What Food To Try in Jerusalem and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Jerusalem for 2024.
National currency: New Israeli Sheqel, symbol — ₪ (international currency code ILS).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Jerusalem cafes and restaurants
$16.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.78
$80.9
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $67.37
$14.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $13.47
What to Try in Jerusalem
Must-try Dishes
Shakshuka - Poached Eggs in Spicy Sauce - A hearty dish of poached eggs simmered in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often topped with fresh herbs. Perfect for a leisurely brunch, many locals enjoy it in cafes throughout the city.Falafel - Deep-Fried Chickpea Balls - Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fried chickpea balls are typically served in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. Popular as street food, you'll often see locals grabbing them for a quick lunch on the go.
Hummus - Chickpea Dip - Creamy blended chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and lemon, served with a drizzle of olive oil and paprika. Best enjoyed at a local restaurant during lunchtime, where it's often accompanied by warm, fresh pita.
Sabich - Eggplant and Egg Pita - A satisfying pita sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, and pickles. A common breakfast choice, locals often enjoy it as a hearty start to the day.
Jerusalem Mixed Grill - Meorav Yerushalmi - A flavorful mix of grilled meats, including lamb and chicken, seasoned with spices and served with fresh pita. Found in casual eateries, it’s the kind of dish you devour late at night.
Cauliflower with Tahini - Ta'amiya with Tahini - Roasted cauliflower drizzled with rich tahini sauce, sometimes topped with pomegranate seeds for contrast. A beloved winter dish, it's enjoyed as a main course in homes during colder months.
Shwarma - Spiced Meat Wrap - Tender, marinated slices of meat, typically chicken or lamb, served in a fluffy pita with vegetables and sauces. A popular late-night snack option among locals, especially after a long day.
Jachnun - Slow-Baked Yemenite Bread - A pastry made of thin layers, slow-cooked to a flaky perfection and served with hot tomato sauce and hard-boiled eggs. Traditionally eaten Friday morning, it’s a delicious weekend customary treat for many families.
Desserts & Drinks
Jallab - جلاب (date and fruit drink) - A refreshing blend of dates, carob, and sometimes raisins, mixed with cold water and ice. Commonly sipped during warm evenings, especially in summer gatherings, it’s often garnished with pine nuts for added texture.Arabic Coffee - قهوة عربية (traditional coffee) - Made from lightly roasted Arabica beans, spiced with cardamom, and served in small cups without milk. This thick, aromatic coffee is typically shared during special occasions and is often accompanied by dates; locals appreciate a little chat over these small servings.
Arak - عرق (anise-flavored spirit) - A potent distilled drink made from fermented grapes, infused with anise, and usually turned milky when mixed with water. Served chilled, it’s often enjoyed with mezze, especially during celebrations or evenings with friends (just remember, you don’t want to gulp it down!).
Knafeh - كُنافة (sweet pastry) - A rich dessert made of thin noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, layered with cheese or custard, and baked to perfector. Locals savor it warm, particularly during holidays like Ramadan, and it's tempting to indulge in a piece while strolling through the Old City.
Baklava - باقلوة (layered pastry) - Delightfully flaky layers of pastry filled with chopped nuts and syrup, served at various celebrations and family gatherings. Freshly made with a hint of rosewater, baklava is best enjoyed during the spring, especially around Easter when it’s commonly presented as a gift.
Food and Groceries in Jerusalem
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.15 |
| Bananas | $1.9 |
| Oranges | $1.61 |
| Potatoes | $1.2 |
| Apples | $2.92 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.49 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.51 |
| Imported Beer | $3 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.43 |
| Milk 1L | $1.75 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $18.19 |
| Chicken | $9.27 |
| Cigarettes | $9.43 |
| Rice | $2.47 |
| Local Cheese | $13.35 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The aroma of fresh pita fills the air during lunchtime in the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market as families gather around food stalls and busy eateries. I’ve watched countless locals seamlessly navigate their lunch breaks with a mix of quick bites and leisurely meals. Lunchtime here typically unfurls between 12 PM and 3 PM, with the market bursting at the seams as people take a well-deserved pause from their daily grind. You can expect to pay around 30-70 NIS for a hearty lunch, depending on whether you're going for a simple falafel wrap or a more substantial meal, like grilled kebabs.
Mahane Yehuda is the heart of Jerusalem's food scene, where vibrant flavors and local produce collide. Beyond fresh spices and vegetables, you'll find a diverse range of eateries—from traditional hummus places to trendy cafes. While dining, don't be surprised to see groups of friends sharing multiple mezze plates, a common local practice. Everyone dips into the same dishes, creating a communal dining experience that’s as much about the food as it is about connection. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve joined conversations over shared plates, it’s practically a way of life here.
When it comes to payment, many restaurants and stalls accept cash, especially the smaller vendors (which also helps avoid service charges that can add another 10-15% to your bill). However, credit cards are becoming more prevalent, especially in the dining hubs. Just be mindful of smaller places that might only take cash. Tipping is also customary but not obligatory—most commonly, you’ll round up or leave around 10% if you’re feeling generous.
Sometimes, visitors mistakenly wait until the last minute to try the popular eateries during busy meal times, only to find themselves in long lines—or worse, turned away. Try to arrive just before noon or after 2 PM to avoid the rush. When planning dinner, you’ll find most locals dine from 7 PM onwards, with the weekends being a busy period as families and friends gather for leisurely meals.
As seasons change, so do eating habits. In winter, you’ll notice hot soup vendors popping up, while summer leads to a rise in outdoor dining with plenty of cool, refreshing salads. Even the popular areas might experience price fluctuations during different times of the year, especially with festive seasons influencing local spending habits.
All in all, understanding these practical patterns not only enhances your Jerusalem dining experience but also lets you appreciate the flavors and traditions that draw everyone together, sharing not just meals but moments as well.
Mahane Yehuda is the heart of Jerusalem's food scene, where vibrant flavors and local produce collide. Beyond fresh spices and vegetables, you'll find a diverse range of eateries—from traditional hummus places to trendy cafes. While dining, don't be surprised to see groups of friends sharing multiple mezze plates, a common local practice. Everyone dips into the same dishes, creating a communal dining experience that’s as much about the food as it is about connection. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve joined conversations over shared plates, it’s practically a way of life here.
When it comes to payment, many restaurants and stalls accept cash, especially the smaller vendors (which also helps avoid service charges that can add another 10-15% to your bill). However, credit cards are becoming more prevalent, especially in the dining hubs. Just be mindful of smaller places that might only take cash. Tipping is also customary but not obligatory—most commonly, you’ll round up or leave around 10% if you’re feeling generous.
Sometimes, visitors mistakenly wait until the last minute to try the popular eateries during busy meal times, only to find themselves in long lines—or worse, turned away. Try to arrive just before noon or after 2 PM to avoid the rush. When planning dinner, you’ll find most locals dine from 7 PM onwards, with the weekends being a busy period as families and friends gather for leisurely meals.
As seasons change, so do eating habits. In winter, you’ll notice hot soup vendors popping up, while summer leads to a rise in outdoor dining with plenty of cool, refreshing salads. Even the popular areas might experience price fluctuations during different times of the year, especially with festive seasons influencing local spending habits.
All in all, understanding these practical patterns not only enhances your Jerusalem dining experience but also lets you appreciate the flavors and traditions that draw everyone together, sharing not just meals but moments as well.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
The market features 250 vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fish, meat, cheese, nuts, seeds, and spices, as well as wines, liquors, clothing, footwear, kitchenware, textiles, and Judaica.
At the market and nearby, you'll find options for falafel and shawarma, along with juice bars, cafes, and meat restaurants. The colorful hustle and bustle of the market is amplified by the loud voices of vendors calling out their prices to passersby.
On Thursdays and Fridays, the market buzzes with shoppers preparing for Shabbat. »
Apparently for those who are bored.
Just to note, $1 = 4 Shekels.
The price for the "nipple" is especially amusing. »