Dining In Jerusalem

Overview

The dining scene in Jerusalem extends from international cuisine restaurants to Arab roadside stalls to Jewish run cafes to kosher restaurants.  Unfortunately, many restaurants have recently moved their locations to out-of-the-way spots because of the security situation here.  It’s not uncommon to have guards posted outside a restaurant, nor is it uncommon to have a security fee added to your bill.

Local Cuisine

Jerusalem is still a city that is “unofficially” divided; a fact reflected in the local cuisine.  West Jerusalem is the thriving face of the city.  It is packed with high-end restaurants serving up everything from spicy Indian fare to Eastern European delicacies.  East Jerusalem, home to the Arab quarter, has fewer ritzy restaurants.  Here, you’ll find more traditional street stalls and budget dining options on your medical tourism vacation.  There are also hardly any kosher restaurants in East Jerusalem or in the Old City.    

Remember that kosher dietary practices determine the availability of fresh produces and other foods here.  On the day after the Sabbath, many restaurants use not-so-fresh produce that’s been sitting in restaurant kitchens from the week before.  

Street stalls offer an affordable dining experience for the medical tourism vacationer on a budget.  And because they are so popular with locals and students, you get to see how the “other side” eats.  Shawarma (roasted meats with chopped vegetables and mayonnaise rolled in pita bread), the ubiquitous falafel, and creamy humus – pick your choice of Middle Eastern chow, and gulp it down on the street. 

International Cuisine

There is a staggering range of international cuisine on offer here.  Thus, if you tend to be a “picky” medical tourism vacationer, you’re almost guaranteed to find a place that reminds you of home, somewhere in this city.  Eastern European cuisine is especially well represented, with South American countries adding some fiery exotica to the mix of global flavors.