So, you’re doing Shabbat and you need a challah. But not all challahs are created equal. Any veteran challah baker knows that there are doughy challahs, eggy challahs, fluffy water challahs, dense multigrain challahs, and they come coated, sprinkled, and stuffed with everything ranging from sesame seeds to chocolate bars. They can be gluten-free, vegan, or even dairy.
The great news is that, if you live in New York, a great challah is within reach. Many of our favorite challah picks are available at markets all over the city. So without further ado, here is your official Kveller guide to the most exquisite loaves of challah in New York City.
1. Zomick’s
444 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
(516) 569-5520
One of the largest suppliers of your classic eggy, doughy, run-of-the-mill challah, Zomick’s in Cederhurst, NY is one of the most popular challah brands in New York. The bakery is based in Long Island, but you can find Zomick’s loaves at most supermarkets, such as fairway, all over Manhattan, and Riverdale.
Kosher certified: Yes
2. Breads
18 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
(212) 633-2253
Breads is a well-known Israeli bakery chain started by Uri Scheft that recently expanded into Manhattan. Their “festive challah” is pretty spectacular looking with its round weave and multicolored seeds. On Rosh Hashanah, they bake a particularly intricate centerpiece challah that winds around the table and has ceramic honey bowls baked in. Here’s a video of how its done if you’d like to try it at home. Breads is also famous for its gooey babka, so you may want to pick up a loaf of that while you’re at it.
Kosher certified: No
3. Hot Bread Kitchen
1590 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029
(212) 369-3331
Here’s a challah your conscience can feel good about. This bakery doubles as a non-profit hiring foreign-born and low-income bakers and specializes in a wide array of ethnic breads from around world. Their challah boasts a luxurious texture and flavor and is consistently ranked as one of the best in New York.Hot Bread Kitchen loaves are available at these greenmarkets around the city.
Kosher certified: No
4. Las Delicias
Created by Deborah Brenner from Argentina, Las Delicias adds a decadent twist to the classic challah. Every bite of their baked goods is designed for pleasure. Their delicious pan-baked round challahs come in a variety of flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, pearl sugar, and mix seeds. Here is a list of supermarkets in and around New York where you can find their products.
Kosher certified: Yes
5. Challah Fairy
Despite being factory produced, these loafs are (allegedly) sprinkled with fairy dust to ensure that each tastes unique and homemade. Made with whole-wheat flour, the challahs come in seven flavors: plain, sesame, crumb, cinnamon/crumb, chocolate chip/crumb, raisin, cinnamon/raisin. If you are lucky and manage to find the Challah Fairy’s pareve Oreo challah, you are in for a real treat. Here is a list of supermarkets in and around New York that carry Challah Fairy.
Kosher certified: Yes
