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Jerusalem food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Jerusalem.
What to eat in Jerusalem
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in a rich, spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often seasoned with cumin and paprika. It's a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch staple that's perfect for scooping up with challah.
Knafeh
A decadent dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) or semolina, layered with cheese (often nabulsi or akkawi) and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. The contrast of salty cheese and sweet syrup is unforgettable.
Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with herbs and spices. Jerusalem's falafel is renowned for its fluffy interior and crispy exterior, best served in a pita with tahini and fresh salad.
Sabich
A rich sandwich featuring fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce), and salad, all stuffed into a fluffy pita. It's a complex and satisfying vegetarian delight.
Kubbeh Matfuneh
A hearty stew featuring large, meat-filled dumplings made of bulgur wheat and minced meat, simmered in a rich, often beetroot-based broth. It's a traditional and warming dish, especially popular in cooler months.
Malabi
A creamy, chilled milk pudding flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water, typically topped with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of pomegranate syrup. It's a light and fragrant dessert.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling, vibrant, chaotic
Historic, spiritual, traditional
Chic, European-influenced, relaxed
Bohemian, charming, local
Dietary notes
The cuisine is incredibly vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with many staple dishes like falafel, hummus, and sabich being naturally plant-based. However, many traditional meat dishes are also prevalent, especially during holidays.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary: 10-15% is standard in restaurants and cafes for table service.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors in the Old City and Mahane Yehuda Market.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, particularly on weekends.
- •Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covering shoulders and knees).
- •Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) sees many businesses, including some eateries, closed or operating on limited hours.
Plan the rest of your Jerusalem trip
Food guides elsewhere