The Jerusalem bagel will probably be the first food you see upon entering the Old City of Jerusalem. Almost at every gate, there is a stand where someone is selling this bagel.
Bagels are typically Jewish foods, but the Jerusalem bagel is different. The main difference is that it is not boiled, only baked. It has an elongated shape, a crispy crust sprinkled with sesame seeds, and a fluffy, light center. It is a relatively large piece of baked goods. In terms of recipe and appearance, it is remotely similar to the Turkish simit or Lebanese ka’ak bread.
In Jerusalem, you can buy a Jerusalem bagel practically everywhere. At the gates to the Old City, it is sold for 10 shekels, which is approximately 2.80 Eur. However, try to get lost in the old Jerusalem alleys and buy it directly from one of the bakeries you will surely come across.
I bought my first Jerusalem bagel in a small bakery similar to this one. If you are not sure whether the bakery sells its products directly on-site, do not be afraid to ask. I received a warm welcome, and the two bakers showed me their small workplace. As a gift with the bagel, they also added a za’atar spice mix, stylishly wrapped in a piece of yesterday’s newspaper. The Jerusalem bagel from this small bakery cost 5 shekels (about 1.40 Eur).
Bon appetit!
