Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Jerusalem Israel to Try & Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Jerusalem Israel to Try

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Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Jerusalem Israel to Try

Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, is not only a place of historical significance but also a culinary haven. The city’s vibrant street food scene offers a delightful array of flavors and aromas that reflect the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. From traditional Middle Eastern dishes to unique local specialties, exploring the street foods of Jerusalem is a must for any food lover. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Jerusalem, highlighting some of the must-try street foods and where to find them.

Falafel: A Middle Eastern Delight

Falafel: A Middle Eastern Delight

  • Chickpea-based balls: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, falafel is made from ground chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices.
  • Tahini sauce and pickled vegetables: Served in a pita bread with tahini sauce and a variety of pickled vegetables, falafel is a satisfying and flavorful street food option.
  • Where to try: Abu Shukri in the Old City is renowned for its authentic falafel. The restaurant has been serving this delicious dish for decades.

Shawarma: A Meat Lover’s Delight

Shawarma: A Meat Lover’s Delight

  • Marinated meat: Shawarma is made by stacking layers of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, on a vertical rotisserie.
  • Slow-cooked and sliced: The meat is slow-cooked and then thinly sliced, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
  • Accompaniments: Shawarma is typically served in a pita bread with tahini sauce, pickles, and sometimes hummus.
  • Where to try: The famous Abu Shukri restaurant in the Old City serves delicious shawarma alongside their renowned falafel.

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Malabi: A Sweet Treat

Malabi: A Sweet Treat

  • Milk-based pudding: Malabi is a creamy milk-based pudding flavored with rosewater and topped with a variety of toppings like pistachios, coconut, or fruit syrups.
  • Refreshing dessert: This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot summer days and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
  • Where to try: Zalatimo Brothers is a popular dessert shop in the Old City, known for its delicious malabi and other Middle Eastern sweets.

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Muhammara: A Spicy Dip

Muhammara: A Spicy Dip

  • Red pepper and walnut dip: Muhammara is a flavorful dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and spices.
  • Rich and tangy: The dip has a rich and tangy flavor with a hint of spiciness, making it a perfect accompaniment for bread or vegetables.
  • Where to try: The Mahane Yehuda Market is a great place to find muhammara, with various stalls offering their unique versions of this delicious dip.

Sabich: A Vegetarian Delight

Sabich: A Vegetarian Delight

  • Eggplant and hummus sandwich: Sabich is a popular street food sandwich made with fried eggplant, hummus, tahini sauce, Israeli salad, and a variety of other fillings.
  • Perfect combination: The combination of flavors and textures in a sabich sandwich creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
  • Where to try: Sabich Tchernichovsky is a well-known eatery in Jerusalem that specializes in sabich sandwiches.

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Jerusalem Mixed Grill: A Meat Feast

Jerusalem Mixed Grill: A Meat Feast

  • Assortment of grilled meats: Jerusalem mixed grill is a hearty dish consisting of various grilled meats such as kebabs, chicken wings, and lamb chops.
  • Flavorful and succulent: The meats are seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and succulent feast.
  • Where to try: M25 restaurant in the Mahane Yehuda Market is known for its delicious Jerusalem mixed grill.

Knafeh: A Sweet Cheese Pastry

Knafeh: A Sweet Cheese Pastry

  • Cheese-filled pastry: Knafeh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and a drizzle of syrup.
  • Crunchy and sweet: The pastry is baked until golden and crispy, and the combination of sweet cheese and syrup creates a delightful dessert.
  • Where to try: Jaffar Sweets in the Old City is renowned for its delicious knafeh, prepared using traditional recipes.

Jerusalem Bagel: A Unique Twist

Jerusalem Bagel: A Unique Twist

  • Sesame-covered bread rings: Jerusalem bagels are unique bread rings covered in sesame seeds, offering a delightful crunch and flavor.
  • Perfect for breakfast: These bagels are often enjoyed for breakfast and can be eaten plain or with various spreads like labneh or za’atar.
  • Where to try: The popular bakery, Marzipan, is known for its freshly baked Jerusalem bagels.

Shakshuka: A Hearty Breakfast

Shakshuka: A Hearty Breakfast

  • Eggs poached in tomato sauce: Shakshuka is a classic Israeli dish consisting of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce.
  • Warm and comforting: This hearty breakfast dish is often served with bread for dipping and is perfect for starting the day.
  • Where to try: The Armenian Tavern in the Old City is known for its delicious shakshuka, prepared with a unique blend of spices.

Majadra: A Flavorful Rice Dish

Majadra: A Flavorful Rice Dish

  • Rice and lentils: Majadra is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.
  • Rich and aromatic: The dish is cooked with fragrant spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying rice dish.
  • Where to try: The famous Azura restaurant in the Mahane Yehuda Market serves delicious majadra, along with other traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

Jerusalem is a city that truly delights the senses, and its street foods are a testament to the diverse culinary heritage of the region. Whether you’re a falafel fan, a meat lover, or have a sweet tooth, the streets of Jerusalem have something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in this ancient city, be sure to embark on a culinary journey and savor the mouthwatering street foods that Jerusalem has to offer.

References

  • abushukri.com
  • zalatimo.com
  • m25rest.com
  • jaffarsweets.com
  • marzipan.co.il
  • armeniantavern.com
  • azura.rest