Sweet! Sufganiyot is popping up on menus around town for Hanukkah, from classic versions to experimental spins. Here are our favorites. As always, check in advance to confirm ordering deadlines and dietary specs.
For Cocktails and Good Cheer
Beloved seasonal pop-up Maccabee Bar at Harvard Square’s Noir Bar spins into town through Dec. 31. In addition to Hanukkah-themed cocktails, they’ll serve bar snacks and a rotating sufganiyot of the day—blueberry, peach, strawberry and more (not kosher).
For Techie Treats
Area Four—known in Kendall Square for yeasty, savory sourdough pizzas—also sells homemade raspberry sufganiyot every year (not kosher), ideal for techies looking for a sweet fix. Check their website for the latest details.
For Kosher Excellence
When it comes to variety, The Butcherie in Brookline is your spot: This reliable kosher grocer is a tried-and-true sufganiyot specialist, with many flavors: jelly, chocolate-dipped, raspberry and Boston cream.
For Variety
Dushez Catering, based in Framingham, offers an impressive variety of kosher sufganiyot: lemon custard, Boston cream pie, halva mousse, Oreo buttercream … the list goes on. Pick them up by the dozen on Dec. 20.
For Deli Delights
Deli favorite Mamaleh’s sells raspberry jam, vegan raspberry jam and candy cane-chocolate cream sufganiyot (not kosher), available now for preorder (in bulk!). Pair with favorites like latkes, whitefish and sable. Mamaleh’s has four locations—Boston, Brookline and two in Cambridge—and they also offer suburban drop-offs for maximum convenience. Their vegan variety is available at their Kibitz Corner in Cambridge during the last weekend in December.
For Dietary Diversity
Blacker’s Bakeshop in Newton crafts kosher seasonal sufganiyot, along with custom cakes, challah (try the chocolate chip) and so much more. They also stock lots of nut-free and dairy-free delights.
For a Full-Fledged Feast
Order a Hanukkah takeout spread from Brookline staple Michael’s Deli by Dec. 16. Owner Steven Peljovich serves latkes, knishes, blintzes, chopped liver, matzo ball soup—and $4.50 sufganiyot (not kosher). Portions serve a crowd.
For Classic Indulgence
Every year, Kane’s Donuts, with locations in Boston and Saugus, offers sufganiyot (not kosher) for pre-order by the dozen, through the new year. They come with black raspberry jam, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a raspberry dollop on top. Order batches online or visit the micro-chain in person for singles.
For Delivery Donuts Done Right
Union Square Donuts, with locations throughout the Boston area, sells seasonal sufganiyot (not kosher) in bulk for pickup and delivery on Dec. 24 or Dec. 26 to Jan. 2: Try a sampler box with hits like strawberry and Nutella, or go a la carte with halva honey pistachio and rugelach.
For a Modern Classic
Blackbird Doughnuts, also with locations throughout the Boston area, sells mixed berry jam six-packs (fig-pear, peach) in their shops through Jan. 2 (not kosher), alongside a signature Star of David variety available for preorder before Hanukkah and on shelves throughout the holiday.
For Vegan Treats
Quirky Central Square diner Veggie Galaxy whips up vegan sufganiyot piped with raspberry jam and rolled in vanilla sugar (not kosher) during the weekend of Dec. 28-29.
For a Classic Kosher Bakery Experience
Israeli-owned bakery Bakey, known for sumptuous babka, also sells kosher sufganiyot from Dec. 13-31. Hosting a group? Grab an intricately rolled centerpiece challah while you’re there. There are locations in Boston, Brookline and Newton.
