A new addition to Jerusalem’s dining landscape is bringing authentic Ethiopian flavors to the streets just outside Machane Yehuda market. Haset, a relatively recent opening, is a meat restaurant that focuses on traditional Ethiopian home cooking, offering a communal, experience-driven meal that is different from the typical Middle Eastern and Israeli spots that surround the shuk.
Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine Centered Around Injera and Wat
At the heart of Haset’s menu is injera, the classic Ethiopian sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. Injera serves a dual role, acting both as a plate and as an eating utensil. Large round platters arrive at the table lined with layers of the soft, slightly tangy bread, which is then topped with an assortment of vibrant stews and vegetable dishes known as wat.
Diners tear pieces of injera and use them to scoop up bites of meat stews, lentils, and cooked vegetables. This style of eating is intentionally communal, encouraging guests to share the same platter and experience the meal together instead of as separate plates. The combination of rich stews, aromatic spice blends, and the unique texture of the injera creates a distinct flavor profile that is rarely found among kosher restaurants in Jerusalem.
While full menu details continue to develop, early visitors have highlighted traditional meat wats, slow-cooked to achieve deep flavors, alongside an array of colorful sides. These may include split lentils, chickpeas, sautéed greens, and other classic Ethiopian vegetable preparations that balance the hearty meat dishes.
A Story of Aliyah and Heritage
Haset is operated by Abarash, who immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia as a child. She brings both personal history and culinary heritage into the restaurant’s kitchen. The recipes are rooted in Ethiopian home cooking, reflecting dishes that would commonly be served at family gatherings and special occasions.
This background is also reflected in the atmosphere of the restaurant. Photographs from early visits show a warm, welcoming interior with bright colors on the walls, traditional Ethiopian baskets and decorative pieces, and tables set up to accommodate shared platters. The goal appears to be more than just serving food, it is about preserving a cultural tradition and making it accessible to Jerusalem diners.
Part of the Growing Food Scene Around the Shuk
Haset’s location near Machane Yehuda places it within one of Jerusalem’s most dynamic food and market districts. The area attracts both locals and tourists who come for fresh produce, specialty shops, and an ever-expanding list of eateries. Against this backdrop, Haset stands out by offering something that is still relatively rare in the city, fully traditional Ethiopian cooking prepared in a kosher meat kitchen.
The restaurant provides an additional option for those exploring the shuk neighborhood who are interested in trying a different style of cuisine while remaining within the familiar framework of the local kosher scene. Its proximity to the market and central Jerusalem transportation makes it accessible for residents from various neighborhoods as well as visitors spending time in the city center.
Address, Kashrut, and Practical Details
Haset is located at 6 Hadekel Street, near the Machane Yehuda market area in Jerusalem. The restaurant operates as a meat establishment under Tzohar kashrut supervision.
Images by Instagram user Shimshon Leshinsky