Top 10 Traditional Rosh Hashanah Dishes to Include on Your Holiday Table
Every year, Rosh Hashanah brings the same big question: what’s going on the table this time? You want dishes that carry tradition, taste incredible, and still keep everyone engaged enough that nothing sits untouched. The truth is, you don’t have to overthink it. Stick with classics, add a few meaningful touches, and suddenly your Rosh Hashanah 2025 menu feels like both a celebration and a story.
Here are 10 traditional Rosh Hashanah foods, plus some fresh catering ideas from our kitchen that will save you time while still keeping the table abundant.
1. Apples and Honey
Apples dipped in honey set the tone for the year ahead. It’s the first bite of the evening, simple yet symbolic. Some families also use figs or drizzle honey over desserts for extra sweetness. However you serve it, this tradition never loses its charm.
Pickle’s Deli pairing idea: Serve apples alongside our Fresh Fruit Platter, which includes crisp seasonal fruits that complement the honey beautifully.
2. Round Challah Bread
Challah makes an appearance at many Jewish holidays, but on Rosh Hashanah it’s round to symbolize the cycle of life. Some add raisins or brush honey on top to emphasize sweetness.
Hosting tip: If you’re short on time, our Muffin & Bagel Tray can join challah on the bread table. Guests love the variety, and it pairs perfectly with cream cheese and preserves.
3. Brisket
Tender, slow-cooked brisket is often the centerpiece. Beyond its incredible flavor, it carries history; recipes are passed from one generation to the next.
Pickle’s Deli option: If brisket feels too heavy for your gathering, our Dinner Buffet lets you choose a hearty entrée and two sides, creating that same communal feeling without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Gefilte Fish
Some love it, others skip it, but it’s undeniably part of Rosh Hashanah tradition. Traditionally made from ground fish like carp or whitefish, it’s usually served with horseradish.
Hosting idea: Balance the strong flavors of gefilte fish with lighter starters like our Hummus Platter or Vegetable Tray. They’re crowd-pleasers that add color and freshness to the spread.
5. Tzimmes
This sweet carrot and root vegetable stew represents prosperity, with carrot rounds resembling coins. The honey and dried fruits give it a soft, sweet balance to heavier dishes.
6. Matzo Ball Soup
Comfort in a bowl. Fluffy or dense, everyone has an opinion on matzo balls, but nobody denies the warmth this dish brings to the table.
Pickle’s Deli idea: For a modern twist, serve alongside our Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Fries. It’s not traditional, but it brings that same comfort-food vibe if you’re planning a brunch-style gathering.
7. Roast Chicken
Not every table has brisket. Roast chicken often plays the role of centerpiece instead. Whether you season it with garlic and herbs or glaze it with honey, it’s always reliable and satisfying.
Catering alternative: Try our Chicken Caesar Wrap Platter. It’s lighter, easier for guests, and still brings the chicken tradition into your meal.
8. Kugel
Sweet noodle kugel with raisins and cinnamon is both a side dish and dessert. Warm, nostalgic, and comforting; it’s one of those Rosh Hashanah staples that never feels out of place.
Pickle’s Deli suggestion: For guests who want variety, serve kugel next to our Assorted Cookie Tray. A little bite of both is always a hit.
9. Symbolic Fruits: Pomegranate
Packed with seeds, pomegranates symbolize abundance. Scatter the seeds across salads, mix into yogurt, or serve fresh. Their bright ruby color alone makes the table more festive.
Our favorite combo: Add them to our Jessica’s Famous Salad, which already includes avocado, dried cranberries, and bleu cheese crumbles; pomegranate seeds take it up another notch.
10. Honey Cake
The meal often begins and ends with honey. Honey cake, spiced with cinnamon or cloves, finishes the evening with a note of sweetness and hope.
Pickle’s Deli dessert pairing: Serve slices alongside our Homemade Chocolate Éclairs for a rich, crowd-pleasing finish.
Quick Look at Rosh Hashanah Favorites
| Dish | Symbolism | Common Ingredients | Why It’s Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apples & Honey | Sweet New Year | Apples, Honey | Blessings and hope |
| Round Challah | Cycle of life | Flour, yeast, raisins | Continuity |
| Brisket | Tradition | Beef, onion, carrots | Comfort and abundance |
| Gefilte Fish | Heritage | Ground fish, eggs | History and connection |
| Tzimmes | Prosperity | Carrots, sweet potatoes | Sweetness for the future |
| Matzo Ball Soup | Comfort | Matzo meal, broth | Warmth and family |
| Roast Chicken | Togetherness | Chicken, herbs | Shared meal |
| Kugel | Nostalgia | Noodles, eggs, raisins | Celebration |
| Pomegranate | Abundance | Fresh seeds | Blessing |
| Honey Cake | Sweet future | Honey, flour, spices | Hope for the year ahead |
Frequently Asked Questions
Each dish tells a story. Apples with honey mean a sweet year, round challah reflects the circle of life, and pomegranates represent abundance. They’re traditions carried through generations.
Not at all. Even a couple of symbolic foods make the meal feel special. It’s always better to serve what your family enjoys most.
Yes. We offer Rosh Hashanah catering options like fruit platters, fresh wraps, buffets, and desserts that round out your table. It takes the pressure off so you can focus on the holiday itself.
It depends who you ask. Some won’t skip apples and honey, others insist on brisket or challah. There’s no wrong answer. It’s about what makes the night meaningful for your family.
Of course. Many families blend tradition with personal favorites. The goal isn’t rigid menus, it’s creating a table that feels abundant and celebratory.
Conclusion
Rosh Hashanah is about family, tradition, and fresh beginnings. The foods we serve (from apples in honey to honey cake) tell the story of hope and connection.
If you’re hosting this year, Pickle’s Deli is here to help. Since 2006, we’ve provided Newbury Park catering services that make holiday gatherings easier and more memorable. Explore our catering services in Newbury Park, CA call us at (805) 480-4800, or email us at picklesdeli8@yahoo.com to plan your holiday spread.
- Tags: Rosh Hashanah Dishes
