I admit latkes are pretty amazing. But when it comes to Jewish food there is so much more to enjoy than just fried potato goodness. From Matzo to sweet deserts like rugelach and sufganiyot, Jewish foods have so much to offer.
Every holiday I get so excited when I hear my grandma is making her brisket and noodle kugel because besides the fact that they are traditions, they also make my mouth water. Even if you aren’t jewish get your hands on some matzo ball soup, because I promise you, you won’t regret it.
1. Challah
This egg bread is something I look forward to every holiday. A little sweet and golden brown on the outside. You really just can’t mess it up. Try it as french toast or spread some cream cheese on top.
2. Matzo Ball Soup
Noting is as delicious as matzo ball soup made by grandma. It is always the perfect start to every meal. Sick or not, this soup is worth eating every single day.
3. Noodle Kugel
Everyone thinks their mom’s noodle kugel is the best. But the real secret ingredient is Frosted Flakes. Sweet noddles filled with cheese and sugar topped with cereal?! Did someone say dessert? No, we eat this as part of the main course. It’s that good.
4. Rugelach
Chocolate, raspberry or strawberry inside of a flaky dough topped with cinnamon sugar. Need I say more?
5. Brisket
No, I’m not talking about BBQ brisket that you can find any day of the year. I’m talking about grandma’s holiday brisket filled with love, carrots, onions and savory sauce.
6. Bagels & Lox
While bagels aren’t necessarily Jewish, it’s hard to argue that they aren’t. On Yom Kippur, after we fast all day the first food we choose to eat is bagels. If that doesn’t show how important they are to the tribe, then I don’t know what will.
7. Babka
Babka is cake with chocolate or cinnamon-sugar filling swirled through it. Breads Bakery in NYC is currently the reigning champion of babka, but then again maybe they haven’t tried your bubby’s.
8. Hamantaschen
While hamantaschen are usually filled with chocolate or jelly, people have been getting more creative with these triangle shaped cookies recently. Mixing it up with sprinkles, Nutella, and fruity pebbles is the way to go. They’re a purim delicacy and are well worth the calories.
9. Knishes
A Knish is filled typically with mashed potato with caramelized onions, wrapped in a thin sheet of dough and baked. And you’re still reading this post and not already out the door trying to get one right now, why?
10. Pastrami on Rye
Go to any Jewish Deli and order a pastrami on rye bread and tell me it isn’t the best lunch you have ever had. Finish it off with a cream soda and a pickle on the side. You won’t be sorry.
11. Macaroons
No, I’m not talking about the french pastry. I’m talking about the coconut goodness of Jewish macaroons. They don’t have flour so we traditionally eat them on Passover. Dunk them in chocolate and enjoy.
12. Matzo
Matzo is the unleavened bread we eat on Passover. It can be made into all sorts of treats, like avocado toast, matzo pizza or matzo lasagna!
13. Sufganiyot
You probably have already had plenty of sufganiyot in your life. Traditionally Jews eat jelly donuts on Chanukah to remind them of the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight nights. Not a bad way to celebrate, if you ask me.
14. Egg Cream
Traditionally made with Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup, club soda and milk, an egg cream can be found in your Jewish grandma’s Brooklyn kitchen when you come to visit.
15. Matzo Brei
Matzo Brei is made during passover when Jews can’t enjoy their normal breakfast creations like bagels or french toast. Matzo and eggs in a frying pan topped with jelly and powdered sugar is a delicious creation.
16. Blintzes
Blintzes are like a Jewish crepe. Usually they are filled with a sweet cheese and sometimes fruit. A delicious side dish or even dessert for the holidays!
17. Shakshuka
Often served as a breakfast in Israel, Shakshuka consists of eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and spices. Dip some bread in the mixture to soak up the tomato goodness.
18. Charoset
During Passover, we eat Charoset to remember the bricks Jews made as slaves in Egypt. Apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine make a delicious topping for matzo and just about everything else.
19. Falafel
Deep fried chickpeas. Although they aren’t traditionally a Jewish food, you definitely can find these balls of goodness throughout the streets of Israel and probably around the corner from you as well.