Colors, aromas and sounds all mixed and as varied as possible. Entering this market leaves anyone open-mouthed and dazzled by its vast cultural and gastronomic richness. It is one of the largest markets in the entire Middle East and, of course, the largest in Jerusalem. Israel has wonderful markets, but Mahane Yehuda has an incomparable level.
One very curious fact that I learned the first time I visited Jerusalem was that all house façades are made of stone. In 1936 the British Government banned iron in construction precisely because this raw material was widely being used during the war. Such an order became a Municipal Law and the obligation has remained a custom perpetuated until today.
Israel is one of the most wonderful places in the world. I was so amazed when I arrived in the country, because even though I had imagined that the experience could be really special, nothing compares to the pleasant surprises this country holds.
All my friends I spoke to about Jerusalem recommended the same: you must know the Mahane Yehuda restaurant. And when I returned from Israel, they and others would ask the question: did you go to the Mahane Yehuda restaurant? Today I understand why. It is one of the most unique and special restaurants I have ever visited.
Just as you can’t miss Tel Aviv when going to Israel, the same can be said of Jerusalem. Similarly, you can’t understand, or at least begin to understand the history of Israel, without experiencing Jerusalem. I think it will never be possible to put into in words how intense, magical, energetic and beautiful this city is. And full of contrasts.