Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a time for joyous celebration and, of course, indulging in delicious fried foods. New York City restaurants embrace this tradition, offering an array of culinary delights, from classic latkes and sufganiyot to innovative interpretations of these holiday staples. Whether you’re seeking a traditional sit-down meal or a quick and tasty treat, the city’s diverse culinary landscape offers a plethora of options to satisfy every palate.
Traditionalists can find solace in the classic preparations offered at establishments like Mijo, a Mexican restaurant with a Hanukkah twist, offering both latkes with various toppings (labneh, serrano chili labneh, or applesauce) and sufganiyot filled with housemade strawberry or raspberry jam. Dagon, an Upper West Side restaurant, presents a more elaborate Hanukkah menu featuring latkes with a wide array of toppings, from horseradish yogurt and smoked salmon to lamb ragu and schug. Their Hanukkah menu extends to a grilled brook trout main course and classic sufganiyot for dessert, accompanied by festive cocktails. Breads Bakery, renowned for its babka, also embraces tradition with its homemade latkes and sufganiyot in an assortment of flavors, catering to both individual cravings and larger gatherings.
For those seeking a modern twist on Hanukkah cuisine, several restaurants offer unique and innovative dishes. Barbounia presents a week-long a la carte menu featuring dishes like Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, Kugel Yerusalmi, and Grilled Hudson Valley Duck Hearts, alongside a Taboon Roasted Red Snapper and Slow-cooked Lamb Neck “Ossobuco” for main courses, culminating in homemade sufganiyot. Sungold in Williamsburg offers a Celery Root Latke, a creative reimagining of the traditional potato pancake, paired with pear butter, horseradish, and chives, and complemented by a warm winter cocktail menu. These restaurants demonstrate how Hanukkah flavors can be creatively incorporated into contemporary cuisine.
Beyond individual dishes, several establishments offer complete Hanukkah experiences. GERTIE in Williamsburg provides catering boxes filled with latkes, sufganiyot, blue and white cookies, dreidels, gelt, and the option to add smoked fish. They also host an in-house latke bar and rotating drink specials throughout the holiday. Motel Morris, a family-owned restaurant in Chelsea, incorporates Hanukkah specials into their regular menu, offering latkes with pastrami-cured salmon, applesauce, and sour cream. These options provide a convenient and festive way to celebrate Hanukkah with family and friends.
Even dessert shops are getting into the Hanukkah spirit. Kith Treats has collaborated with Doughnut Plant to create a limited-edition Jelly Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwich. This unique creation features Kith Treats’ signature vanilla ice cream infused with Frosted Flakes, Toffee Crunch, and strawberries, sandwiched between a Doughnut Plant yeast doughnut filled with strawberry jam and adorned with powdered sugar and strawberry preserves in the shape of the letter “K.” This collaboration exemplifies the playful and innovative spirit of Hanukkah celebrations.
Finally, Daily Provisions offers a unique take on the sufganiyah with its Sufganiyot Crullers, filled with strawberry jam and rolled in lemon sugar. These crullers are available for pre-order catering, providing a sweet and convenient option for Hanukkah gatherings. From traditional preparations to contemporary interpretations and innovative desserts, New York City’s culinary scene offers a rich and diverse range of options for celebrating the Festival of Lights. Whether you’re craving classic latkes and sufganiyot or seeking a more modern take on Hanukkah flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
