Finishing your trip at Hummus Eliyahu is the perfect way to wrap up the day. After hiking through the basalt ruins of Susita and exploring the history of the Tzemach railway, a warm, hearty meal is exactly what you need.
Hummus Eliyahu: A Culinary "Refuel" Located in the Mall Kinneret at the Tzemach Junction, this branch is just a stone's throw from the historic station. It's famous for its signature warm, creamy texture, prepared fresh right when you order.
- The "Eliyahu" Experience What makes this place special is the homey, generous atmosphere established by its founder, Eliyahu Shmueli.
The "Refill" Rule: One of their best perks is that you can often get a free refill of the hummus itself if you're still hungry.
Sweet Finish: They usually offer complimentary lemonade and coffee with cookies at the end of the meal—the ultimate Israeli hospitality.
- What to Order? If you want the full experience, go for the "Hummus Complete." It's a mountain of flavour that includes:
The Base: Warm hummus and rich tahini.
The Toppings: Warm chickpeas (nana), ful (slow-cooked fava beans), and a hard-boiled egg.
The Sides: It always comes with fluffy, pillowy pitas, pickles, and fresh onion (the traditional "spoon" for scooping hummus).
- A Strategic Location Just as Susita was the strategic centre for the Romans and Tzemach was the hub for the Ottomans, the Tzemach Junction is today's modern crossroads. It's where the history of the Golan and the Galilee meets the convenience of the present day.
Imagine the perfect spring morning in Israel—the sun is warm but not yet "blasting" you, and the air smells like fresh wildflowers. It's the absolute best time to grab the keys and head to the eastern side of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
First Stop: Kursi & The Views Start your day at Kursi. It's this massive Byzantine monastery ruin where the vibe is just... super chill. You can walk across ancient mosaics and literally feel the history. But don't stay too long because the drive up the mountain is even better. Make sure to pull over at Mitzpe Nukieb. On a clear day, the view is insane—you see the whole blue "bowl" of the Kinneret stretched out from Tiberias to the Golan Heights. It's one of those "stop and just stare" moments.
The Main Event: Susita (Hippos) Then, you've got the crown jewel: Susita. It's like a ghost city sitting on a hill. They call it the "Pompeii above the lake." You'll walk through the old Roman forum and see giant columns that were knocked down by an earthquake 1,200 years ago and just... stayed there. It's got this wild mix of ancient Roman vibes and old Israeli military outposts.
Trains and Hummus When you head back down, swing by the old Tzemach train station. It's been restored and feels like a movie set from the early 1900s—back when trains ran all the way from Haifa to Damascus.
Finally, once you're officially "toured out," hit up Hummus Eliyahu at the Tzemach junction. Trust me, a warm bowl of creamy hummus with olive oil, fluffy pita, and a solid cup of coffee is the only way to end a trip like this.
Pro tip: Go right now while it's spring. The Golan is bright green, and everything looks like a masterpiece.
