Not long ago the most common food outlet seen on Tel-Aviv streets was the falafel or shawama take-away stand. But today you're more likely to find sidewalk cafes and classy bistro-like cafes serving light meals and coffee.

The classic Middle Eastern falafel or shawama joint is still prominent in Tel-Aviv and they often stay open late offering night owls great humus, pita bread and fresh salads with the Middle Eastern falafel balls and shawama (gyro).

Tel-Aviv's range of cuisines comes from the many immigrants who have made the city their home. There are the Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures which have brought Tel-Aviv spicy Yemini soups, malauach and hawayej; Moroccan couscous, lamb and Tajine prepared in the traditional Berber dish and delicious Persian rice and kebabs. From the Far-East you'll find quality sushi, Thai and Chinese food although of these the Japanese kitchen is the most prominent. You can also find Indian restaurants and restaurant serving traditional Ethiopian food introduced to Israel by Ethiopian immigrants.

Those who prefer European style food can find sophisticated French restaurants, hearty Western dishes like roasted meat, potatoes and cooked vegetables as well as traditional European Jewish dishes. Of course American fast food is well represented in Tel-Aviv and you can't go far without seeing a MacDonald's, Burger King or Pizza Hut sign.

One unique side of dining in Tel-Aviv is that you'll come across Kosher and non-kosher restaurants. This means that some restaurant will serve only meat or only milk based dishes, and kosher restaurant are not open on Friday nights or Saturdays.