A kosher delicatessen is a restaurant that follows Jewish dietary laws when it comes to food. Buying meat and dairy products from kosher suppliers, offering prepared food items that follow Jewish law, and storing and preparing all food according to kosher traditions are all common practices in a kosher delicatessen. Many signature dishes are associated with kosher delicatessens, which are popular throughout the United States.
Kashrut, or the Jewish system of laws governing food preparation, is a comprehensive set of rules that incorporates both nutrition and spiritual well-being. Certain animals, such as pigs, rabbits, and rodents, are completely prohibited from consumption, while certain organs from permitted animals are not allowed to be consumed. The total separation of meat and dairy products is one of the key requirements; these foods must be stored separately and prepared with different utensils, and they cannot be served together as part of the same meal.
To run a fully kosher delicatessen, owners must not only adhere to strict preparation and serving guidelines, but also source their products carefully. Because kashrut specifies specific guidelines for the slaughter of animals, meat must be purchased from kosher slaughterhouses. Though any fruits and vegetables are generally acceptable, a kosher delicatessen must be careful to purchase wine and grape products from kosher vineyards and wineries. Many kosher delis are owned and operated by Jewish families, but any establishment can be kosher if it follows kashrut rules.
Some of the foods associated with kosher delis have gained international recognition over time. Served with applesauce or sour cream, latkes are fried potato pancakes. Kugel is a heavy, creamy noodle-based dessert that has a taste and texture similar to bread pudding. Nearly every kosher deli serves large, meaty sandwiches with tongue, pastrami, or hot roast beef. Much of the food available at a traditional kosher delicatessen is influenced by Eastern European and Russian culinary traditions.
Despite the fact that kosher delicatessens are inextricably linked to Jewish traditions, not all Jewish food products or delis actually keep kosher. Many delis sell kosher items like prepared foods and sauces, but they don’t always follow kosher preparation or sourcing guidelines. Delicatessens can be certified as kosher in some areas, but the term may not be regulated in others. If you’re unsure about the status of a deli, it’s best to ask the manager or owner for clarification.