Jerusalem is known for its incredible street food, and one of the most popular dishes is undoubtedly shawarma. This Middle Eastern dish consists of marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) that is roasted on a spit and then shaved off into thin slices. The meat is then wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables, hummus, and tahini sauce.
Locals and tourists alike flock to Jerusalem to try some of the best shawarma in Israel. With so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible shawarma places in Jerusalem that are definitely worth a visit. From traditional hole-in-the-wall spots to trendy cafes, there is something for everyone. So whether you're a shawarma aficionado or trying it for the first time, you're in for a treat.
Top Shawarma Places in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is known for its delicious street food, and shawarma is one of the most popular options. Here are three of the top shawarma places in Jerusalem that are definitely worth a visit.
Lina
Located in the heart of the Old City, Lina is a small and cozy restaurant that serves some of the best shawarma in Jerusalem. The shawarma is made with high-quality meat that is marinated in a special blend of spices and cooked to perfection. Customers can choose between chicken, lamb, or beef shawarma, and the meat is served with a variety of fresh salads and homemade sauces. The pita bread is also freshly baked and adds the perfect finishing touch to the dish.
Haj Kahil
Haj Kahil is a popular shawarma spot that is located in the bustling Mahane Yehuda market. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and flavorful shawarma, which is made with a mix of meat and fat for added richness. The shawarma is served in a laffa bread, which is a larger and softer version of pita bread. Customers can also add falafel to their shawarma for an extra crunch.
Hakosem
Hakosem, which means "the magician" in Hebrew, is a legendary shawarma spot that has been serving customers for over 15 years. The restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of Tel Aviv, but it's worth the trip to Jerusalem just for the shawarma. The shawarma is made with high-quality meat that is cooked on a rotating spit and served in a pita bread with a variety of fresh salads and homemade sauces. The restaurant is also kosher certified, which is an added bonus for those who keep kosher.
In conclusion, these three shawarma places are just a few of the many amazing options in Jerusalem. Whether you're in the mood for chicken, lamb, or beef shawarma, there's something for everyone. So next time you're in Jerusalem, be sure to give one of these places a try!
Vegetarian Options
Jerusalem is a city that caters to all kinds of dietary preferences, and vegetarians are no exception. Shawarma places in Jerusalem offer a variety of vegetarian options that are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts. Here are some of the best vegetarian options for shawarma lovers in Jerusalem.
Village Green
Village Green is a vegetarian restaurant that has been serving delicious vegan meals throughout the day since 1992. It offers a very reasonably priced buffet with a generous selection of salads and hearty stews during lunchtime. Some of the popular vegetarian options on the menu include lasagna, hummus, quiche, and soups, to name a few.
Pergamon Restaurant
Pergamon Restaurant is another great option for vegetarians. It offers awesome vegetarian food that is both healthy and delicious. The Mediterranean and healthy menu offers a variety of vegetarian options such as shakshuka, burgers, and salads.
Falafel Mullah
Falafel Mullah is a popular spot in Jerusalem that serves delicious falafel and hummus. The falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the hummus is creamy and flavorful. They also offer a vegetarian shawarma that is made with a mix of vegetables, tahini, and spices.
Deja Bu
Deja Bu is a great place to go if you're looking for a vegetarian shawarma. They offer a variety of vegetarian options such as falafel, hummus, and salads. The vegetarian shawarma is made with a mix of vegetables, tahini, and spices, and is served with pita bread.
In conclusion, vegetarians in Jerusalem can enjoy delicious shawarma options that are just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts. From Village Green's vegan buffet to Deja Bu's vegetarian shawarma, there is something for everyone.
Best Shawarma with a View
For those looking to enjoy a delicious shawarma while taking in the stunning views of Jerusalem, there are a few options that stand out.
Machneyuda Rooftop
Located on the top floor of the Machneyuda restaurant, the Machneyuda Rooftop offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the city. The rooftop is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food, including their famous shawarma. The shawarma is made with high-quality ingredients and is served with freshly baked pita bread and a variety of sauces. The rooftop is open for dinner and reservations are recommended.
Anna Tahlbiye
Anna Tahlbiye is a rooftop restaurant located in the heart of Mamilla Hotel. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Old City and serves a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including their delicious shawarma. The shawarma is made with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a variety of spices. The restaurant also offers a variety of cocktails and wines to pair with your meal. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot.
Both of these restaurants offer a unique dining experience with delicious shawarma and stunning views of Jerusalem. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a lively atmosphere, these rooftop restaurants are sure to impress.
International Flavors
When it comes to shawarma, Jerusalem is not just limited to Middle Eastern flavors. The city also boasts a range of international shawarma options that are worth trying out. Here are two of the best:
Dolphin Yam
Located in Tel Aviv, Dolphin Yam is a seafood restaurant that serves a unique take on shawarma. Their shawarma is made with fresh fish and seafood, which is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection. The result is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional shawarma. Dolphin Yam also offers a range of other seafood dishes, making it a great choice for seafood lovers.
Chakra
Chakra is a popular restaurant in Jerusalem that serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Their shawarma is made with a mix of lamb and beef, which is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked on a spit. The shawarma is then served with a range of toppings, including pickles, tahini, and hummus. Chakra also offers a range of other dishes, including sushi and stir-fry, making it a great choice for those looking for a variety of flavors.
Overall, if you're looking to try something different, these international shawarma options are definitely worth a visit. Whether you're in the mood for seafood or fusion cuisine, these restaurants offer a unique and delicious take on the classic shawarma.
Hidden Gems
Jerusalem is known for its delicious shawarma, but some of the best places to get it are hidden gems that not everyone knows about. Here are two places that are worth checking out:
Adom
Adom is a small, unassuming restaurant that serves some of the best shawarma in Jerusalem. They use high-quality lamb meat and cook it to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful shawarma. The kebabs are also worth trying, as they are made with the same high-quality meat and cooked over an open flame. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great place to grab a quick bite.
Bino
Bino is another hidden gem that serves delicious shawarma. They use a mix of lamb and beef meat, resulting in a unique and flavorful taste. The shawarma is cooked on a rotating spit and served with a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces. The restaurant also offers a range of other Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel and hummus. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Both Adom and Bino are great options for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic shawarma experience in Jerusalem. They may not be as well-known as some of the other shawarma places in the city, but they are definitely worth checking out. Whether you're in the mood for lamb meat or kebabs, these hidden gems have something for everyone.
Unique Shawarma Twists
Jerusalem is known for its delicious shawarma, but some places stand out for their unique twists on this classic dish. Here are two places that offer something different:
Keter Hamizrach
Keter Hamizrach is a popular shawarma spot that offers a unique twist on the traditional dish. They serve their shawarma in a laffa, a type of Middle Eastern bread that is similar to a tortilla. The laffa is stuffed with juicy, flavorful meat, fresh vegetables, and a variety of sauces. One of their most popular menu items is the falafel shawarma, which combines two Middle Eastern favorites into one delicious dish. They also offer a variety of salads, including a refreshing dill-onion salad, to accompany your shawarma.
Eastern Crown
Eastern Crown is another popular shawarma spot that offers a unique twist on the classic dish. They serve their shawarma in a pita, but what sets them apart is their use of different meats. In addition to the traditional chicken and lamb, they also offer beef and turkey shawarma. They also offer a variety of sauces, including a spicy harissa sauce, to add some extra flavor to your shawarma.
If you're looking for something different from the traditional shawarma, be sure to check out Keter Hamizrach and Eastern Crown. Don't forget to try their delicious sides, like the dill-onion salad, to complete your meal.
Beyond Jerusalem
When it comes to shawarma, Jerusalem is not the only city in Israel that offers delicious options. Haifa and Jaffa are two other cities with a strong shawarma culture that are worth exploring.
Haifa
Haifa is a port city located in northern Israel and is known for its diverse culinary scene. The city has a large Arab population, which has contributed to the development of a unique style of shawarma. One of the most popular places to try this style is Abu Maroun, located in the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood. The shawarma here is made with a mix of chicken and lamb, and is served with a variety of fresh salads and sauces.
Another great option in Haifa is Al Reda, located in the Hadar neighborhood. This place is known for its large portions and affordable prices. The shawarma here is made with high-quality meat and is served with fresh pita bread and a variety of salads.
Jaffa
Jaffa is an ancient port city located in southern Tel Aviv and is known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. The city is also home to some of the best shawarma in Israel. One of the most popular places to try is Abu Hassan, a small and unassuming restaurant located in the heart of Jaffa. The shawarma here is made with a mix of lamb and beef, and is served with fresh pita bread and a variety of salads.
Another great option in Jaffa is Shlomo and Doron, located in the flea market area. This place is known for its high-quality meat and unique spice blends. The shawarma here is served with fresh pita bread, hummus, and a variety of salads.
Halo Teiman
If you're looking for a truly authentic shawarma experience, then Halo Teiman is the place to go. This restaurant, located in Jerusalem, is named after the originators of the food and has an authentic flavor that permeates everything. The shawarma here is made with high-quality meat and is served with fresh pita bread, hummus, and a variety of salads. It's no wonder that Halo Teiman is one of the most sought-after shawarma places in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jerusalem is home to some of the best shawarma places in the world. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you can never go wrong with trying out the shawarma in this city.
From the search results, it is clear that Al Nasser, Al-A'yed Restaurant, and Istanbul Samer are among the top-rated shawarma places in Jerusalem. These restaurants offer a variety of shawarma options, including chicken, beef, and lamb shawarma, all wrapped in a fresh pita pocket filled with homemade salads and sauces.
Other notable shawarma places in Jerusalem include Maria Shawarma & Bakery, Tala Hummus and Falafel, and Fountain Coffee Shop. These restaurants offer excellent shawarma at reasonable prices, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
It is worth noting that shawarma is not the only food that Jerusalem has to offer. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, serving a variety of cuisines, including Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. Some of the best restaurants in Jerusalem include Machneyuda, Eucalyptus, and M25.
Overall, Jerusalem is a food lover's paradise, and shawarma is just one of the many dishes that make this city a must-visit destination. With so many great shawarma places to choose from, visitors are sure to find a restaurant that suits their taste and budget.
