spices in arabic

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Everything is expensive by Palestinian standards -- the income levels are so low right now that it's difficult to be able to afford skyrocketing food prices. But by American standards, they're not high at all (unless you're looking for imported items -- of course, those are much more expensive, just like imports are more expensive here in the U.S.)

Most basic staples there are somewhat cheaper than what we pay in the U.S. (with a few items being about the same price.) Meat, milk, eggs and bread/flour are at the higher end of the scale in Palestine right now, while fresh produce is still cheeeeeeap.

So if you want to save money (as well as get to enjoy better, fresher, tastier, healthier food) then buy local stuff there and cook it yourself.

In fact I did a little price check on several basic items today (these are prices in my husband's village, which is slightly more expensive than in the nearby city of Jenin) and you can see what I'm talking about:

Bread - 1 kilo of khubiz (pita bread) - 6 shekels (2.2 pounds of bread for $1.73)

Tomatoes - 1 kilo - 2-3 shekels (2.2 pounds for 53-86 cents)

Chicken - 1 whole bird - 24 shekels (average 3-to-3.5 pound bird for $3.16)

Spaghetti - 1/2 kilo package - 3 shekels (about 16 oz. for 86 cents)

Chickpeas - 1 kilo, dry - 5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about $1.43)

Onions - 1 kilo - 1.5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about 43 cents)

Eggs - 20 - 10 shekels (about $2.87 for 20 eggs)

Milk - 2 liters - 8 shekels (about $2.30 for about a half gallon)

[palilover 1]

Bread - 1 kilo of khubiz (pita bread) - 6 shekels (2.2 pounds of bread for $1.73)

Tomatoes - 1 kilo - 2-3 shekels (2.2 pounds for 53-86 cents)

Chicken - 1 whole bird - 24 shekels (average 3-to-3.5 pound bird for $3.16)

Spaghetti - 1/2 kilo package - 3 shekels (about 16 oz. for 86 cents)

Chickpeas - 1 kilo, dry - 5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about $1.43)

Onions - 1 kilo - 1.5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about 43 cents)

Eggs - 20 - 10 shekels (about $2.87 for 20 eggs)

Milk - 2 liters - 8 shekels (about $2.30 for about a half gallon)

yep that matches up with what my husband said today. The only t;ing that worries me and why I dont cook when I'm there is the stove:) I'm afraid of his stove because he's got so much grease around it, lol You can tell he cooks for himself when I'm not there because it is MESSY:))) So if he's not frying meat for us, we eat out. We ate mostly kebabs when zI was there last time from restaurant so that is why he said it was expensive for us last time. Because he'd buy kebabs and cola each day for 80 sheckels I think is what he said (something crazy like that). So I will just learn to cook with his grease filled stove:)

This time I go I am happy because he asked me tongith fi I wanted a partty when I got there and I said yes. His family finally agreed to do it and he is going to have some people from the village come too and maybe if I dan get a hold of tehm I will invite the people from Ramallah to go too:) But what I am not happy about is they wont do my idea becuse it too expensive;((( I wanted an "Islamic style" party where you butcher a sheep and you give a portion of it to the needy. And I told my husband today I wanted to feed a refugee camp! My husband liked my idea but he said a sheep for that would be around $500 in Paletsine:(((( So it looks like my party will have maklooby which is still ok by me, but I wont be able to feed a refugee camp with it:(

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Bread - 1 kilo of khubiz (pita bread) - 6 shekels (2.2 pounds of bread for $1.73)

Tomatoes - 1 kilo - 2-3 shekels (2.2 pounds for 53-86 cents)

Chicken - 1 whole bird - 24 shekels (average 3-to-3.5 pound bird for $3.16)

Spaghetti - 1/2 kilo package - 3 shekels (about 16 oz. for 86 cents)

Chickpeas - 1 kilo, dry - 5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about $1.43)

Onions - 1 kilo - 1.5 shekels (2.2 pounds for about 43 cents)

Eggs - 20 - 10 shekels (about $2.87 for 20 eggs)

Milk - 2 liters - 8 shekels (about $2.30 for about a half gallon)

yep that matches up with what my husband said today. The only t;ing that worries me and why I dont cook when I'm there is the stove:) I'm afraid of his stove because he's got so much grease around it, lol You can tell he cooks for himself when I'm not there because it is MESSY:))) So if he's not frying meat for us, we eat out. We ate mostly kebabs when zI was there last time from restaurant so that is why he said it was expensive for us last time. Because he'd buy kebabs and cola each day for 80 sheckels I think is what he said (something crazy like that). So I will just learn to cook with his grease filled stove:)

This time I go I am happy because he asked me tongith fi I wanted a partty when I got there and I said yes. His family finally agreed to do it and he is going to have some people from the village come too and maybe if I dan get a hold of tehm I will invite the people from Ramallah to go too:) But what I am not happy about is they wont do my idea becuse it too expensive;((( I wanted an "Islamic style" party where you butcher a sheep and you give a portion of it to the needy. And I told my husband today I wanted to feed a refugee camp! My husband liked my idea but he said a sheep for that would be around $500 in Paletsine:(((( So it looks like my party will have maklooby which is still ok by me, but I wont be able to feed a refugee camp with it:(

80 shekels for kebab and Pepsi for two ??????!!!! No. You can get a kebab sandwich for 7 shekels, and 2 liters of Pepsi for 5 shekels.

You can just buy some sponges and stuff to clean the stove and it will be fine. They have stuff like Comet or Ajax or whatever you need there.

I don't know what you mean by "an Islamic-style party." Parties there are always Palestinian style. But do you mean that you are going for the Eid ? Because that's the time when it's traditional to slaughter the sheep and give some of the meat to the poor. People don't do that for general parties and celebrations -- they might slaughter a sheep for a very large party, but it's to feed all the guests, not to give away. The price of the sheep varies depending on how big it is, etc. but yes it's expensive and could cost $500 or even more. But one sheep is not nearly enough to feed a camp -- for instance Balata camp outside Nablus has more than 20,000 people.

Edited August 24, 2008 by wife_of_mahmoud

[palilover 1]

I know they are palestinian style parties there just like ew have our American style parties here. What I meant by Islamic style was where in prophet times, they had party and gave away some food to the poor. It was to be greatful or praising Allah. But you are right that they dont do it much nowadays for parties (except for eid as you said).

oh....big refugee camp:( Hm....well I would say I could "adopt" a family, but if word gets out that one family has sheep and the rest none? I dont want to be there to see the results!! I got to witness one of thsoe guys fighting over a seat on the bus of all things on our way out of Palestine. I video taped it because it was amusing. (I had to hide my camera though because the Israeli security had to come on and break up the fight). I did not know he was from a reugee camp though or what they were fighting about. My husband began talking to him and found out he was from a refugee camp in Lebanon and he was visitng his wife in Jordan and he had to go through Palestine for some reason to get out as he could not get on a plane and fly to JOrdan from Lebanon. But when my husband said he was from a refugee camp, then i felt bad about my "amusement" My husband said the guy was stupid for fighting over a seat but I said dont you know, those people probably fight for a lot more than bus seats in their daily life so they don't know any other way. It is sad when you think about it

[LRA 0]

I you eat mayonaise, then take that with you. A plastic jar! I get requests for that along with: Twizzlers, cream chesse ( i once made a cheese cake there and i bought everythign from safeway...ws around $40 worth of ingredients), chocolates, hot cheeto's . I take crystal light powdered packets with me and granola bars.

[palilover 1]

Didnt think about mayo!! Cream cheese?? that needs to be refrigerated though!!

[LRA 0]

What I do is buy it, then put it in the freezer..take it out just before I head to the airport. It should be ok for atleast 15 hours. :-) That stuff is very expensive there...the prices here are outragous as well...8oz for $2.49! There it's like $4 for 4 oz.

Eggs also need to be refridgerated...when was the last time you saw that in the ME? They leave the eggs in the sunlight...LOL Another reason I don't eat eggs in Jordan!

[palilover 1]

What I do is buy it, then put it in the freezer..take it out just before I head to the airport. It should be ok for atleast 15 hours. :-) That stuff is very expensive there...the prices here are outragous as well...8oz for $2.49! There it's like $4 for 4 oz.

Eggs also need to be refridgerated...when was the last time you saw that in the ME? They leave the eggs in the sunlight...LOL Another reason I don't eat eggs in Jordan!

Hm....never thoght about ti. I'll think about it though but you are right that it is expensive over there. cream chees would make a good snack too !! mmmm Yep expensive hre too...I usually get it on sale and stock up. But $2.39? Where are you?

Eggs in ME!!!!!! AUGH!!!!!!! Don't get me started!! My husband saw me flip out when I saw crates of eggs on the street:) ANd a few days before I left the first time, my MIL kept trying to make me eat eggs. I was like er....NO NO NO NO NO:))) They thought it was rude of me I think, but I'd rather be considered rude than to get food poisoning and being even more rude by puking all over the floor and making the women clean it up:))))

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

I know they are palestinian style parties there just like ew have our American style parties here. What I meant by Islamic style was where in prophet times, they had party and gave away some food to the poor. It was to be greatful or praising Allah. But you are right that they dont do it much nowadays for parties (except for eid as you said).

oh....big refugee camp:( Hm....well I would say I could "adopt" a family, but if word gets out that one family has sheep and the rest none? I dont want to be there to see the results!! I got to witness one of thsoe guys fighting over a seat on the bus of all things on our way out of Palestine. I video taped it because it was amusing. (I had to hide my camera though because the Israeli security had to come on and break up the fight). I did not know he was from a reugee camp though or what they were fighting about. My husband began talking to him and found out he was from a refugee camp in Lebanon and he was visitng his wife in Jordan and he had to go through Palestine for some reason to get out as he could not get on a plane and fly to JOrdan from Lebanon. But when my husband said he was from a refugee camp, then i felt bad about my "amusement" My husband said the guy was stupid for fighting over a seat but I said dont you know, those people probably fight for a lot more than bus seats in their daily life so they don't know any other way. It is sad when you think about it

You are certainly encouraged to be charitable at any time of the year, and if you want to make a donation to the poor while you are in Palestine, there are many people there in great need. You might even consider making a cash contribution to one of the organizations.

But I want to clarify one thing -- people from refugee camps are individuals, just like anyone else. Not everyone from the camps are hooligans who "don't know any other way" than to fight over a bus seat. Sweeping generalizations are sad, too, as well as offensive.

[Henia 11]

I you eat mayonaise, then take that with you. A plastic jar! I get requests for that along with: Twizzlers, cream chesse ( i once made a cheese cake there and i bought everythign from safeway...ws around $40 worth of ingredients), chocolates, hot cheeto's . I take crystal light powdered packets with me and granola bars.

Drink mixes are good idea! Crystal Light, coffee/cocoa mixes, etc ... granola also esp in transit great pick-me up snack ... chocolate of course ... but not sure about the creme cheese and mayo thou, since I know you can buy them there! Good brand in the ME called Goody for mayo ... and creme cheese, for some reason I think (could be) blacklisted along with fruits, meats, etc.

[Sandrila 1]

are palestinian prices that bad?????????? usually eating is much cheaper over there

anyway snacks are good

nuts, crackers of any kind...you may need tupperware containers so things dont get crushed or broken

i used to bring foods i liked when traveling cuz i wasnt sure if they had things i would like

i was wrong but still they dont SNACK all the day like we do

omg my husband hasnt taught me a lick of arabic ..cant help you with the spices in arabic

granola bars..raisins...think what kids put into their lunches...LOL

tuna is a good one tho..cereal (just add milk)....peanut butter, pita bread

i even got little soy milk boxes to drink along the way or add to cereal...vanilla is delicious

its not much but hope it helps

[jenmoh 0]

I know they are palestinian style parties there just like ew have our American style parties here. What I meant by Islamic style was where in prophet times, they had party and gave away some food to the poor. It was to be greatful or praising Allah. But you are right that they dont do it much nowadays for parties (except for eid as you said).

oh....big refugee camp:( Hm....well I would say I could "adopt" a family, but if word gets out that one family has sheep and the rest none? I dont want to be there to see the results!! I got to witness one of thsoe guys fighting over a seat on the bus of all things on our way out of Palestine. I video taped it because it was amusing. (I had to hide my camera though because the Israeli security had to come on and break up the fight). I did not know he was from a reugee camp though or what they were fighting about. My husband began talking to him and found out he was from a refugee camp in Lebanon and he was visitng his wife in Jordan and he had to go through Palestine for some reason to get out as he could not get on a plane and fly to JOrdan from Lebanon. But when my husband said he was from a refugee camp, then i felt bad about my "amusement" My husband said the guy was stupid for fighting over a seat but I said dont you know, those people probably fight for a lot more than bus seats in their daily life so they don't know any other way. It is sad when you think about it

You are certainly encouraged to be charitable at any time of the year, and if you want to make a donation to the poor while you are in Palestine, there are many people there in great need. You might even consider making a cash contribution to one of the organizations.

But I want to clarify one thing -- people from refugee camps are individuals, just like anyone else. Not everyone from the camps are hooligans who "don't know any other way" than to fight over a bus seat. Sweeping generalizations are sad, too, as well as offensive.

"..Where ignorance is bliss tiss folly to be wise"..........

If this person is going to fly into Amman why not stop and buy spices in Jordan? They are a lot cheaper then buying and bringing from the USA.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

"..Where ignorance is bliss tiss folly to be wise"..........

If this person is going to fly into Amman why not stop and buy spices in Jordan? They are a lot cheaper then buying and bringing from the USA.

Yeppers Or just buy them in Palestine -- they're just as cheap there. It makes no sense to lug this kind of thing thousands of miles from the U.S. -- and it's a waste of valuable space in your bags.

[Tunisia216 2]

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Edited August 25, 2008 by Ash * Habibati

[palilover 1]

I know they are palestinian style parties there just like ew have our American style parties here. What I meant by Islamic style was where in prophet times, they had party and gave away some food to the poor. It was to be greatful or praising Allah. But you are right that they dont do it much nowadays for parties (except for eid as you said).

oh....big refugee camp:( Hm....well I would say I could "adopt" a family, but if word gets out that one family has sheep and the rest none? I dont want to be there to see the results!! I got to witness one of thsoe guys fighting over a seat on the bus of all things on our way out of Palestine. I video taped it because it was amusing. (I had to hide my camera though because the Israeli security had to come on and break up the fight). I did not know he was from a reugee camp though or what they were fighting about. My husband began talking to him and found out he was from a refugee camp in Lebanon and he was visitng his wife in Jordan and he had to go through Palestine for some reason to get out as he could not get on a plane and fly to JOrdan from Lebanon. But when my husband said he was from a refugee camp, then i felt bad about my "amusement" My husband said the guy was stupid for fighting over a seat but I said dont you know, those people probably fight for a lot more than bus seats in their daily life so they don't know any other way. It is sad when you think about it

You are certainly encouraged to be charitable at any time of the year, and if you want to make a donation to the poor while you are in Palestine, there are many people there in great need. You might even consider making a cash contribution to one of the organizations.

But I want to clarify one thing -- people from refugee camps are individuals, just like anyone else. Not everyone from the camps are hooligans who "don't know any other way" than to fight over a bus seat. Sweeping generalizations are sad, too, as well as offensive.

I wasnt generalizing. I was speaking about that one individual only.

I dont know any organizations in Palestine. But I think it is not hard to be charitable in Palestine though. There are a lot of women begging in the streets in Ramallah the last time I was there. I'm sure they would like a meal or something

I know they are palestinian style parties there just like ew have our American style parties here. What I meant by Islamic style was where in prophet times, they had party and gave away some food to the poor. It was to be greatful or praising Allah. But you are right that they dont do it much nowadays for parties (except for eid as you said).

oh....big refugee camp:( Hm....well I would say I could "adopt" a family, but if word gets out that one family has sheep and the rest none? I dont want to be there to see the results!! I got to witness one of thsoe guys fighting over a seat on the bus of all things on our way out of Palestine. I video taped it because it was amusing. (I had to hide my camera though because the Israeli security had to come on and break up the fight). I did not know he was from a reugee camp though or what they were fighting about. My husband began talking to him and found out he was from a refugee camp in Lebanon and he was visitng his wife in Jordan and he had to go through Palestine for some reason to get out as he could not get on a plane and fly to JOrdan from Lebanon. But when my husband said he was from a refugee camp, then i felt bad about my "amusement" My husband said the guy was stupid for fighting over a seat but I said dont you know, those people probably fight for a lot more than bus seats in their daily life so they don't know any other way. It is sad when you think about it

You are certainly encouraged to be charitable at any time of the year, and if you want to make a donation to the poor while you are in Palestine, there are many people there in great need. You might even consider making a cash contribution to one of the organizations.

But I want to clarify one thing -- people from refugee camps are individuals, just like anyone else. Not everyone from the camps are hooligans who "don't know any other way" than to fight over a bus seat. Sweeping generalizations are sad, too, as well as offensive.

I wasnt generalizing. I was speaking about that one individual only.

I dont know any organizations in Palestine. But I think it is not hard to be charitable in Palestine though. There are a lot of women begging in the streets in Ramallah the last time I was there. I'm sure they would like a meal or something