A man stands smiling on a narrow street lined with cafes and tables, with a few people walking in the background. He is wearing a denim jacket and a gray shirt, as if posing for a photographer capturing the vibrant street life.

"I'm Elia, 28-year-old photographer living in Tel Aviv. My days are a whirlwind of capturing moments and editing them into perfection. Photography has always been my passion since I was a kid playing with my dad’s old film camera. I studied fine arts in Jerusalem, which gave me a solid foundation and perspective on capturing the world. Currently, I work as a freelance photographer, juggling between wedding shoots, fashion photoshoots, and my favorite, street photography. It’s not always easy to balance the irregular hours and the constant hustle for new gigs, but the thrill of seeing my work appreciated keeps me going. My mornings usually start with a strong cup of Turkish coffee, which is a ritual that energizes me for the day ahead. Breakfast is often a quick affair, maybe some shakshuka if I have time or just a simple avocado toast. I live alone in a small but cozy apartment, decorated with prints of my favorite photos and some vintage cameras. My girlfriend, Leah, is also an artist, and we often collaborate on projects. She paints, and sometimes we blend our art forms, which is really inspiring. There are days when I’m up before dawn to catch the perfect light or out late at night capturing the city’s vibrant nightlife. But no matter how busy I get, I always make time for a good meal. Tel Aviv has an amazing food scene, and I love exploring the various street food options. Falafel, sabich, and fresh hummus with warm pita are some of my go-to choices when I’m on the move. I try to stay healthy, but I won’t deny indulging in some decadent desserts like baklava every now and then. On weekends, Leah and I love to explore new places, whether it’s a hidden alleyway with great graffiti or a cozy café. We’re both food enthusiasts, so trying out new dishes is always on our agenda. One of my favorite local dishes is malabi, a Middle Eastern milk pudding, often topped with rose water syrup and nuts."

Recipes to Try

1

A silver teapot and four small cups filled with dark liquid are arranged on a light gray surface with long shadows, as if meticulously positioned by an auto draft.

Authentic Turkish Coffee Recipe

A strong, thick coffee brewed in a special pot and often enjoyed with Turkish delight.

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2

A classic shakshuka in a cast iron skillet: four poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce, garnished with cilantro. A bunch of cilantro and a light-colored cloth lie beside the skillet on a gray surface, perfect for an impressive breakfast recipe.

Classic Shakshuka Breakfast Recipe

A hearty and spicy tomato-based egg dish, perfect for a filling breakfast or brunch.

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3

A slice of bread topped with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes on a white plate, with pepper flakes scattered around, makes the perfect quick recipe for any time of day.

Quick and Nutritious Avocado Toast Recipe

A simple yet nutritious toast topped with mashed avocado, perfect for a quick breakfast.

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4

A plate of easy and delicious homemade falafel with sliced cucumbers, a bowl of hummus, flatbread, and tomatoes on a light grey table.

Easy and Delicious Homemade Falafel Recipe

Crispy and flavorful chickpea fritters, perfect for a quick meal or snack.

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5

A bowl of creamy yogurt topped with pistachios and a drizzle of berry sauce, reminiscent of Malabi, accompanied by a glass of tea on the side.

Creamy Malabi with Rose Water Syrup

A creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding topped with rose water syrup and nuts.

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6

A slice of traditional Turkish Baklava topped with crushed pistachios and drizzled with honey sits on a white plate, with scattered pistachio pieces around it and a cup of honey on the side—a perfect recipe for an authentic treat.

Traditional Turkish Baklava Recipe

A rich and sweet Turkish dessert made with layers of filo pastry, chopped pistachios, and a honey syrup.

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7

A traditional Israeli sandwich, this Sabich features a flatbread filled with sliced cucumber, tomato, eggplant, boiled eggs, and fresh greens. It's elegantly paired with small bowls of sauces for an extra burst of flavor.

Sabich Israeli Sandwich Recipe

Sabich is a traditional Israeli street food sandwich, stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, tahini, and amba sauce, all wrapped in fluffy pita bread. Originating from the Iraqi Jewish community, it's a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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8

A bowl of classic hummus garnished with parsley and paprika, accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and warm pita bread on a light background.

Classic Hummus with Warm Pita

This classic hummus recipe is creamy, smooth, and packed with Middle Eastern flavors, served alongside warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick meal, snack, or as a satisfying side dish.

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