The folks at Buzzfeed have stumbled onto a veritable viral goldmine with a few of their latest videos, in which Americans sample (or attempt to explain) aspects of Jewish culture, with little background knowledge. First there was the Jewish Food Taste Test, then there was Hanukkah Explained By Christians (and the concomitant Christmas Explained By Jews). Now, in “Americans Try Israeli Snacks,” Jews and gentiles sample classic treats from the Holy Land for the very first time.

In just three days the video has amassed over one million views, which I find fascinating and a little surprising. (By comparison, this seminal Marmite Vs. Vegemite taste test, uploaded way back in August 2014, has 1.2 million views.) (An egregious oversight, citizens of the internet.) I mean, this is literally a video of people eating snacks! That’s all! Why is it so compelling?

Perhaps because it speaks to our nostalgia for the comforts of childhood—anyone who grew up eating Bamba will know what I’m talking about. It’s the Jewish madeleine. Just the sight of the bubble font on the packet sends me back to the early 1990s. And for those unfamiliar with Israeli snacks, the video is a benign, cute, soundbite-y take on the ‘other’—much like this one of Americans trying Indian snacks for the first time. It’s a safe, if shallow exploration of non-American culture. Also, Israeli snacks are just really delicious. Milky is pretty much the finest chocolate pudding on the face of the earth.

Still, there are some oversights! Wither shoko b’sakit? Klik malt balls? The egozi bar?

And why was “Chosson Kallah Mazel Tov”—a wedding song—chosen as the soundtrack?

Leave your thoughts, recommendations, critiques in the comments.

The post Watch Americans Taste Classic Israeli Snacks For the First Time appeared first on Jewcy.

Hungry for Hanukkah pastries? Aren’t we all. Too busy to find places around New York City that will satisfy your craving? Consider this an early Hanukkah present.

1. For the Fancy Side of the Family: Eleni’s Playfully Unique Cookies

Sip tea and nibble on elegant nosh with your relatives on Upper East Side relatives at this nut-free bakery.

2. For You, the Cupcake Lover: Two options, of course.

Magnolia Bakery

Simple and delectable Magnolia cupcakes will make you croon “All I want for Hannukah is you.” Enjoy these chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting and delicate little Jewish stars and Menorahs on top.

Crumb’s Bake Shop

The Holiday Signature Collection includes two types of cupcakes: the scrumptious Stars of David (vanilla cake filled with chocolate cream cheese frosting topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting) and mouthwatering Mazel (vanilla cake filled and frosted with vanilla buttercream sprinkled with blue and yellow nonpareils)

3. For your Gluten-Free Homegirl: Babycakes NYC (kosher, vegan, and gluten-free)

They’re selling special-edition rugelach and jam donuts for the holiday season.

Despite their seemingly limitless ingredient restrictions, we hear this place is quite good.

4. For the Jelly Donut Enthusiast: Susan Sez

Susan sez “say it with cake” has a new answer to Israeli sufganiyot. Owner Susan Berlin says her jelly-filled cupcakes “taste amazing” and are healthier than traditional fried donuts.

5. For the Dessert Builder: Baked By Melissa

Unfortunately, Baked by Melissa does not carry any Hannukah-specific treats. What they do feature, however, is a pretty extensive blueprint for how to build a dreidel out of several different signature flavors.

All you need is 100 cupcakes to create this picture—no big deal.

Happy snacking!

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