Former Jasmino Chef Opens New Kosher Pita Joint Yasmin in Bnei Brak
Former Jasmino kebab chef Yaron has opened Yasmin, a new kosher pita joint in Bnei Brak. Featuring a focused four-item menu, the spot stands out for its masterfully layered pitas and grilled meats.
A new pita joint has opened in one of the office towers in Bnei Brak, right across from the Ayalon Mall. Named "Yasmin" after the owner Yaron's daughter, the spot immediately sparks curiosity. Yaron is the very man who for years prepared the famous kebabs at the legendary Jasmino in Tel Aviv. Seeing him stand behind the grill again, stuffing kebabs and charred vegetables into soft pitas, raises an inevitable question: is this a copy of Jasmino? The answer is far more interesting.
A Focused Four-Item Menu
The menu at Yasmin is written directly on the white-tiled wall, keeping things simple and focused. It features exactly four options served in a pita: veal heart, kebab, merguez sausage, and chicken thigh (pargit), all priced at a flat rate of 44 NIS. For those looking for a lighter bite, a half-pita option is available for 27 NIS upon request, though it is not listed on the wall.
The round, moderately sized kebabs wait in a drawer before going straight onto the grill alongside onions, tomatoes, and hot peppers. The pitas are kept in a steamer, ensuring they remain soft, warm, and flexible. On the side, tahini, amba, and hot sauce stand ready, accompanied by fresh, crunchy cabbage and cucumbers.
The Art of the Perfect Bite
Once the grilled onions and tomatoes are chopped, Yaron begins the assembly process—a mesmerizing performance. He is the only one who handles the food, while a single cashier manages the orders.
With lightning speed, Yaron layers the ingredients: kebab, fresh vegetables, charred vegetables, another kebab, and sauces. His hands move with the precision of someone who has assembled thousands of these pockets.
This meticulous layering is what makes the pita exceptional. Every single bite offers a contrast of textures and temperatures: sweet, soft grilled vegetables alongside cool, crunchy cabbage, hot seasoned meat, rich tahini, and tangy amba. While the kebab itself is excellent—meaty, well-seasoned, and leaner than expected—it is the assembly that truly shines.
The Jasmino Connection
When asked about the comparison to his former workplace, Yaron explains:
"The only thing Jasmino and Yasmin have in common is me. Because people recognize me from Jasmino, they immediately make the connection. But the kebab recipe and the seasoning are entirely mine. Perhaps the similarity also comes from the fact that everyone today is looking for this exact combination—pita with meat and grilled vegetables. It is simply what people love right now."
Yaron left Jasmino five years ago. Since then, he opened "Mashwaya" in the Afula market, a similar pita concept. Whether Yasmin is a replica of Jasmino remains up for debate, but Yaron has clearly brought his signature recipes, seasoning, and unmatched technique to Bnei Brak.
For those in the Bnei Brak business district, Yasmin offers an outstanding, kosher street food experience that is highly recommended.
Address: 9 Masada St. (next to Goldy's), Bnei Brak. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Kosher.
