Introduction

On one of my annual jaunts back to the Galilee, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Paul Nirens. He is a culinary tour operator whose business, Galileat, epitomises the region’s custom of sharing food, a fundamental part of Middle Eastern hospitality which brings friendship, confidences and a common ground. Galileat’s culinary adventures involve visitors being welcomed into the homes of Druze, Muslim and Christian hosts, to learn how to cook their traditional dishes.

I have two passions in life, food and Israel, so when this opportunity landed on my plate, the temptation was too enticing to resist. Ben, my youngest son, and I were driven through the Arab village of Arrabeh to the home of Nawal Um Salech, a Muslim woman who welcomed us into her home to cook and eat the traditional food she makes for her family. This was my first taste of the Galilean kitchen, which was followed by visits to the homes of several other cooks.