A Food Tour of Jerusalem's Mechane Yehuda Market

Jerusalem is basically a combination of three 300,000 person cities: the Arab city, the Orthodox Jewish city, and the new Jewish city. Most of Jerusalem's main tourist sites are in the Arab city (the Old City and its Holy Sites for instance). However, there are a few must see items in the new Jewish city. Yad V'Shem and the Israel Museum are probably the top two items. But to really get a glimpse of modern day life in Jerusalem's Jewish side, you must take a trip to Mechane Yehuda market - colloquially known as the Shuk. A cornucopia of food experiences, Mechane Yehuda is the place Israelis come to eat by day. At night the Shuk turns into a colorful array of murals and cafes serving beer and other drinks to lively patrons. While both experiences are worth having, this article focuses on where you should go during the day in the Shuk based on my time living in Jerusalem. At night, follow the crowds - they know the best hangout spots.

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Azura

@markfedoronko

The darling of Mechane Yehuda and definitely the most famous eatery in the Shuk, Azura is the ultimate culmination of Israeli comfort food. Incredibly well known for their stews, meatballs, cabbage, and a slew of other items, it's a great choice for a Kosher Bashery (meat) restaurant. Not very vegetarian friendly is the only downside

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Hachapuria | חצ'אפוריה שוק מחנה יהודה

@markfedoronko

If you've been to Georgia or Russia, the khatchpuri is sacred. Basically a breadboat filled with cheese and egg, it is a warm basket of gooey wonderfulness. A sizable population of Georgians live in Israel, and as a result there are several Georgian eateries around Jerusalem. The trendiest one - and the one with the best khatchpuri - is definitely Hachapuria. Located in a breezy space in the non-covered and more storefront section of the Shuk, this is a great place for cheese and bread lovers!

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Duvdevan Bakery |מאפיית דובדבן

@markfedoronko

A small bakery along the main stretch of the Shuk, Duvdevan serves up tasty local treats. Particularly of note was the Hamentaschen during Purim - a beautiful little buttery pocket filled with jam.

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JahnunBar

@markfedoronko

My favorite place in all of the Shuk, Jerusalem, and probably all of Israel. Jachnun Bar serves various Yemeni style breads including Jachnun. But the real star is the memulawich, a laminated pancake style bread that is then filled with toppings such as hummus, eggs, pickles, other vegetables, and really anything you could want. Even better is their shakshuka-lawich: the memulawich filled with their spicy Yemeni style shakshuka. Not to mention their shakshuka is pretty tasty on its own as well. Jachnun Bar was my happy place in the Shuk - maybe partly because one of the owners is an eccentric Yemeni Jew with a man bun who is always putting on a show!

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Mechane Yehuda Roasters

@markfedoronko

Israel has good coffee. The Arab World has great coffee. However, Jerusalem is somehow a terrible coffee city, owing to the fact Palestinians don't make very good coffee and the Jewish side doesn't have much by the way of coffee shops. The Roasters in Mechane Yehuda is probably the best coffee shop in the city. Serving all sorts of lovely hot drinks like coffee, chai, and even sahlab in the winter, the Roasters is a great spot to grab a coffee. At night the shop turns into a lively bar.

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Aricha Sabich | אריכה סביח

@markfedoronko

An unassuming store front across the street from the main parts of the Shuk on Agripas St, Aricha is one of those places that is easy to stuff yourself with food. They specialize in an Iraqi sandwich called sabich, which revolves around fried eggplant, hard boiled egg, and other fillings (cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus, pickles, the normal things) and finished with a spicy sauce called amba in a pita. It is a soul filling experience to have sabich at Aricha and should not be missed while exploring around the Shuk!

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Mark Fedoronko

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My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11. About Me I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional. Expertise Beyond Borders Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience. Custom Itineraries, Crafted with Care I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style. Why Choose Mark's Travel Recs? Passion-Driven Expertise: Mark's lifelong passion ensures every itinerary has an authentic touch. Global Perspective: With knowledge spanning diverse destinations, I offer journeys beyond the ordinary. Attention to Detail: I leave no stone unturned, from accommodation to off-the-beaten-path excursions. Seamless Planning: Let me take the reins for a stress-free journey from conception to execution. Embark on a voyage of a lifetime with me—where the world is your oyster, and I help you discover its pearls

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