Where to Enjoy Great Sahlep (Sachlev) in Jerusalem?

On chilly Jerusalem winter days, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming cup of sahlep (also spelled sachlav or sahlab). This thick, creamy Middle Eastern hot drink is traditionally made with milk and a thickening base such as cornstarch, then topped with cinnamon, shredded coconut, and crushed pistachios or walnuts. Deeply rooted in regional winter traditions, Sahlep is especially popular in Jerusalem, where cafés and market stalls serve it as the perfect way to warm up between strolls through the city. Here are the top places in Jerusalem to enjoy great Sahlep, all verified and currently operating.

Here are the top 7 places in Jerusalem to enjoy amazing Sahlep:

Hidden in a quiet alley just off the city center, Tmol Shilshom is a beloved bookstore-café and cultural institution. With its cozy atmosphere and literary charm, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a cup of Sahlep while strolling the city center streets. 

Address: Yo’el Moshe Salomon St 5, Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-623-2758

Located on the popular Emek Refa’im Street in Jerusalem’s German Colony, Caffit is a long-standing local favorite known for its warm atmosphere and relaxed café culture. During the winter months, it’s an inviting place to stop for a hot drink while exploring one of the city’s most pleasant neighborhoods. Alongside coffee and classic café fare, Caffit serves seasonal warm beverages, making it a fitting spot to enjoy Sahlep on a cold Jerusalem day.

Address: Emek Refa’im St 36, German Colony, Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-563-5284

Known for traditional health-inspired drinks and folk remedies, Uzi-Eli Chezi offers a unique take on Sahlep during winter, sometimes made with goat’s milk. Located on a side street inside the shuk, this spot appeals to those looking for a more traditional and local experience.

Location: HaEgoz St, Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-500-3075

For a familiar and convenient option, Aroma Espresso Bar offers Sahlep at several locations across Jerusalem. Topped with coconut, walnuts, and cinnamon, it’s a comforting choice for those who want a quick, reliable cup while on the go.

Locations: Multiple branches across Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-671-2228

A long-standing favorite in Mahane Yehuda Market, Mifgash HaSheikh is considered by many locals to be one of the best places in Jerusalem for winter drinks. Known for its lively shuk atmosphere, this iconic spot serves comforting Sahlep that’s perfect for sipping while wandering through the market’s bustling alleys.

Location: 73 Etz HaChaim Street, Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem
Phone: +972-2-656-6664

Located inside Gan Sacher, Jerusalem’s largest park, Gan Sipur Café offers a calm and inviting setting for enjoying a warm winter drink. The café is known for its seasonal offerings, and Sahlep here often comes in several flavours, making it a popular stop during colder months as you enjoy a nice walk in the park.

Location: Gan Sacher Park, Jerusalem
Phone: +972-72-336-0999

Open 24 hours (except on Shabbat), Turkish Bourekas from Haifa is famous for its bourekas, but it’s also a reliable place to enjoy creamy Sahlep in winter. Located near Safra Square on Jaffa Road, it’s perfect for late-night or early-morning warming drinks.

Location: Jaffa Road, near Safra Square, Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-624-4046

Sahlep has deep historical roots across the Middle East and Mediterranean, especially during the Ottoman period when it was a popular winter warming drink. Traditionally prepared with Orchid tuber flour, today it’s often made with cornstarch or similar thickeners and flavored with cinnamon, coconut, and nuts. In Jerusalem’s winter, it remains a beloved seasonal treat for both locals and visitors.