Qandeel
5
About
Together, we immerse ourselves in Bethlehem as a living city by taking a culinary journey that includes shopping in our hundreds year-old souq, learning about local ingredients and spices, collectively preparing a traditional dish, and most importantly, sharing a meal as a community. Our visitors walk away having lingered in the true heart of Palestine…its people and cuisine!
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More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
8 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Beth319
Marina, CA4 contributions
Mar 2022
We absolutely loved our time with Irene and her family. She has a lovely location near the Bethlehem market. We explored the market, toured an olive press museum and then spent the rest of our time cooking a delicious meal.
We loved our experience with Irene because it was as if we were in her home (we almost were, they live behind the home you cook in). We cooked alongside her mother, who told us stories of her childhood growing up there. We met her her husband who owns a bakery in town. The food was fantastic, but the personal interaction was even better.
Irene is incredibly welcoming and she has created a gem of business. I can't recommend her class enough! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon.
We loved our experience with Irene because it was as if we were in her home (we almost were, they live behind the home you cook in). We cooked alongside her mother, who told us stories of her childhood growing up there. We met her her husband who owns a bakery in town. The food was fantastic, but the personal interaction was even better.
Irene is incredibly welcoming and she has created a gem of business. I can't recommend her class enough! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon.
Written 31 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniela Rivera Antara
2 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I was very lucky to be able to spend one day with Irene in her cooking academy. She is a very wonderful woman, very friendly and very loving. Her culinary experience was wonderful, starting with the market and then going straight into cooking. I was able to meet her family and her two daughters are the most bubbly and bright girls ever.
Irene is passionate about sharing Palestinian food. She believes that through the love she puts into her cooking, she can show her culture and reach people through sharing and hospitality.
I really recommend this experience in the heart of Bethlehem. It is very unique.
Irene is passionate about sharing Palestinian food. She believes that through the love she puts into her cooking, she can show her culture and reach people through sharing and hospitality.
I really recommend this experience in the heart of Bethlehem. It is very unique.
Written 16 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Your most welcome Daniela. Bethlehem is your home and am so lucky, because through Qandeel culinary experience and having a big family world wide .
Thank you for coming
Irene
Written 10 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HL20
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
If you only have a limited time in Bethlehem, but want a full immersion experience, then Qandeel is the place to be!! An experience that you won’t ever forget. The food is amazing, fresh and true to the culture. Yours hosts will become like family and you will leave with cherished memories!
Written 17 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are so happy as we enlarge our family with very guest to Qandeel. Your welcome my friends and hope to see you again.
Written 23 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael I
1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Couples
Irene gave a great tour of the local Bethlehem area and treated us to an amazing dinner of Palestinian food! This was our first time in the area and she gave great insight into the history of Palestine, local architecture and food that is local to the area. Would definitely recommend then this to anyone interested in seeing a local, personal view of this area- come with an empty stomach!
Written 9 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Your welcome. It was a pleasure for us meeting you. Hope to see you again
Written 23 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
daleyco
Rabat, Morocco49 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
We could not recommend Irene and her work at Qandeel more highly. She met our taxi from our hotel, took us to her house for introductory pastries (made by her husband!) and mint tea, took us to the old market to buy the ingredients, and, along with her wonderful mother, helped us make our favorite Palestinian dish, masakhen! We also made harissa dessert, salad, and a vegan tahini parsley dip. We got to help as much as we wanted and watch as much as we wanted, and the food of course was amazing. We are so grateful for Irene and her mother for inviting us into their home. Irene also has a guesthouse under construction and showed us the work being done - we know it will be lovely soon! At the end, they served us coffee and we got to know them, and Irene’s two engaging daughters, a little bit better. Forsa s3ida and see you soon!
Written 2 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
It was a pleasure for us meeting special and unique girls like you. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time in Qandeel. You must know that we are your family in Bethlehem.
Welcome to Qandeel any time.
Written 3 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kripley2
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Friends
We had the musakhan, a very traditional Palestinian dish. Delicious! Great hosts, too. Irene knows her stuff and is very invested in those she serves. There is plenty of time to learn about the culture-especially cuisine-and enjoy it, too.
Arabic coffee, tea, lemon-mint water, and fresh pastries were included for us.
Thanks Irene and Charbel!
Arabic coffee, tea, lemon-mint water, and fresh pastries were included for us.
Thanks Irene and Charbel!
Written 5 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I really thank you for time and your always welcome in Qandeel
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joseph S
Iowa2 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Great food. Friendly company. Fun and authentic experience. Learned a lot about the culture of Bethlehem. Would definitely recommend.
Written 5 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience in Qandeel
You are welcome any time
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven S
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories8 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
What a blessing to visit Qandeel! This is more than a restaurant it is a cultural experience. Must do! First, Irene and her husband Charbell are two of the most hospitable hosts / restauranteurs I have come across.
But I must stress from the outset that their experience is not simply a “restaurant.” Nor is it simply a Palestinian “tasting experience.“
Rather, Qandell Is an immersion in Palestinian culture in life. Designed for visitors and “pilgrims,” Qandell Will not only satisfy your taste buds but expose you to daily Palestinian life.
Qandell is a “group experience,” That begins with a welcome by Irene Botto. Guests then walk with her to a Palestinian market to shop for all of the food, spices, etc. you will learn firsthand what sort of ingredients are involved in Palestinian kitchens and cooking.
Irene has a degree from Bethlehem University and is a very skilled cook. Once back at Qandell, Guests will help her prepare the meal and then of course eat it! What a delight, what an experience.
If you were in Bethlehem for any length of time this is a must-do!
You will get much more than your $80 worth. You have an entire morning of Life in Bethlehem, with professional and gracious hosts, who will teach you to cook Palestinian food — introduce you to Palestinian culture, And of course eat a delicious meal. Normally the experience is from about 9 AM until 1 PM or so. Price is about $80 per person and it’s worth every penny. The meal concludes with homemade pastries from Sharbel’s bakery And Arabic coffee. Trust me you do not want to miss this experience!
But I must stress from the outset that their experience is not simply a “restaurant.” Nor is it simply a Palestinian “tasting experience.“
Rather, Qandell Is an immersion in Palestinian culture in life. Designed for visitors and “pilgrims,” Qandell Will not only satisfy your taste buds but expose you to daily Palestinian life.
Qandell is a “group experience,” That begins with a welcome by Irene Botto. Guests then walk with her to a Palestinian market to shop for all of the food, spices, etc. you will learn firsthand what sort of ingredients are involved in Palestinian kitchens and cooking.
Irene has a degree from Bethlehem University and is a very skilled cook. Once back at Qandell, Guests will help her prepare the meal and then of course eat it! What a delight, what an experience.
If you were in Bethlehem for any length of time this is a must-do!
You will get much more than your $80 worth. You have an entire morning of Life in Bethlehem, with professional and gracious hosts, who will teach you to cook Palestinian food — introduce you to Palestinian culture, And of course eat a delicious meal. Normally the experience is from about 9 AM until 1 PM or so. Price is about $80 per person and it’s worth every penny. The meal concludes with homemade pastries from Sharbel’s bakery And Arabic coffee. Trust me you do not want to miss this experience!
Written 5 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you a lot Mr. Steven. We appreciate your visit to Qandeel. You enriched our hearts and minds with your presence.
Your most welcome any time
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
QANDEEL (Bethlehem) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Qandeel
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- (0.18 km) Hosh Al-Syrian Guesthouse
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