What Jewish foods are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?

This year the celebrations kick off at sundown on Sunday December 18, and run through until sunset on Monday December 26.

While lighting a menorah, having parties and exchanging gifts with loved ones is common practice, there’s also a lot of delicious food to be eaten across the eight-day festival.

Just what food is it traditional to tuck into during Hanukkah? Here’s what you need to know…

What foods are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?

Sufganiyot

Essentially a deep-fried doughnut usually filled with strawberry jam and eaten during Hanukkah.

While jam is the tradition, Jewish people around the world have experimented with their sufganiyot fillings over the years.

The scrumptious-looking treats are often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Gelt

The coins are often wrapped in silver or gold foil with the tradition dating back to the 17th Century.

The word “gelt” in Yiddish, the traditional language Jewish people began using around 1000 years ago, translates to “money.”

Beef brisket

It’s not all about sweet treats during Hanukkah – mouth-watering beef brisket is often served up during the celebrations.

Beef brisket first became popular in eastern Europe at a time when more expensive cuts of meat were unaffordable.

Brisket isn’t just synonymous with Hanukkah and often makes an appearance at the dinner table at Passover and Rosh Hashanah.

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