A Selection of the Best Jerusalem Street Food in the Machane Yehuda Shuk

Street food has been around for centuries but in the last few years it has become more popular the world over and Israel is no exception.  As the street food phenomenon has spread, new places have opened all over Jerusalem but some of the best Jerusalem street food is in the Machane Yehuda shuk where you can now find a wide variety of interesting street food offerings including traditional dishes all over the world.

There are so many places to choose from but here are my top picks of Jerusalem street food:

• Pasta Basta

The beauty of Pasta Basta is in its simplicity. First, you choose your pasta, then a sauce, and finally, extra toppings. The pasta is freshly made, and the sauces and toppings are equally fresh. They also serve soup, salad, and wine from the barrel.

Pasta Basta (Tzohar), 8 Hatut Street

• Dwiny Pita Bar

The concept at Dwiny is open or closed sandwiches so that each dish can be ordered either inside a pillowy fresh pita or on top of a small toasted pita bruschetta.  All the ingredients are fresh and interesting, and the fillings include seared entrecote, osso buco, fried red mullet, and crispy cauliflower.  My favorite dishes are the Entrecote pita (NIS 38) and the Lamb Siniya with tahina and pickled lemon (NIS 42).

Dwiny Pita Bar (Kosher), 6 Beit Ya’akov Street, 050 474 2428 

• Fishenchips

As a Brit, nothing tastes quite like the real thing, but Fishenchips is the closest option I have had in Israel, and it has already outlasted all its competition in the shuk.  The Mixed Crunchy Cod Goujons with Chips includes a mixture of batters and is probably the most popular dish, but the Panko Red Tuna with Chips is also a delicious and interesting dish.

Fishenchips (Kosher- dairy/parev), 12 HaEgoz Street, 02 624 9503

• Aka

Aka is a Turkish kebab restaurant near Shuk Machane Yehuda, opposite Rachmo. The kebab/shawarma is made of veal and pistachios and served in a Lavash Flatbread with the option to add parev yogurt, among other toppings.

Aka (Kosher) 6 HaShikma Street, 02 500 1292

• Hatzot

This popular steakiah (meat grill) has a separate takeaway window and street-side tables.  The extensive takeaway menu includes their famous Jerusalem mixed grill and my personal favorite, succulent pargit, both with their secret spice mix. There is also a selection of salads and main courses in takeaway containers if you are extra hungry or don’t want bread.

Hatzot (Kosher), 121 Agripas Street, 073 758 4204

• Hatch

Hatch is primarily known for its homemade sausages and craft beer, but other popular dishes include Fried Chili Mac n Cheese Balls, Classic Buffalo Wings, and homemade kettle chips. Along with five varieties of craft beer, they also serve a selection of cocktails and Frosé – a rosé wine slushy.

Hatch (Mehadrin), 28 HaEgoz Street, 02 656 3691 

• HaChapuria

This popular Georgian bakery specializes in Hachapuri, a selection of cheese-filled bread.  My favorite is Acharuli, which has a cracked egg on top, so you can break off the crispy crust and dip it into the cheese-and-egg center. They sell a variety of other Georgian pastries, but the one with the egg on top is the most popular.

HaChapuria (Kosher), 5 HaShikma Street (corner with HaEshkol)

• Falafel Haachim Levy

An iconic part of the street food scene, this falafel stand in the open shuk is always busy, so you can guarantee a piping-hot, fresh batch of falafel.

Falafel HaAchim Levy (Kosher), 60 Agripas Street, corner of Machene Yehuda Street, 02 625 0282.

• Josef Burger

Even though other burger joints have opened in the area, Josef Burger is still my favorite. I prefer the Angus Burger (NIS 45), which I find more tender and juicy than the house burger. They have a great choice of toppings, and the service is usually quick and friendly. My standard order is a medium Angus burger with goose breast and green salad, and as a special treat, I get goose liver and/or chili pineapple toppings.

Josef Burger (Kosher), 6 HaShikma Street, 077-5277070

Other street food around the shuk:

• Arale Crepe – a crepe wrapped into a cone, filled with ice cream, and topped with creme brulee – pure indulgence.
• Ishtabach – Shamburak, a Kurdish Syrian pastry filled with meat and vegetables
• Jachnun Bar  – Yemenite malawach and jachnun
• Soramelo – waffles

Here are more posts about the shuk:

1. Tasting Tour of the Shuk
2. Shopping in the Shuk

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