When it comes to organic and environmentally conscious dining, Tel Aviv definitely has a reputation for getting with the program. The white city (which is currently celebrating its 100th year) already has a vegan burger joint, organic hummus, organic falafel, organic coffee shops, and an environmentally friendly food festival.
We realize that dining out has its negative environmental effects, but for those moderate environmentalists out there – or for non-environmentalists who want better tasting food and a little bit of a cleaner conscience – its good that these places are sprouting up. A moderate alternative is better than no alternative at all.
Joining the list of eco-healthy eating in Tel Aviv is Noi Positive Food near Rabin Square. Located on tree lined, beautiful Sderot Chen (Chen Boulevard), Noi offers a relaxed atmosphere for busy Tel Aviv urbanites to slow down, enjoy some slow food, and take advantage of the shade.
While the menu is not completely vegetarian, there are lots of veggie options and the meat items are free range. Eggs are also free range and organic, and whipped up into delicious sounding herb omelettes and Balkan cheese shakshukas. Noi’s ingredients are preservative-free, and they also insist on slow, light cooking which is healthier for eaters and healthier for the environment.
Unique items on the menu include kohlrabi and pecorino cheese frittata, sabich kisch, and for dessert, a sugarless halva flan. They also make their own whole wheat fettucini.
With any luck, we can get the Pope to enjoy some of Tel Aviv’s organic food offerings next week in addition to fixing the pollution in the Jordan River.
Noi Positive Food, 59 Sderot Chen, Tel Aviv (03-5240642) (Check out Noi’s website for a free coupon.)
Hungry now and can’t wait to go out? Whip up something at home with one of our Green Prophet recipes::
Classic Middle Eastern Cooking: Kibbeh Recipe
Pickling 101 – Vinegared Cucumber Salad Recipe
Making the Season Last: Tomato Confit Recipe
Vegetarian-Friendly Protein: Quinoa Salad Recipe
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
