Eating Magruli – delicious cheese stuffed bread.
One of the most popular tours to date is the Machaneh Yehuda Gastronomic Experience. The best way to understand a culture is through its food, in this exciting tour of the Jewish market; Machaneh Yehudah we shall encounter the many different ethnicities that make up the new Jerusalem. We shall meet interesting personalities, smell the pungent odours of market life and, of course, taste the diverse flavours that make up Jerusalem.
Machaneh Yehudah Main Street
Machaneh Yehudah was originally a patch of wasteland next to the earliest neighbourhoods outside of the Old City. We shall take a walk back in time down the main street of Machaneh Yehudah.
The Iraqi Market
Number 1 Pear Street – Home of the Banai family
The First addition to the main street of the market was the Iraqi market, in the 30s Iraqi vendors gained the right to build an extra part of the market. This ‘Iraqi Shuk’ has its own special feeling and culture. Come and sample some of the fresh fruit here, eat some olives and listen to the music of Ehud Banai whose family lived on number one pear street at the back of the ‘Iraqi Shuk’.
The Georgian Market
Condiments on Sale at the Georgian Bakery
The second group to get rights to a section of their own were the Georgians, this group of Jews from the Caucasus mountains have their own culture separate from other Jews of the former Soviet Union. They are a Sephardic community with a rich gastronomic culture. It is highly recommended that you try some of their cheese stuffed breads.
The Best Ice Cream in Jerusalem!
The Best Ice Cream in Jerusalem!
Next door to the Georgian bakery is the a French ice cream parlour, a new addition to the Market’s many bohemian tastes. As well as selling many fine macaroons, sorbets and ice creams the owners here pride themselves on creating the most unique flavours of ice cream. Have you ever tried saffron ice cream or wasabi flavoured ice cream, well don’t leave Jerusalem until you have!
The Covered Market
Stopping amidst the hubbub of the covered market for a refreshing Yemenite drink.
The Covered market is a cacophony of noises, tastes and smells each connected to a different culture and part of the diaspora. At this part of the tour you can choose from many different stalls and experiences from the Yemenite health drink shop pictured above, to the exquisite French cheese shop below,
A new addition to the market; a Western European style cheesemonger and delicatessen.
Towards the end of the market you can sample some traditional Iraqi foods such as Koubeh. A recommended way to finish the tour is with some of the best ashkenazi pastries known as rugelech (if I can be as so bold to say) in the world.
The Tour Also includes:
- 4 Complementary Tastings
- An additional walking tour of the early neighbourhoods of Jerusalem known as Nachalaot.
- Time to shop for souvenirs.
This is by far my most popular tour and it is highly suggested that you book me as soon as possible, I’m being booked all the time!
Contact me and plan your tailor made tour of Machaneh Yehudah and any other questions.