UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 2024
On Rosh Hashanah, we take a different twist on challah… quite literally. To celebrate the Jewish New Year, challah is braided and shaped in a circle, it looks more distinguished and festive than the one eaten on Shabbat. The circular shape of challah also symbolizes eternity, the constant cycle of years and seasons.
If you have the time, we definitely recommend making challah from scratch at home. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread filling up the house. But if baking is not your thing, don’t stress. We compiled a list of our all-time favorite NYC bakeries where you can find some ridiculously delicious challah for your Rosh Hashanah table. And if you’re outside the Big Apple, don’t worry! Some of them deliver.
Michaeli Bakery
An Israeli-style bakery serving freshly-baked goods from flaky rugelach, and sweet babkas to fluffy challah loaves.
For Rosh Hashanah, Michaeli Bakery will have 3 types of round challah available: Plain, Seeded, and Sesame (Vegan) along with other traditional desserts such as Duvshaniot (honey cookies), classic honey cake, and a few delicious babka options (Apple Crumble, we’re comin’ for ya).
Lower East Side: 115A Division St, New York, NY 10002
Upper East Side: 401 East 90th Street, New York, NY 10128
(@michaelibakerynyc)
Photo by @bestofvegan
Photo credit: @michaelibakery
Fan Fan Doughnuts
Ok, ok, you won’t find a traditional challah here but hear us out. Rumor has it - Fan Fan, a fan-favorite (no pun intended) doughnut destination is rolling out a Rosh Hashanah special. It won’t be a typical challah loaf, but a fun play on the tradition with a braided doughnut! Or doughllah? Maybe challoughnut? All we know, is it will hit the sweet spot (quite literally).
448 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
@fanfandoughnuts
Photo/Videos from: @fanfandoughnuts
Librae bakery
Librae Bakery has become a beloved spot in the East Village since opening in 2022. With their mouthwatering selection of pastries, from Jerusalem bagels to buttery, flaky croissants, they've quickly earned a loyal following. This year, they’ll be celebrating Rosh Hashanah with a special selection of round challah loaves. These festive loaves are bound to sell out fast, so be sure to place your order early—you won’t want to miss out!
35 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003
@libraebakery
Photos from @libraebakery
Liv Breads
We know Liv Breads is based in New Jersey, but we love this bakery so much that we had to make an exception and add them to our list.
They bake their round honey challah every Friday throughout the High Holiday season, with additional dates leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. If you're lucky enough to live nearby, you can pick yours up at the store, but the good news for the rest of us is they ship their beautiful challahs nationwide! While you're at it, don’t forget to add their honey cake to your cart too.
184 Essex Street Millburn, NJ 07041
@livbreads
Photo/video from Liv Breads @livbreads
Oneg Bakery
A traditional old-school Jewish bakery located in the heart of Williamsburg, Oneg is the real deal. Stop by for a loaf of round challah, and definitely pick up a pound of their famous chocolate babka while you’re at it. And if don’t feel like making the trip to their brick-and-mortar, Oneg offers shipping through Goldbelly.
188 Lee Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Photos from onegbakery.com
