Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official social media account of the subject business is also used. Take note that this is not a sponsored article at all. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
During the free day I had on February 15, 2023 – the day-off from the Israel pilgrimage tour I was part of – I used the additional time to not only go to key sites in the old city of Jerusalem (the Temple Mount, revisiting the Western Wall, revisiting the Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb, revisiting the Upper Room plus Oskar Schindler’s grave in a cemetery outside the city wall) but also explore what Jerusalem has to offer in terms of food and beverages.
The popular Mahane Yehuda market was my destination of choice to have lunch at and explore other joints within. This was actually my return to Mahane Yehuda as I had my first visit to the place a few days prior. On my way to the market marching along Jaffa Street all the way from the old city, I managed to find time to have a much-needed break at Tmol Shilshom. It was an elegant place that was worth the challenge finding.
After the short-but-sweet stay at Tmol Shilshom, I proceeded to Mahane Yehuda but I noticed something…the weather suddenly got colder as a light rain took place. This is Israel winter season I am talking about here and a little rain is enough to make the air colder.
Eventually, I returned to Mahane Yehuda market. The difference compared to my first visit is that the air was colder and the pavement was slightly wet due to the weather. As I was desiring to have Shakshuka for lunch, I went into the roofed part of the market and eventually made my way to the one food joint that specialized with what I wanted to eat – Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda.
For the newcomers reading this, Shakshuka (also spelled as Shakshouka) is a dish composed of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, oliver oil, pepper, onion and garlic topped with green vegetables and some spices.
Going back to my arrival at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda, I was fortunate enough to find a vacant seat (located near the small restroom). The pretty lady behind the counter handed me their menu in English which I carefully viewed. For my meal, I eagerly ordered their lunch special composed of Shakshuka with bread, pickles, colored tahini and a soft drink. The type of Shakshuka I specifically chose was the Classic/Fire (48 Shekels).
The pretty lady behind the counter proceeded with my Classic/Fire Shakshuka order. She prepared the ingredients for the Shakshuka and had it cooked within her workspace. The bread, meanwhile, was cooked in a toaster oven.
When my meal was served really hot, there was this nice aroma that greeted me. There was also this instant relief from the cold air. While I was already hungry considering how far I walked from the hotel to the sites in the old city, to Tmol Shilshom and the Mahane Yehuda market, I paused for a while to admire the my Classic/Fire Shakshuka meal. It was, after all, my first-ever Shakshuka meal and the end of our Israel pilgrimage tour was near.
Finally, I decided to take my first bite of the Classic/Fire by eating like a local. I cut off a piece of the hot bread and moved it through the Shakshuka to catch a portion of it, and then ate it. Instantly, I really enjoyed the unique taste of the Shakshuka and this includes the freshness of the tomatoes and ingredients cooked together. Consuming it with a piece of bread (note: which I learned from consuming bread with Humus) along with the green vegetables added this nice texture into what I consumed. Then I went on to cut off another piece of hot bread, moved it through the Shakshuka (note: I got more of the egg this time) and ate. It was a really joyful eating experience.
After running out of bread, I started using the provided spoon to slowly consume the Shakshuka. The heat was really nice and I really felt it inside me after consuming portions. I ended up being fully satisfied and really happy to have my lunch there at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda. I paid my bill and, in support of the business, I gave a tip.
Conclusion
I really had a great lunch at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda inside the popular Mahane Yehuda market. Their lunch special was very delicious, nicely cooked and fulfilled what was promised. The Classic/Fire variant of their lunch special is just one of several types of Shakshuka offered. Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda also offers Eggplant Shakshuka, Spinach Shakshuka, Yellow Pepper Shakshuka, Alfredo Shakshuka, Eggplant Parmesan Shakshuka, Cream-Spinach and Feta Shakshuka, and even Pizza Shakshuka. The food joint has so much to offer customers looking for not only freshly cooked Shakshuka but also sandwiches, French Fries, Israeli Salad and coffee.
The next time I visit Jerusalem and the Mahane Yehuda market, I would not hesitate to come back to Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda and try their other Shakshuka variants. I am deeply thankful to our Lord for the great Shaksuka lunch I had. Never forget to thank the Lord and glorify Him in return for the good food and drinks you enjoy. In fact, always thank and glorify the Lord for the blessings you receive from Him and for His plans for you. Also, learn to stand united with Israel and love and bless the Jewish people. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (AMPC)
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 9:1 (NLT)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;
The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.
Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)
God told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you.
I’ll make you a great nation
and bless you.
I’ll make you famous;
you’ll be a blessing.
I’ll bless those who bless you;
those who curse you I’ll curse.
All the families of the Earth
will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (MSG)
If ever you will be visiting Israel and you will be spending time in Jerusalem, then I highly recommend visiting Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda for meals as part of your visit in the Mahane Yehuda market.
Follow the food joint’s Instagram account by clicking https://www.instagram.com/shakshuka.machaneyehuda/
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel pieces here.
+++++
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Author Carlo Carrasco 