The Best Traditional Hanukkah Foods

Published on December 14th, 2022
Updated on November 27th, 2023

FROM LATKES TO DONUTS, GOLDBELLY’S GOT YOUR HANUKKAH CELEBRATION COVERED

Hanukkah may be nicknamed the Festival of Lights, but if you ask us, it’s also a Festival of FOOD! Because Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of a small amount of lamp oil keeping the Second Temple’s Menorah alight for eight days, foods fried in oil are traditionally eaten to celebrate the holiday. When partnered with other traditional Jewish American foods, a Hanukkah feast can be one worth looking forward to all year long. And thanks to Goldbelly, the best traditional Hanukkah foods are shipping to your door in time for the holiday.

What Do You Serve at A Hanukkah Party?

The two most popular Hanukkah foods are latkes and jelly donuts, both symbolic of the oil that kept the lamp burning. Gelt, little foil-wrapped chocolate coins, are also usually found at Hanukkah parties. After that, it’s up to you! Many families will also serve braised brisket and other family favorites (similar to what they would serve at other holiday gatherings, like Rosh Hashanah), but there are really no rules.

Latkes

Latkes, also known as potato pancakes, are the one food most closely identified with Hanukkah. They’re made by forming shredded potatoes (usually combined with a little onion) into patties and frying until golden brown, and are traditionally served alongside applesauce and sour cream (We’re partial to topping them with crème fraîche and smoked salmon). For picture-perfect latkes, look further than LA’s Linda’s Gourmet Latkes, which sells crisp latkes in a variety of sizes, with plenty of accompaniment options. Latkes are also shipping nationwide from icons including:

• New York’s Russ & Daughters, Mile End Deli, and Baz Bagel
• Napa’s Loveski Deli
• Houston’s Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen
• Brooklyn’s Junior’s Restaurant, which pairs them up with brisket and gravy

Jelly Donuts

Jelly Donuts, called Sufganiyot in this context, are the second most traditional Hanukkah food. Freshly-fried jelly donuts from:

• New York State’s Collegetown Bagels
• Boston’s famed Kane’s Donuts
• LA’s iconic Primo’s Donuts 
• NYC’s vegan and gluten-free version from Erin McKenna Bakery.

Challah

Challah isn’t a traditional Hanukkah food in the strictest sense, but it’s a welcome addition to any Jewish festivity. Every year, New York’s legendary Eli Zabar makes a limited quantity of menorah-shaped challahs that are a Hanukkah party must-have.

Hanukkah Feasts

One cannot survive on latkes and jelly donuts alone (try as we might), but full Hanukkah feasts for the whole family are also shipping to your door. You can’t go wrong with this Hanukkah Dinner platter of matzah ball soup, latkes, and brisket & gravy from Lido Kosher Deli, or full New York Jewish deli spreads from The Bronx’s Liebman’s Kosher Deli, Long Island’s Lido Kosher Deli, and Manhattan’s Pastrami Queen. 

If you’re looking to go a more Sephardic route, try the lamb kebab kit from New York’s Miznon or the legendary Lamb Shoulder Feast from Philly’s Zahav.

Brunch

For a perfect Hanukkah brunch, don’t miss bagel & lox platters from New York’s Ess-a-Bagel, Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish, Russ & Daughters, and Baz Bagel.

Dessert

Complement those jelly donuts with babka from New York icons Green’s Babka, Oneg Bakery, and Breads Bakery, or pair a Birthday Cake Babka with blue & white cookies from social media superstar Jake Cohen. Other showstopping Hanukkah desserts include:

• Hanukkah brownies from Ohio’s Brownie Points
• A gelt-topped Hanukkah chocolate cake from California’s Splash Cafe
• Giant Hanukkah Brookie Squares from NYC’s Baked in Color
• Blue Velvet Hanukkah cupcakes from New York’s Carousel Cakes
• Hanukkah Rice Krispie Treats from NYC’s Treat House

As you can see, there’s no shortage of incredible Hanukkah treats out there. From traditional favorites to modern treats, the best Hanukkah foods are shipping nationwide on Goldbelly!