Fawda Restaurant, Bethlehem: Modern Palestinian cuisine by Fadi Kattan

Birthplace of Jesus, or The Church of the Nativity, is one of the World Heritage Sites located in Bethlehem in Palestine which is a popular destination for tourists except for Israelis: Bethlehem is categorized as Area A in The West Bank in Palestine, where Israelis are prohibited from visiting.

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Since I was just one of the group of 6 non-Israeli gay men, visiting Bethlehem from West Jerusalem in Israel came about without an issue. None of us was beheaded or came close to a dangerous situation because of our sexual identity like I heard on the news. I assume we were blessed. Maybe my Japanese syncretism was accepted. Or we were just being successfully discreet.

The store sign of Fawda Restaurant.

Inside Fawda Restaurant.

Good minutes of Fawda (Israeli TV drama about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)-like drive took us to Fawda Restaurant known for its modern take on Palestinian cuisine with local ingredients orchestrated by Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan. An English-speaking waiter at Fawda Restaurant welcomed us. Handwritten English words on a blackboard explained items of the course menu (210 NIS: New Israeli Shekel / $58) we booked.

Taybeh beer by Taybeh Brewing Company in the West Bank (left) and Sabat Arak made in Bethlehem (right).

A bottle of Taybeh beer (left) and Sabat Arak (right).

Amuse-bouche: olives, bread with za’atar, bruschetta, bread with a sumac-flecked fried egg.

“Cauliflower foam”.

“Freekeh + Peas”.

“Slow cooked lamb”. “Potatoes Palestinian herbs”.

“Strawberry Knafe”.

The food at Fawda Restaurant tasted genuine and comfortably homespun. It was like being invited to a home dinner party whose host can cook so well that guests are willing to pay. So yes, it was worth it. That night, I gave up my idea for pan-asian huevos rancheros with matzah for the coming gay Passover brunch.