Israeli chef makes kosher food like an artist in the heart of Debrecen

The first kosher restaurant in Debrecen opened its doors to gastronomy enthusiasts a few days ago. In connection with the event, we spoke with the restaurant operator and chef about the flavors and goals.

Kosher at its best

There are certain ground rules for a kosher meal: The local rabbi, in this case Rabbi Feigen, serves the kosher seal, and the kosher inspector lights the fire, as these dishes made of kosher slaughtered meat must be cooked. On a religious Jewish fire – spotlight on Daniel Prezler, who is in charge of running the restaurant. He added that the fact that something is kosher has nothing to do with Israeli or Hungarian Jewish cuisine. You can make brine soup, matzo ball soup, or Israeli salad in both kosher and non-kosher versions.

Why is it important to have such supply units in our city? – After Budapest, here there is the second largest Jewish community in the country, as well as hundreds of Israeli students studying at the University of Debrecen, and the city’s airport has direct flights to, for example, Tel Aviv or London. In addition, there are many large pilgrimage sites nearby, so a relatively large number of religious tourists can come to them, he noted.

Good eating, being together

As he explained, the goal of EMIH, founder of the Debrecen Jewish Home, which includes the Hamsza restaurant, is to re-education, Jewish community and religious life. The fact that Judaism and kosher food can be considered a basis should be available to anyone. – In Debrecen we can create a private restaurant if we bring something new. Most of the spices come from Israel, there are many lamb and beef dishes on the menu, and an Israeli chef takes an interest in authentic oriental flavours.

In addition to welcoming the local community and those involved in religious tourism, the restaurant aims to integrate Judaism as much as possible into the lives of the residents of Debrecen. Israel also works in such a way that everyone gets along perfectly, and that is the goal here as well. Eating healthy and being together can build community everywhere – Daniel Prezler concluded.