Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 6 Episode 17 Jerusalem

In the 17th episode of season 6 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey through the ancient city of Jerusalem. The episode explores the city's rich history and cultural diversity through its vibrant food scene.

The episode begins with a visit to Machane Yehuda Market, also known as "The Shuk." The market, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire, is a bustling hub of activity where locals and visitors can find fresh produce, spices, meats, and baked goods. Zimmern chats with vendors and samples traditional and contemporary dishes, including hummus, shakshuka, and pastries filled with cheese and spinach.

Next, Zimmern heads to a family-owned bakery that has been making Jerusalem's famous bagels for over 100 years. The bagels, known as "Khalil's bagels," are boiled in a honey and water mixture before being baked to perfection. Zimmern tries a variety of bagel sandwiches, including one with smoked salmon and another with za'atar and labneh.

The episode also features a visit to a restaurant that serves Palestinian cuisine. The chef prepares a traditional dish called maqluba, which translates to "upside down" in Arabic. The rice-based dish is layered with spiced chicken, vegetables, and fried eggplant before being flipped over and served. Zimmern is also treated to a tasting of an array of mezze, small plates of appetizers that are popular throughout the Middle East.

In addition to exploring the city's food scene, Zimmern delves into the rich cultural history of Jerusalem. He visits the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism, and learns about the tradition of writing prayers on pieces of paper and placing them in the cracks of the wall. He also visits the Christian Quarter of the Old City, where he observes a procession of priests carrying a cross through the streets.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to a sweet shop that specializes in Arabic desserts. The shop sells a variety of treats, including knafeh, a pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and soaked in syrup. Zimmern also tries kanafeh nabulsi, a dessert that originated in the Palestinian city of Nablus and is made with a layer of shredded dough, cheese, and orange blossom syrup.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern showcases the diverse and delicious culinary traditions of Jerusalem, highlighting how food reflects the city's unique blend of religions, cultures, and histories.