Jerusalem kaek: delicacy offers a taste of the Old City - in pictures

  • Ahmad, left, and Nasser Suneina, at the family bakery in Bab Hatta in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. All photos: Khaled Yacoub Oweis / The National
    Ahmad, left, and Nasser Suneina, at the family bakery in Bab Hatta in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. All photos: Khaled Yacoub Oweis / The National
  • Traditional ovens fuelled by olive wood give Jerusalem kaek its characteristic smoky taste
    Traditional ovens fuelled by olive wood give Jerusalem kaek its characteristic smoky taste
  • Dough maker Ahmad Suneina makes Jerusalem kaek – kaek Al Quds in Arabic – with its distinctive oblong ring shape
    Dough maker Ahmad Suneina makes Jerusalem kaek – kaek Al Quds in Arabic – with its distinctive oblong ring shape
  • It's a labour of love for Nasser Suneina producing Jerusalem kaek in cramped, poorly ventilated conditions
    It's a labour of love for Nasser Suneina producing Jerusalem kaek in cramped, poorly ventilated conditions
  • The Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Some Jewish residents come to Bab Hatta to buy Jerusalem kaek
    The Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Some Jewish residents come to Bab Hatta to buy Jerusalem kaek
  • Jerusalem kaek, fresh from the oven. It should be consumed fresh and hot, or if frozen, heated again before eating
    Jerusalem kaek, fresh from the oven. It should be consumed fresh and hot, or if frozen, heated again before eating
  • Olive wood used to fire the old stone underground oven
    Olive wood used to fire the old stone underground oven
  • Nasser Suneina's years of baking Jerusalem kaek the traditional way has left him with burn scars and respiratory issues
    Nasser Suneina's years of baking Jerusalem kaek the traditional way has left him with burn scars and respiratory issues
  • The Suneina family and their customers say being baked in the Old City gives Jerusalem kaek its unique taste
    The Suneina family and their customers say being baked in the Old City gives Jerusalem kaek its unique taste