10 Traditional Hanukkah Foods to Celebrate the Festival of Lights
We love potato latkes—but there’s so much more to feast on!
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
For Jewish people everywhere, late November through December brings the time of year for Hanukkah. Unlike holidays like Shabbat and Passover where a specific sit-down meal is traditional, Hanukkah doesn’t necessarily have a large family feast. Still, many families choose to throw a party and serve a meal of traditional Hanukkah foods.
The holiday, often called the Festival of Lights, commemorates Jews in the second century B.C.E. who were forced to accept Greek culture and religion and drop their Jewish observance. The Jews, led by Judah the Maccabbee, drove the Greeks away and reclaimed their temple and religion. When the Jews returned to their temple, they found only enough olive oil to light the candelabra (known as the menorah we’re familiar with today) for one night, but the supply miraculously lasted for eight days.
Today, Jews remember the plight of the Maccabees by lighting a menorah for eight nights, and of course, enjoying some traditional Hanukkah foods in celebration. And even though you may see some favorite Jewish foods like brisket, roasted chicken, bagels, smoked salmon, or kugel served at a Hanukkah meal, none of these foods have a specific tie to the holiday itself.
Most Hanukkah spreads are rich in carbs and oils, which can feel indulgent if you’re following a specific diet. But it’s crucial to enjoy the holiday season and give yourself freedom to eat the foods you love without harsh restrictions. “The thing is, there is so much guilt and good and bad words used for holiday dishes and foods. But they should not have a moral value. Especially when it’s something that’s a family value,” says Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., R.D.N., author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club.
Unless you have an allergy or medical issue that prevents you from digging in, don’t feel guilty about your choices, savor the foods you’ve been looking forward to, and have fun. However, if you’re particularly concerned about derailing your diet, Harris-Pincus suggests simple swaps in classic foods, like adding veggies for some variety and extra nutrients in traditional potato latkes or baking doughnuts instead of frying. It’s ultimately a personal decision.
Ready to enjoy our favorite traditional Hanukkah foods? From classic dishes to new favorites, the picks below are worth adding to your holiday table.
Arielle Weg is the associate editor at Prevention and loves to share her favorite wellness and nutrition obsessions. She previously managed content at The Vitamin Shoppe, and her work has also appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Cooking Light, MyRecipes, and more. You can usually find her taking an online workout class or making a mess in the kitchen, creating something delicious she found in her cookbook collection or saved on Instagram.
FDA: These Dairy Products Are Safe From Bird Flu
Tuna-Pineapple Hand Rolls
Hearts of Palm and Bean Salad
Coconut Sugar-Dusted Snickerdoodles