MIZNON - Where Israeli & Palestinian Culture Meet, Michelin Star Chef Eyal Shani!

In this deliciously inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with world-renowned Israeli Chef Eyal Shani — the culinary visionary behind Miznon, HaSalon, Malkah, and dozens of other Israeli restaurants around the globe. As a ninth-generation Jerusalemite with no formal culinary training, Chef Eyal has redefined Israeli cuisine and hospitality while carrying out a mission much bigger than food– spreading positive energy, peace, and connection with each bite. Just days after the horrific October 7th attack, Chef Eyal was awarded the coveted Michelin star for his New York restaurant Shmone, but chose not to attend the ceremony. Why? He was busy cooking thousands of meals for soldiers on the Gaza border, embodying his belief that food is truly about people, not prizes.

Together, Jonah and Chef Eyal explore:
🍅 Why he treats every ingredient — from cucumbers to prime rib — as a living “creature” with a will and a story
🔥 The night violent anti-Israel agitators attacked the Melbourne branch of his restaurant Miznon, and how Lebanese neighbors saved his team’s lives
✡️ How his deep connection to the Palestinian women of the Jerusalem markets inspired his earliest dishes
🥗 Why he believes food can reunite Israelis and Palestinians — and create “a new Israel” after war
🏨 His vision for opening a boutique hotel and restaurant on the Gaza border as a symbol of renewal
Chef Shani’s philosophy is radical yet simple: there are no borders in food, only human beings. Don’t miss this extraordinary conversation with a chef whose cooking has become a language of hope. Listen to the full episode now and be part of the conversation.

00:00 Welcome: Intro to Chef Eyal Shani
01:00 The Melbourne Restaurant Attack
04:09 A Chef's Mission: Spreading Energy Through Food
08:14 Michelin Star vs. Prime Rib for Soldiers
14:55 Jerusalem's Deep Influence on Cooking
19:14 Finding Inspiration: The Women of Jerusalem
20:58 Food and Peace: A Borderless Humanity
23:00 A New Restaurant Near Gaza: A Symbol of Hope

Chef Eyal Shani’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/eyaltomato/...

Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant Minzon
https://www.miznonusa.com/

Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant HaSalon
https://www.hasalonnyc.com/

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25:40 A Glass of Burgundy: Favorite Wine and a Spiritual Connection
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