Galilee: Cooking workshop with Druze family & lunch

Summary

Hands-on Galilee cooking with Druze hosts in their own kitchen

You’ll cook side by side with a Druze family in their Galilee home, learning to roll grape leaves and prepare several traditional dishes before sharing a homemade lunch together. Expect laughter over language mix-ups, real stories about village life, and flavors you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s hands were already dusted with flour when we walked in — I think it was the grandmother, but she just grinned and waved us over like we’d been there before. The kitchen smelled like mint and something warm, maybe cumin? Our guide, Yara, introduced everyone (I forgot half the names right away) and then started telling us about Druze beliefs. I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about the Druze before this day trip in the Galilee. There was a lot of laughter as we tried to pronounce some words; Li laughed when I tried to say “yabrak” — probably butchered it.

We got right into rolling grape leaves. It’s trickier than you’d think — my first one looked more like a tiny pillow than anything you’d serve at lunch. The filling was sticky and fragrant, and my fingers kept slipping on the leaves. Yara showed me again, slower this time, and her mother-in-law patted my arm like I’d done okay anyway. There were four or five dishes going at once: bowls everywhere, someone chopping herbs so fast it sounded like rain on the cutting board. The windows were open and you could hear kids shouting outside, plus that faint smell of woodsmoke from somewhere down the street.

Sitting down to eat together felt almost too casual for how much work went into it — plates piled up with what we’d made ourselves (well, mostly ourselves). Someone poured tea that tasted sweet and herbal; I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m back home. We talked about village life in Israel, how recipes get passed down — there was a quiet moment where nobody said anything for a bit, just eating and nodding at each other. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Galilean Druze Cooking Workshop

• Meet Druze family and cultural introduction
• Hands-on cooking session
• Enjoy the meal prepared together

Top questions

Is this Galilee cooking workshop suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you mention it when booking.

How many people can join the Galilee cooking workshop?

The workshop is for 2–4 participants per booking.

Does the day trip include lunch?

Yes, after cooking you'll share a full meal of what you've prepared together.

Is the kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation are wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the cooking class?

A local Druze family hosts you in their own home with guidance from your local guide.

What dishes will we cook during the workshop?

You’ll learn to make rolled grape leaves plus 3–4 other traditional dishes.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized seats are available.

What’s included

Your experience includes hands-on cooking instruction from a local Druze family in their Galilee home, guidance from your local host throughout, all ingredients provided for multiple traditional dishes, and a shared homemade lunch at the end of your session.