Welcome to “Introducing Israel”, in this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 

I’m (YOUR HOST) Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.

Today we’re going to talk about the place I buy all my groceries at - the (famous) Shuk Hacarmel – The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv]. Make sure you listen all the way through, so you don’t miss any of my tips. 

Now let me take you to one of the busiest places in Israel (PAUSE) to the heart of Tel Aviv. 

Right when you enter you can feel the energetic vibe of this place: 

A diverse crowd of people coming in and out from all directions. 

People shouting prices, 

An old lady trying to grab the last bread before the Shabbat dinner. 

Vendors offering you sweet treats left and right, 

Someone somewhere petting a street cat, close to the stall of hats. 

The colours, noise, and smell may at first seem a bit intimidating,but I promise you it will feel very natural within minutes of entering the market. 

You are right at the heart of the essence of Tel Aviv’s Middle Eastern flare. 

Immerse yourself fully!!

From fruit, vegetables, spices, meat, fish, pickled treats, to household goods, clothing, and even souvenirs you can find anything you’re searching for. 

The friendly vendors usually chat in Hebrew praising their goods, which will be a great way to pick up on some new Hebrew words. Don’t worry, they also enjoy babbling in English.

Israelis tend to argue. 

Don’t be afraid to join in 

Whoever you are, and wherever you come from,

you can negotiate the price with them. 

So don’t be nervous, it is a lot easier than you think!

Let me give you a tip. 

Show your interest - let them know you can’t afford it for more than what you’ve left in your wallet - whatever number you set aside for yourself that’s what you have left in your wallet ;) 

Now stick to it! They will refuse the first time so be pushy, by the third time they will crack - trust me. 

In between all the spices, dried olives, and fruits you will find small stores selling many other things such as Nargilas. 

Smoking Nargila, also known as Shisha, is a traditional part of Middle Eastern culture. 

It is a centuries-old social activity, which is still practiced throughout Israel today.

As you walk through the streets of the city, people of all ages can be seen smoking shisha in between their sips of coffee and tea.

There are great places to sit back, relax and enjoy a flavoured smoke in the city. 

you can find many stores in the Market that sell anything you would need. 

From various heights and designs to all related equipment there is more than enough to choose from.   

So, before we get back into the busy, narrow little streets of the Shuk HaCarmel let us take a break at the Blue Door Café.

One of the many cafes hidden within the Kerem district – the small streets surrounding the market also known as The Yemenite Quarter. 

And here we can sit down[PAUSE], enjoy an Israeli Coffee, and learn a little bit more of the history of the market. 

[PAUSE]

The Carmel market actually started right here in Kerem HaTeinmaninm in the early 1920s. Back then it was a small little market called “HaKerem”, the vineyard. A group of Russian immigrants began to create a busy little market right in the heart of the city.

During the 50s the Carmel Shuk became the best and most direct source of local, fresh produce. The municipality failed to move the market to a more central location in the 60s and 70s. It turned out that the locals preferred the more intimate charm of the neighbourhood market.

And as you will be walking through it, you will understand why. 

The main street of the market runs down south from the intersection with King George Street and Allenby Street, two of the biggest streets in the city.

We find the famous Magen David Square as the north entrance to the Shuk. 

Many smaller streets lead to the market from the sides. If you enter like that, you get to explore a few more hidden cafes and small bars, and sometimes you can find some smaller traders on those streets as well. 

You can visit the market any day of the week, except for Shabbat our Saturday. Tuesdays and Fridays are days worthwhile to stop by. On those days the market offers a special treat to its guests. Many independent artists sell their unique crafts, art, and jewelry along Nahalat Binyamin Street. 

[PAUSE]

Now let’s head back into the busy place and explore some of the great food counters and small restaurants. 

You have the choice of different casual ethnic restaurants for dining throughout the day. 

A rare experience to taste the different cuisines the city has to offer. It will give you a sense of what it felt and tasted like before Tel Aviv became a city. 

A tasting experience taking you back to the past so to speak. 

Take a paper and a pen, or if you’re more digital like I am open your notes because you want to write these down.  

Habasta, located at the edges of the Carmel market and getting its name from the Hebrew word for ‘market stall’, this restaurant serves as a perfect microcosm of the city’s restaurant culture.

They only use fresh and local ingredients to create their creative dishes such as their crab burekas – a great twist on a local favourite! 

They of course serve traditional Mediterranean dishes – always changing with the seasons. For great food and atmosphere make sure to stop by! 

Another one of my favorites is Bicicletta. 

It lies just behind the pedestrian street leading to the Carmel Market. An open courtyard behind a building, decorated with a rustic-chic vibe.

This lets you escape the busy streets for a moment. 

A great place where tourists and locals mingle, chat, relax, and enjoy cocktails. 

Homemade eggplant fries, freshly baked focaccia, and mouthwatering mains like hanger steak in brandy sauce will have you coming back daily.

Hamitbahon is the last place I would like to introduce you to. A very special place serving great food under the slogan:

 “It’s grandma’s food, we just serve it.” 

Handmade couscous, vegetable or meat stew, stuffed cabbage, and pastida are some of the delicious food they serve. This is a truly intimate food experience. 

So, whether you spend an hour or the whole day exploring each corner of the market, or rubbing shoulders with the locals, this place is a must on your travels to Tel Aviv.