Machne Yehuda market began in an empty yard in the new Jewish neighborhood of Nachlaot at the beginning of the 19th century. The Arabs from the villages around came here to sell their products and it benefited both sides who didn’t had to go all the way to the old city to sell or buy in the markets there.
The Jewish housewife tried to communicate in Arabic and the Arabs tried to sell in Yiddish.
from just an open yard they started to establish small huts and building and the rest is history.
Machne Yehuda is a food market, mainly fruits, and vegetables. If you are looking for cheap clothes and toys from china go to the markets of the Old City. You can get fresh fruits and vegetable depends on the season and all kind of special species and leaves.
You can read here about the common Israeli food.
On the MAP
Exploring Machne Yehuda Market
- Machne Yehuda(camp of Juda) is the main street of the market (surprising huh?) the locals call it ‘The Open Market‘ because the other parts are covered with plastic roof against the sun and rain.
- EItz Hachaim Street is called the Roofed Market.
- Pri Eitzis called the Iraqi Market.
These 3 streets are the main body of the modern Jerusalem market.
On the streets around you will have restaurants and food stalls. From falafel shops to chef restaurants.
The Iraqi Market
Mainly cheap fruits and vegetables. usually cheaper than the rest of the market.
Behind it, there is a small court which is really interesting.
It is a last stand of the old school market people and elderly Jerusalemites. Where they meet, hang out, discuss politics and drink.
In this court, there are also some of the market most famous restaurants. It’s a traditional home cooking of Mizrachi Jews. It used to be the place where the market workers used to eat but slowly it got popular and touristic. Don’t let the simple look trick you, the prices are not so cheap but the food is great. I don’t eat here… my grandma makes it better.
3 Best places to eat at the market
Ha-Hummus shel Thina
The best hummus in the universe:
Proved by scientists of the Hebrew University.The hummus is served HOT which is a sign of a good hummus place. They have all kind of special topping and special fat pitta bread.
The place has a hippie chill out atmosphere and you can get a refill to your hummus. they also serve delicious desserts. if you are staying at the Abraham hostel, show them the map you got and they will give you a free treat.
located outside of the market in Nachlaot neighborhood – MAP.
Injera
Injera is a traditional Ethiopian food. It looks like a taboon bread or a kind of flat bread but the big exception is that It is made out of teff which has a completely different taste. It is eaten with the hands as you take part of the injera and deep it in one of the dishes above. Most of my friends really love it, some friends can’t stand the smell and the sour taste of the injera. The place serves a dish which is suited for 2 people. If you are alone you should be really hungry or make a new instant friend to go with. Personally, I think that the vegetarian version is more special, diverse and much tastier.
The Market At Night
At night the market changes completely and become something else. In the past, from being the loud, noisy chaotic place it is during the day it became silent and empty e during the night.
Today during the night it becomes in a way even more chaotic as street bars emerging on the tiny alleys. With loud music of all styles. The shop’s doors that are now closed is covered with amazing graffiti of Israeli and Jewish figures. It’s cool to see how the place changes from day to night and I recommend to visit even if you are not planning a night out.
Beer Bazaar
Check Beer Bazaar. This place serves over 100 Israeli beers. Some of life most pleasant moments is when you get to check new local beers. If you want to go on the Jerusalemite beer check Shapira Beer. I like the Pale Ale.
Unlike other pubs in the market, it is also open during the day.
-At the entrance to the roofed market from Yafo Street.
