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Azura, Jerusalem


Azura, an eatery in the Machane Yechuda market was opened by Ezra, nicknamed "Azura" in 1952 after he emigrated from Turkish Kurdistan. These days, Azura, run by Ezra's nine children, has a cult-like status, and the crowds to prove it.





Azura is not easy to find and your best bet is to enter it from the Iraqi part of the Machane Yechuda market.  It is almost impossible to find it from the street.


The restaurant is located on a small square filled with older man playing backgammon and sipping tea, which just adds richness to the already wonderful atmosphere.




The food is cooked slowly in these large pots over gas burners.


The menu was so packed with delicacies, we had a difficult time choosing just a few dishes.

We started our lunch with this wonderfully creamy hummus with warm mushrooms and onion, a combination which has always been my favorite.


The tomato, cucumber, and onion salad came garnished with parsley and a healthy dose of tahini.  I fell in love with the rice and noodle dish that is pictured in the background.


This is Azura - Turkish eggplant filled with ground beef, pine nuts, bathed in a special sauce with cinnamon.


Kima - kebab, eggplant with potato and spinach leaves.


Moussaka - stuffed eggplant in a tomato-piquant sauce.



Beef Sofrito - Beef with potatoes.

 Okra with tomato.




The meat was spectacular and tender.


Azura
Ha Eshkol Street 4

Sunday - Friday - 8 -4pm
Saturday - closed

Joanna


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