Matzo is an essential part of the Passover tradition. The cracker-like bread, which symbolizes the unleavened loaves hastily eaten by Israelis on the way fleeing Egypt, has come a long way from its original hardship fare. Matzo ball soup has always been a comfort food that evokes the memory of family meals and neighborhood delis. More recently, creative bakers have learned to pair matzo pastries with caramel, chocolate, and many other delicacies. Read on to find out where to get everything matzo as well as other treats for this year’s Passover in Northern New Jersey.
Babka Bailout | 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
True to its name, Babka Bailout sells babkas — a sweet braided bread or cake that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine — along with other sweet treats.
Butterflake Bakeshop | 448 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
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For Passover, Butterflake Bakeshop is serving up items that are nut-free, sesame-free, and gluten-free. Featured items for the holiday include chocolate chip cookies, coconut macarons, rainbow cookies, and a seven-layer cake. The full Passover menu can be found here.
Read More: 6 Foodie Items in Hoboken + Jersey City That We’re Obsessing Over
Chabad Young Professionals
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The Chabad Young Professionals, a community organization, delivers handmade shemurah matzah to those in Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, and Union City during the Passover season. Residents can claim a box of Matzah courtesy of Chabad Young Professionals and Chabad Jewish Center. Get your box here.
Defying Gravitea | 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock Township
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Defying Gravitea, located in Pequannock Township, is home to coffee, tea, and gluten- + dairy-free treats. For Passover, customers can try out the Noodle Kugle, a popular Jewish dish served during the holiday. It is a baked casserole, most commonly made from lokshen or potato — and the dish is gluten- + dairy-free.
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant | 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
The Livingston establishment makes all sorts of Jewish specialties including stuffed derma (a sausage filled with meat, matzo meal, chicken fat, + spices), blintzes (cigar-shaped pastry), and potato kugel. A special Passover menu is being served here and includes items like matzo boxes, charoses, seder plates, and more — along with a large selection of traditional Jewish dishes. You can find the full Passover menu here.
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen + Appetizing
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This local deli and bakery operates out of a ghost kitchen in Jersey City. The Passover menu here includes chopped liver, vegan chopped liver, salmon tartare, and Matzo tiramisu.
Harold’s New York Deli | 1173 King Georges Post Road, Edison
The Jewish deli, named a top Jewish deli in the country by Food + Wine, is known for its humongous pastrami sandwiches and delicious matzo ball soup year-round. The giant matzo ball, which is almost the size of a grapefruit, is fluffy and moist. Come hungry, or order with a big group, to sample a few of the deli’s famous sandwiches, soups, and knishes.
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Branford Place #2723, Newark
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The downtown Newark establishment, which has been serving Eastern-European delicacies since 1962, is the go-to place for house-cured briskets, homey latkes, and Jewish pastries. Its matzo ball soup, served with a rich chicken broth, is also delicious. Pair it with the deli’s famous pastrami or corned beef sandwich on hearty rye bread.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering | 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
This long-standing deli has served up classic deli eats including sandwiches, platters, and matzo ball soup for years.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Mikki + Al’s serves up the best of the best nosh around and that’s not all, patrons can also pick up a generous bowl of matzo ball soup. The spot has a Passover menu that includes dishes like latkes, matzo balls, homemade apple sauce, and more. You can find the full menu here.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair
A go-to in Montclair for classic dinner fare, Raymond’s serves up matzo ball soup with pulled chicken, parsnips, carrots, and dill.
Tenafly Kosher Deli + Caterers | 22 Washington Street, Tenafly
This little gem has been serving hefty pastrami sandwiches since the 1950s and is still a neighborhood hotspot. The matzo ball soup, which is made fresh daily, is also delicious.
See More: The Ultimate Guide to Desserts in Montclair
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee | 720 Monroe Street Store E101, Hoboken
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Located in Monroe Center, Yuki’s is an Israeli bakery and cafe that’s become a local favorite over the years. The spot is serving up a variety of Passover treats — including pistachio lemon cake, flourless chocolate cake, triple chocolate cups, and flourless praline cake.
