Pairing Shakshuka correctly — a note on arak

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Shakshuka. I ordered it with arak and the sesame-rich and nutty elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. pomegranate seeds in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Israeli cuisine is shaped by Jewish diaspora traditions from across the world fused with local Levantine ingredients. The a Tel Aviv hummusiya is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Shakshuka with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.