6 unique street foods in Jerusalem

Photo Orly@yumivore

A city in rich history and home to a medley of culinary traditions, Jerusalem is second to none when it comes to delicious street food. A unique balance between Eastern and Western influences, these dishes have become synonymous with the city and with Israeli culture.

Hummus

You can buy hummus in refrigerator sections across the universe, but none will compare to the kind you can find in spots like the open-air Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. This street-side version is loads creamier than the pre-packaged variety, with an extra dose of oil and fresh herbs.

Shawarma and schnitzel

If you love grilled or fried meat, seek out the shawarma and schnitzel that are often served side by side in Jerusalem eateries. Israeli street food par excellence, shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish commonly made from chicken, lamb or turkey grilled on a spit that is then stuffed into a pitta with salads and sauces such as tahini or hummus.

Served in a similar way to shawarma, Israeli schnitzel is a dish of European heritage that is typically a fried and breaded chicken breast or veal cutlet. Wherever you walk in the city, you are never far away from a good shawarma or schnitzel.

Falafel

Crispy, fried and deliciously simple, falafel are traditionally made of ground chickpeas combined with a blend of herbs and spices. Commonly paired with a plate of hummus or stuffed into a pitta with salad and a side of chips, falafel are a versatile food that can be eaten as a snack or an inexpensive meal.

Originating in Egypt, falafel quickly became an Israeli go-to, thanks in part to Yemenite Jews who began serving them in a pitta sandwich when they arrived at the country in the 1950s. Countless stalls, kiosks and family-run establishments serve falafel in the Holy City, but it is Shalom Falafel, Falafel Brothers Levy and Mercaz Hafalafel Hatemani that are the local favourites.

Muttabaq

Muttabaq, translated from the Arabic term for "folded", is a savory, stuffed, and pan-fried bread, commonly found all across the Middle East and even in parts of Asia.

Knafeh

Once all of the delicious street foods Jerusalem has to offer have been tried and enjoyed, it’s time to wash everything down with some knafeh. A traditional Arab dessert made with shredded pastry noodles covered with sweetened sheep or goat’s cheese, knafeh is seared on both sides and served topped with spiced syrup and crushed pistachios.

The final product is warm, bursting with exquisitely rich flavours, and unlike any other dessert you have ever tried before. Knafeh can be found in most Arab bakeries or sweet shops in the Old City and East Jerusalem, with one of the most popular vendors being Jaffar and Sons Pastry Cafe.

Bourekas

Eating a boureka is like indulging in a little taste of heaven. These baked pastries come with a variety of savoury fillings, most commonly cheese, spinach or potatoes. Brought to Israel in the 19th century by Jewish immigrants from Turkey and Balkan countries such as Bulgaria and Slovenia, they are available at most bakeries and supermarkets across Jerusalem and are one of the most common snack foods in Israel. Eaten alone or together with a hard-boiled egg and pickles, these pastries are best eaten hot and fresh out of the oven.

See more: Must-try Palestinian street foods for first-time travelers

Source Internet