Chani’s Kosher Deli: A Unique Culinary Haven in Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts, home to Chani’s Kosher Deli, boasts a culinary gem that stands out in a city known for its diverse food scene. Operating within the commercial kitchen at Chabad Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts, this family-run deli offers a unique array of traditional Jewish delicacies with a creative twist.

The Menu: A Fusion of Familiar and Inventive

Chani’s menu includes several unique items such as the Fog classic Jewish deli dishes, but they also have their own signature creations. These include:

• The “Cry Me a Liver”: A pastrami sandwich topped with a generous layer of chopped liver.
• The “Newton Ave.”: Hot beef brisket, coleslaw, house dressing, and vegetables on a Challah bulkie roll.
• The “Double Trouble”: A piled-high sandwich of pastrami and corned beef.
• Pastrami Fries: In-N-Out-style fries with pastrami instead of American cheese.

The “Pastrami Donut,” a Hanukkah treat, combines pastrami with a glazed doughnut. This item, while not on the permanent menu, symbolizes the Hanukkah tradition of eating fried foods.

A Family Affair

Chani’s Kosher Deli is truly a family affair. Rabbi Mendel Fogelman, the executive director, runs the deli alongside his wife, Chani, who serves as the co-director. Their ten children are also involved, occupying various roles in the kitchen and front counter.

“Thank God we have 10 kids and I put everybody to work at home,” Chani Fogelman said. “So they’re all familiar with the kitchen.”

Unique Dishes Influenced by Cultural Fusion

One standout dish at Chani’s is the Challah Schnitzel, inspired by a popular TikTok recipe. This fusion of Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisines features:

• Tangy matbucha
• Creamy fried eggplant
• Crunchy Israeli pickles
• Vibrant purple cabbage salad

Operational Hours and Accessibility

Chani’s follows a unique scheduling pattern due to its location within the synagogue. The deli operates from:

• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays

Early closures on Fridays allow the synagogue to prepare for the Sabbath.

“It’s a respect to God, respect to the Torah, respect to the gift of Shabbos,” Rabbi Fogelman said. “The Sabbath is a gift to us, the Jewish people. So to respect that gift, we have to prepare properly.”

The Evolution of Chani’s

Chani’s began as a means to facilitate large Shabbat dinners hosted by the Fogelman family. Inspired by his wife’s suggestion to cook in the commercial kitchen of the synagogue, Rabbi Fogelman expanded the idea into a full-service deli.

The deli serves as a way to fund the synagogue’s programs, including a preschool, Hebrew school, and summer camp, supporting the Jewish community in Central Massachusetts.

Customer Base and Popular Dishes

Rabbi Fogelman estimates that over 50% of his customers are non-Jewish. The food’s quality and the mission-driven purpose behind the establishment contribute to its popularity.

During the pandemic, Chani’s offered curbside pickup, a strategy that proved successful and led to a wider customer base. The deli also gained significant visibility through a lunchtime competition hosted by Cunningham Associates in 2021, where it emerged victorious.

Community Impact and Mission-Driven Cuisine

The Fogelmans prioritize quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Chani grows vegetables, and various supplies are sourced from out of state.

“In order to keep this place supplied, we have to run to New York to get the meat, to get the chicken – schnitzel which comes from Iowa,” Rabbi Fogelman commented.

Chani’s Kosher Deli aims to provide more than just food; it offers a sense of home and belonging. The Fogelmans hope their restaurant brings happiness and serves as a community hub.

Experience Chani’s Kosher Deli for Yourself

Chani’s Kosher Deli offers more than just traditional Jewish deli fare; it’s a unique culinary experience that brings family, community, and tradition together. With a variety of dishes that cater to both familiar tastes and adventurous palates, Chani’s is a must-visit in Worcester.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty slice of pastrami or the iconic Challah Schnitzel, Chani’s Kosher Deli provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Join the community and discover why this deli has become a beloved fixture in Worcester.

Join the Conversation

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