Nirvana in Dimona – The Secret Ice Cream of Israel

Dimona is a city of secrets. So they say. 

The best kept one is not the textile factory, though. 

It is the best vegan ice cream in the country. No, the world. 

It’s not easy to get there. You take a left at this monument. 

You take a right at this one. 

You pass this block of apartment buildings that date back to the early days of the city. 

When you see the tree trunk on the left, you realize that you are lost. 

Desperate, you call Rifael on the cell phone. He takes you there. He knows everything. 

The ice cream emporium is run by David. David is a member of the African Hebrew Israelites of Dimona. This is a community of several thousand people who live in a kind of urban kibbutz community in this desert town. They have their own customs, dress, and beliefs. 

They are all vegans. 

I will write a book about vegan cuisine someday. But not today. 

According to David, the tradition and secret ice cream recipes of the community began with their spiritual leader, the late Ben Ammi (בן עמי בן-ישראל‎) , who spent several years in Liberia before moving with his people to the land of Israel. To make a living and raise money, he made and sold ice cream. Vegan ice cream. 

After this introduction, and trying so hard to find the place (it doesn’t have an address in case you’re wondering, no waze, no GPS), I figure it’s time to risk ten shekels and buy a cup. 

David hands it to me. I’m full of anticipation. 

After all, how good can ice cream made from soya be?

Well, in one word,

AMAZING!

I order two more. 

This ice cream can compete with any Tel Aviv ice cream made of milk. Any day. 

I ask David how much fat there is? He says 2%. I find that hard to believe. Tastes like twenty.

He says it’s all natural, flavors and all. I figure that anything that delicious has to be.  

David talks about selling his ice cream in Tel Aviv. On the one hand, I’m in favor. Why shouldn’t he become famous and financially successful?

On the other hand, getting lost in Dimona and then finding this secret ice cream oasis is part of the fun.

My scoop, you might say. 

So go on, get lost.

You won’t regret it.

David’s vegan ice cream is the best kept secret in Dimona.

Perhaps I’m biased, I have this thing for ice cream. 

But then again, doesn’t everyone?