Zalatimo, Jerusalem

I first heard of this place from a TV show, I believe it was Ottolenghi's. Took my husband here a few years ago and we have been coming back each time we are in Jerusalem.

Zalatimo is one of those special places one tends to find when they are really lost. It is very difficult to find since it is a nondescript hole in the wall (literally), that exists within the ancient Roman walls which surround the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City.

This place has been here since 1860 and has been passed down from one generation to another.

The menu is very simple: Mutabak, a delicious dough filled with cheese or nuts.

The thin dough is masterfully flipped and turned. I stood there mesmerized, it was really like watching an artist at work. It takes a great skill to get the dough this thin.

The dough is flipped and rolled till truly paper thin.

Next, cheese or nuts are added, whichever you prefer.

It is folded and placed in the oven.

Once out of the oven, a bit of sugar syrup is drizzled over it. A bit of sugar syrup should be added to everything, in my opinion.

Voila! You get to eat it when it is still hot, sweet with a bit of crunch and so much flavor and goodness. This is as authentic as food gets and the surroundings just add to the wonderful flavor. There are no drinks at the shop but the owner will send someone out to bring tea or any drink you would like.

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