9 Favorite Tastes of Hanukkah in Machane Yehuda Market

Hanukkah in Jerusalem, Israel,

can be celebrated in so many ways,

but one universal favorite is a visit to

the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.

Walking to the shuk through the Nachlaot neighborhood

is not always easy, as short cuts can be blocked off.

Construction seems to be going on everywhere.

Even walking is not so simple on the narrow roads.

Often we joke that Jerusalem streets were built for donkeys.

These days maybe,

 they are better suited for flying motorcycles.

But if you persist and keep going,

where else will you find kosher cheese,

so colorful and flavorful?

For a Hanukkah dairy holiday treat,

 try this wine cheese, it was terrific.

Wine in cheese,

but of course, wine is for celebrating.

The varieties found in the shuk astound every time,

amazing varieties of olives,

plus those olive oils!

Some are special for use in Hanukkah menorahs,

to use instead of candles for the eight nights of Hanukkah.

Halva, huge blocks of halva,

where else will you find Hot Chilli halva,

and see the machine that makes it.

Some of the shutters of shops come down at night,

but then the partying begins.

Beer tasting, so many flavors of beer,

this warm party room in back is becoming

a new “hot” spot on the cold winter nights.

Too much food and drink, and the new

 “fresh up shop” pay toilets could come in handy.

Always merchandise to purchase,

but for Hanukkah the menorahs are displayed outside.

A walk through the shuk

is always good for photo ops,

with ripe pomegranates,

and my Hanukkah favorite,

the fresh strawberry season has started.

Machane Yehuda Market is changing daily,

and if you have not been in awhile, it is a must see.

A Hanukkah tasting tour would not be complete,

without suffganiot,

those donuts filled with fruit jam

or dozens of other flavors.

I am saving up Hanukiot, my favorite Hanukkah menorahs,

for a special post next week.

Meanwhile, enjoy this new sound and light projection

on the walls of Old City outside of

 Jaffa Gate and up from Mamilla Mall.

חנוכה שמח

Happy Hanukkah

UPDATED last night of Hanukkah:

I received comments about cheese and other shops,

in the shuk, questions about kosher supervision.

The piece of paper attached to the wall, at the top of this photo,

is a valid kosher certificate.

Sadly, not all the shops have proper supervision.

The staff at this one is happy to offer you a taste.