Jaffa’s longtime Bulgarian restaurant Monka, a culinary institution on Yehuda Hayamit Street that opened in 1948, will shut its doors at the end of this month after 78 years in business. The restaurant has long been a gathering place for older Jaffa residents and younger family generations seeking what the article describes as authentic Balkan food.
Monka became especially known for its Bulgarian kebabs, praised for their airy texture, balanced meat mixture and heavy use of garlic. Its signature dish was shakmbe chorba, a sour tripe soup with a strong garlic flavor that became a weekend staple for many regulars. The menu also included thick goulash, stuffed vegetables and classic moussaka with beef and eggplant, all served simply and in a warm, family-style atmosphere.
The article says Monka’s story is tied closely to Jaffa and to Israel’s history. The restaurant has existed since the founding year of the state in 1948, and the Bulgarian community in Jaffa helped shape local culture through institutions such as Maccabi Jaffa and specialty shops on Jerusalem Boulevard. Within that landscape, Monka stood out as a central meeting point where customers could reconnect with old-country flavors.
Its closure marks not only the end of a restaurant, but also a gradual farewell to the founding generation of Jaffa cuisine. As Jaffa continues to change and add modern chef restaurants and trendy bars, Monka represented a living reminder of the area’s older culinary identity. It is still unclear whether the family will renovate the building for a real-estate project or open a new restaurant.
