Be'er Sheva, also known as Beersheba, is a city located in the Southern District of Israel. As of 2021, the city has a population of approximately 220,000 people. Be'er Sheva is the administrative center of the Negev desert region and is the largest city in the area.
The food in Be'er Sheva reflects the city's diverse population and rich history. Be'er Sheva's cuisine has been influenced by Bedouin culture and the Jewish immigrants who settled in the area. The city is famous for its delicious street food, which includes shawarma, falafel, hummus, and sabich.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from marinated meat that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. It is typically served in a pita bread wrap with tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles. The meat used for shawarma can be chicken, beef, or lamb, and it is seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika.
Falafel is another popular street food in Be'er Sheva. It is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas and spices such as cumin, coriander, and garlic. It is typically served in a pita bread wrap with hummus, tahini sauce, and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles.
Hummus is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is a popular dish in Be'er Sheva. It is made from cooked chickpeas that are blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It is typically served as a dip with pita bread or as a side dish with falafel.
Sabich is another popular street food in Be'er Sheva. It is a sandwich made from pita bread filled with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini sauce, amba sauce (a pickled mango condiment), and vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers.
In addition to street food, Be'er Sheva also has a range of traditional Israeli and Mediterranean restaurants. These restaurants serve dishes such as shakshuka, a dish made from eggs cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. Another popular dish is schnitzel, a breaded and fried chicken or veal cutlet.
Drinks in Be'er Sheva are similar to those found in other parts of Israel. Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta are widely available. Coffee is also popular, and there are many cafes throughout the city that serve espresso, cappuccino, and other coffee drinks. Tea is also a popular beverage, and it is typically served with mint and sugar.
The people of Be'er Sheva lead busy lives, with many working in the technology industry or in agriculture. The city is known for its high-tech park, which is home to many startups and multinational companies. The city also has a large university, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, which attracts students from all over the world.
Due to the busy lifestyles of the people of Be'er Sheva, meal times are typically spread out throughout the day. Breakfast is often a light meal, with many people grabbing a coffee and a pastry from a local bakery. Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, and it is often eaten in a hurry during a work break. Dinner is typically a more leisurely affair and is often eaten at home with family.