ita

I would like to bring a typical Israeli treat home for gifts. Any suggestions?

KatPen

Halva - a sweet based on sesame. You can buy it in different-sized packages easy for travelling. Th main flavour is vanilla, but yo can also get chocolate. In the markets you can buy it by weight, but for travelling I recommend pre-packaged from any supermarket, grocery store and airport.

Gardyloo

If you get up north, Kibbutz Shamir (on the Golan side of the lake) produces incredible honey. It's probably available elsewhere. Actually, several of the kibbutzim in the Galilee produce some outstanding artisan food products, not to mention, of course, some delicious wines. Transporting wine on planes always is problematic, of course.

sandi

Whatever you find and would like to bring home, be sure any food item isn't on your country's "cannnot bring in" list - such as fruit! Those little beagles at Baggage Claim will sniff out anything that isn't allowed and you'll have to give it up.

Processed and packaged items are best, rather than loose! So verify before leaving home!

ita

thank you, halva sounds like a good idea-as long as it says "made in Israel" in Hebrew. The suggestion of honey was interesting. I was thinking of taking Manitoba honey with me as gifts. I guess honey is out.

mbgg

Most packaged Israeli foods (including halva) are available at any North American supermarket that sells kosher food. How about boutique wines? You can also find home-made products (jams, olives, spices, etc)in places like Rosh Pinna and Zikhron Yaakov or at the various food fairs in big cities.