The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jerusalem is probably not street food. But, believe it or not, there are some incredible eats on the streets of this fascinating city. From Sabich to Jerusalem mixed grill and even kebabs, these are 13 street foods you must eat in Jerusalem!
Jerusalem Bagel
The first street food you absolutely must try in Jerusalem is the famous, or should I say infamous, Jerusalem bagel. The only thing that would make this bread better is if it was loaded with cheese and baked until gooey…but then again it probably wouldn’t be considered a bagel anymore!
Rugelach
The second street food you must try in Jerusalem is rugelach. Just typing this word makes me want to go out and buy some. Rugelach is a type of pastry that makes the perfect anytime snack.
It’s composed of a flaky dough and typically filled with fruit or chocolate. It will melt in your mouth so fast that all you’ll have left are happy memories of creamy buttery goodness.
Khachapuri
Yes, I know that khachapuri is technically Georgian food but it has made its way to Jerusalem and now the streets are filled with these amazing bread boats.
These boats are layered with cheese, meat or even vegetables depending on who you’re buying it from. The dough for this delicious dish will then be covered in an egg and baked until perfectly golden brown!
Zaatar Bread
This bread is so simple but yet so delicious. Zaatar bread consists of dough that has been brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with zaatar mix which is typically made up of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds and salt. This combination will leave you licking your fingers in satisfaction!
Kebab
You can’t have street food in Jerusalem without including a type of kebab. It typically consists of grilled meat that is served with a pita with tahini, hummus or even french fries. This is a very popular street food in Jerusalem and you’ll find it served all over the city.
Hummus
Of course, I can’t forget about the famous hummus that Jerusalem is also known for. It’s a staple in every Israeli household and it comes with just about everything. It’s no wonder why this chickpea spread has become so famous.
The combination of creamy garbanzo beans and savory, herby tahini sauce will leave your mouth watering for more.
Knafeh
Knafeh is yet another street food that is one of my personal favorites. It consists of shredded pastry dough topped with soft white cheese, syrup and pistachios. This sweet treat has the perfect balance between creamy sweetness and crunchy texture!
Sabich
I’m sure you’ve heard of sabich before, but if not let me be the one to tell you about this famous Israeli street food. This sandwich is composed of pita stuffed with boiled eggplant, salad, tahini sauce and fried eggplant chips. It’s basically a traditional Israeli breakfast in sandwich form.
Malawach wrap
The malawach wrap is yet another street food that will not disappoint. This wrap typically consists of crispy fried dough that’s stuffed with various fillings such as egg, cheese, vegetables, or even meat. It can be served sweet or savory depending on who prepares it which makes this street food an even better choice!
Bourekas
Bourekas are a type of flaky pastry that’s stuffed with either cheese, vegetables or sometimes even meat. It typically comes in triangular shapes and is perfectly crispy on the outside while being soft and buttery on the inside. They are so good that you won’t even need to put anything on them.
Date Bread
This next treat is not your typical bread. Date bread is a sweet treat that’s the perfect snack to grab on your way out for an afternoon stroll. It has all of my favorite ingredients including dates, nuts and chocolate!
Shakshouka
How could anyone ever forget about Shakshouka? This dish consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and spices which makes it the perfect comfort food! The combination between the creamy runny yoke mixed with tangy tomato sauce will have your stomach growling for more!
Jerusalem Mixed Grill
I saved the best for last and that’s Jerusalem mixed grill. This dish is typically made up of chicken hearts, liver, spleen, lungs mixed with bits of lamb and served with a pita and french fries. If you’re not into organ meats then I would say steer clear of this dish but if you love trying new foods, like me, then this is the street food for you!
Final Words
Jerusalem is filled with street foods that are sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, hearty meal or something in between, Jerusalem has got it all! I hope this list of 13 unique street foods inspires your mouth and stomach to take a trip down the streets of Jerusalem soon.
