Asaf Granit Launches Jerusalem Shawarma Spot 'De Pita' with Unique Local Twist
Last month, renowned chef Asaf Granit and his team from Machneyuda opened a new shawarma restaurant in Jerusalem called "De Pita," located in the former space of the intimate chef restaurant "Hadekel 3." This move from high-end dining to a popular street food concept reflects the city's evolving culinary landscape, with fewer tourists and a growing demand for accessible, comforting fast food. Granit, a longtime Jerusalem resident, and his partners aim to elevate shawarma, a dish that has recently surged in popularity across Israel but has not traditionally been a Jerusalem specialty.
The shawarma at De Pita features a modest 40-kilogram veal meat wheel, blending entrecôte, ribs, fat, and Denver cut, sliced fresh by chef Kamel Shalmon, a respected Jerusalem chef who previously ran a successful shawarma spot in Abu Ghosh. The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM, with lines forming early and the 100-150 pitas served daily often sold out by mid-afternoon. Plans include expanding the meat wheel and extending hours to accommodate the influx of visitors during the High Holy Days.
The shawarma pita, priced at 58 shekels, is praised for its delicate seasoning and juicy, flavorful meat, accompanied by a concise salad selection and traditional condiments like pickles, amba, and tahini. Pitas are steamed to maintain elasticity and capacity, though no laffa bread is offered. The standout dish, however, is a 62-shekel pita filled with veal meatballs wrapped in grape leaves, inspired by a legendary Jerusalem street food vendor. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked meatballs with the tangy grape leaves and creamy tahini, creating a unique and elegant bite.
Other menu items include a kibbeh pita, which has evolved from a grilled bulgur version to a fried Nablus-style kibbeh, though it is considered less successful. The menu totals six dishes, including kebab, chicken, and liver skewers previously featured at Machneyuda's nearby "Steakiya." A side of fries is also available for 18 shekels. "De Pita" exemplifies Machneyuda's ability to reinvent itself and honor Jerusalem's street food scene, with the true test being the maintenance of quality and consistency over time beyond the initial hype.
