The Ultimate Jerusalem Israeli Street Food Tour in Machane Yehuda Market

I never felt like I deserved to go to Jerusalem. It’s a city that in my imagination oozes religiosity. Only those who said “Next year in Jerusalem” and meant it ought to go. Or perhaps anyone with deep ancestral roots in the area, ranging from the various groups of Arabs and Jews who’ve seen the likes of the Ottomans, Brits, and Jordanians come and go.

In general, I’m talking about people for whom Jerusalem means something more than a place to grab some humble brag shots for social media. Not some American shmendrik who’s about as pious as the village idiot from Chelm.

Although I forced myself to the sights, like The Wailing Wall with the Dome of the Rock glistening in the background, I can’t say it sparked a spiritual revolution within. I actually felt a little guilty. This is something many of my ancestors would’ve been incredibly moved to see for themselves. As far as I know, I’m the first in my line to have seen this place in presumably thousands of years. Yet there I was, feeling like I stole some teenage girl’s front-row seats to a Billie Eilish concert.

But what did light up my soul was eating in Jerusalem. Joel Haber shows us the way.

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[tompmcneil]

Joel Haber is well spoken and I liked hearing his food expertise. Go Joe!

[eastromanempress]

Joe, I loved this episode! Jerusalem is a colourful rich magical place, it’s like a time machine. Would you consider visiting Turkey? It’d be awesome to have you here.

[MFPhoto]

Hotels in Israel often offer two rates. There is bed-and-breakfast, which is what it says. Then there is room-and-board, which includes bed, breakfast, and dinner. Get the bed-and-breakfast rate as there are too many great restaurants to eat all your meals at the hotel. Note that if you are Jewish and you want to eat Shabbat dinner and lunch, still get the bed-and-breakfast rate, but tell the front desk that you want to order Shabbat meals. They will bill you separately for those. Oh, and contact your hotel to make sure they do serve Shabbat meals -- and that they are kosher.

Cuisine in Israel is limited to Mediterranean, Ethiopian, Moroccan, Iranian, Iraqi, Yemenite, Lebanese, British, French, Russian, German, Italian, Armenian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Kurdish, Australian, Mexican, Argentinian, Brazilian, and North American. If you don't like any of those, you may go hungry!

You want to know the heart and soul of a city? Go to the shuk!

My niece introduced me to Ishtabach. Great food there. Try the lentil soup with your meal.

Take the light rail to Machane Yehuda. It's quick, easy, and not expensive.

[ch.thenazaritelifestyle]

Wow! "I never felt like I deserved to go to Jerusalem". Wow!

[WILFREDRUSSELL-hn]

I would argue that Jews from all over the world brought their food / cuisines with them. It’s hard to find Ashkenazi food anywhere in Israel. There are several reasons for that, but just try to find chicken soup with lokshen and kneidelach and you’ll go hungry!

[Shelomi-nrkv]

We came from the whole world back to our country- brought the food with us and Made An Art Out Of It !!
That what makes the Arab crazy. Who Hurd about shawarma before he ate it in Israeli place ? Who Hurd about the falafel before he tried the Israeli version of it ? Who Hurd about borecass or malawakh or even who was aware about the Humous before he ate it in Israelis places ???
That’s what I mean - we brought it to the world awareness caz again, we made an art out of it !

[zeikerd]

The holy land. Where's the sabich?

[charlie_says]

Am y'Israel chai! The homeland serves! ✡️🇮🇱💙