Welcome to Machne Yehuda Market – the Jerusalem market that should not be missed on any visit to the city! The market combines tradition, different cultures, and ethnic foods of all kinds. It is one of the most popular places in Jerusalem, a pilgrimage center not only for tourists but also for Israelis from all over the country.
What makes the market a must-see destination is the combination of the past and the future: traditional stalls alongside modern chef restaurants and alleys that tell a story.
In this article, we will recommend places that are a must-visit so that you can plan your visit with tips on recommended places and interesting stalls.
Machne Yehuda Market – Where Did It All Start?
The market began its journey at the end of the 19th century as an open market where merchants placed their wares on mats and wooden tables, and city residents would come to purchase vegetables and fruits. Over time, the place gradually became a significant and central trading point.
In the 1920s, the market was reorganized and given a more orderly structure, with shelters that protected sellers and buyers from the weather. At this point, the market became an economic and social hub where people could find quality local produce at affordable prices.
The most significant change was in the 1990s. During these years, a major renovation was carried out, making visiting the market much more comfortable. As a result, new businesses joined the market: restaurants, cafes, and various shops. In the 2000s, the market was further upgraded and opened its doors to additional businesses, with an emphasis on developing the nightlife area.
Today, the market serves both as a place for commerce, where you can shop, and as a cultural hub, where performances, food events, and guided tours are held.
The market has become a symbol of Jerusalem’s ability to combine old and new, traditional and modern: spice stalls, old bakeries such as Marzipan Bakery, alongside innovative gourmet restaurants such as Machneyuda. Places like Pereg Spices and Azouval Sweets have been around for decades, preserving the market’s tradition alongside the innovation that brings in a young audience and tourists from all over the world.
After we’ve told you a little about the market’s history, it’s time to get to know the places you don’t want to miss on your next visit.
5 Recommendations You Shouldn’t Miss in Machne Yehuda Market
Eat Knafeh at “Knafeh Jerusalem”
“Knafeh Jerusalem” is a popular and beloved stall in the Machne Yehuda Market, which offers personalized knafeh made on the spot in a small pan over gas, in front of customers. The knafeh is made from a unique cheese blend and without food coloring, which emphasizes its natural and high-quality taste.
The stall offers a variety of knafeh versions: classic knafeh, knafeh with Turkish ice cream, chocolate, pistachio, halva, and more. Each of them is balanced in flavor, not too sweet, and refreshing.
The place is always full of people, and a queue indicates its popularity. In addition to knafeh, you can find rich malabi and a hot sahlab drink, perfect for cold winter days.
Drink Coffee at “Rakafeh”
“Rakafeh” is a small and inviting shop in the Machne Yehuda Market, specializing in high-quality coffee from all over the world. There you will find a wide selection of coffee beans, which can be purchased by weight – both whole beans and ground coffee, depending on your preference.
For those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee on-site, there is a small bar table with 2–3 chairs, where you can sit for a moment and drink fresh, high-quality coffee, while watching the lively life of the market. A perfect place for a short stop before continuing to stroll among the stalls.
Eat a Cookie or a Special Krembo at “Kaboom”
“Kaboom” is a prominent shop in the Machne Yehuda Market, dedicated to various krembos that are handmade on-site – from the biscuit at the bottom, through the cream, to the special coating. Each krembo comes with surprising fillings and flavors, in addition to which everyone can choose their favorite coating.
The selection of krembos includes, among others: strawberry, banana, vanilla, caramel, passionfruit, Ferrero Rocher, strawberry-banana, raspberry, and more. Each one is carefully designed and looks like a work of art.
In addition to krembos, “Kaboom” offers giant cookie-style cookies in a variety of flavor combinations: pistachio-white chocolate, “Amsterdam” cookie with melted chocolate filling, triple chocolate cookie, and more.
The place attracts visitors from all over the country thanks to its extraordinary krembos, the rich selection it offers, along with the possibility of adapting the dish to each person’s personal preferences.
Kurdish Pastry at “Kada Machne Yehuda”
“Kada Machne Yehuda” is an authentic Kurdish bakery located in the heart of the market. The bakery has become one of the favorite places in the market thanks to its fresh pastries that are made on-site and handmade. Here you will find: burekas, fresh pitas, and the highlight of the bakery: “Kada.” The “Kada” is a Kurdish pastry, a traditional, round, and flat yeast bread, filled with cheeses or other fillings such as spice mixtures and herbs. The Kada is baked on-site and served hot and fresh.
The bakery has become a must-stop for visitors to the market who want to taste authentic and traditional dishes and enjoy simple, fresh, and fine food.
Buy Baklava at “Balkawish”
- “Balkawish” is one of the most visited points in the market for sweet tooths, and especially for those looking for quality baklava. The place specializes in handmade oriental sweets, with an emphasis on freshness and quality.
At “Balkawish,” you can find plenty of baklava in different flavors and fillings, such as: - Pistachio – a classic and beloved flavor.
- Walnuts and almonds – a crunchy and sweet combination.
- Pecan – a modern twist on a traditional dish.
In addition to baklava, the place also offers fresh knafeh and a variety of other oriental desserts that are suitable for entertaining or simply as a sweet snack. There is an option to buy hospitality trays that combine several types of sweets, which are suitable for events or as a sweet gift.
End the Day with a Jerusalem Taste
Machne Yehuda Market is one of the main places that express Jerusalem tradition and the constant renewal of the city.
The market’s alleys, full of life at all hours of the day, invite visitors to stop, taste, and discover the place that has become a symbol of the connection between old and new. Whether you choose to taste a hot knafeh, refresh yourself with fresh coffee, or stop in front of a sweet stall – there is something for everyone in the market.
To complete the day after a stroll through the market alleys, we recommend staying at one of our boutique hotels, located a short walk from the market. The hotels offer comfort, personal service, an intimate atmosphere, and proximity to all the city’s main attractions. In the morning, you can indulge in a meal inspired by the market’s produce and start the day with good energy.
Plan your next visit to Jerusalem and get to know Machne Yehuda like a local. For more details and to book a vacation near the market, click here and enjoy everything the city has to offer!
