lot and eating the result! - We went with a group of almost 40 to visit a Druize home. The family was wonderful, explaining their history and culture. Then we separated into two groups. One made stuffed grape leaves, and the other made pita topped with either z'attar or veggies. I was permitted to cook the pita - and it was an excellent way to go! And then, the feast. I 110% recommend this!