When it comes to the tastiest Boston challah, here’s all the information you knead to know. Reminder: Always confirm kosher status and delivery dates before spending your dough at these favorites.
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Iconic comebacks: Cheryl-Anns’ of Brookline
The legendary Brookline kosher bakery returned in March after a three-year closure due to a fire. Happily, there’s plenty of challah, serving from six to 25 of your closest family and friends, in many flavors (plain, sesame, poppy, raisin and whole wheat) and styles (pan, round, braided).
Baking pioneers: Clear Flour Bread
Plain, raisin or sesame: Clear Flour’s challah, available after 10 a.m. on Fridays, has an earthy, dense texture. They don’t take pre-orders; they’re baked fresh and available on a first-come, first-served basis, alongside longtime staples like pizza dough. This is where many notable Boston bakers (such as Bagelsaurus owner Mary Ting Hyatt) rose to greatness.
Classic (and now, vegan) feasts: Mamaleh’s
Mamaleh’s in Brookline, Cambridge and now Somerville traditionally serves classic round and raisin challah ($10) as part of an extensive Rosh Hashanah menu, with all the signatures: noodle kugel, brisket, potato latkes and lots more. New this year: vegan challah at their freshly opened, all-vegan Mamaleh’s Kibitz Corner, also in Cambridge.
Next-level selection: Mandylicious
Sharon baker Mandy Silverman is renowned for unusual, kosher challah flavors: cookie dough, peanut butter cookie, caramelized onion, spiced oat-baked apple and more. In a DIY mood? She posts baking tips on her active Instagram page, and she also hosts classes.
Challah specialists: Zucker Foods
Originally a hit in Montreal, Zucker’s now brings their eggy, plain or raisin challah to Peabody in a variety of shapes and sizes. Go big with the ceremonial kiddush, or treat yourself to a four-ounce mini challah. Can’t make it to the North Shore? You can also often find their breads at Lexington’s Wilson Farms and Waban Market.
Foodie fave: Fornax Bread Company
This Roslindale bakeshop (named after the Roman goddess of ovens!) has lines out the door thanks to their globe-trotting bread menu, from baguettes to boules to Irish soda bread. Those in the know visit Thursday through Saturday to stock up on their super-buttery challah, baked fresh and available while supplies last.
A-plus for allergies: Blacker’s Bakeshop
A great choice for allergy-sensitive diners, Blacker’s is nut-free (and kosher). They offer challah by pre-order or first-come, first-served walkup—so don’t worry if you didn’t plan ahead. Their soy-, dairy- and nut-free challah doesn’t skimp on flavor, either: It comes in plenty of varieties, from chocolate chip to raisin to egg-free. Pre-order your Rosh Hashanah feast by Sept. 20 to pick up on either Sept. 30 or Oct. 1.
Kid-friendly: Hi-Rise Bread Company
The quintessential, character-filled Huron Village bakery—luring everyone from Harvard profs to stroller-wrangling families since 1996—offers raisin challah made laced with wildflower honey, as well as plain versions, for pre-order. But that’s not all: On non-holiday visits, you’ll find a kids’ menu stocked with challah sandwiches aplenty: Nutella and powdered sugar, peanut butter and jam, grilled cheese and even hot dogs on challah buns.
Neighborhood staple: Rosenfeld’s Bagels
A kosher mainstay in Newton Centre since 1973, Rosenfeld’s is mainly known for bagels—although people also rave about their challah, which comes in raisin, onion, whole grain, sesame, poppy or chocolate. Expecting a crowd? Get their celebration challah, weighing a healthy three pounds.
Edibly artful: Bakey
It’s no secret that we at JewishBoston love the fresh-baked, aromatic, kosher treats at Bakey, with locations in Boston, Brookline and Newton. (Check out our full ordering guide.) They offer a full Rosh Hashanah menu at all locations, for pickup starting Oct. 1. In addition to traditional challah varieties, they also serve grid-worthy, centerpiece-style plates in a keepsake ceramic bowl, serving up to 25 people.
Any bakeries you would add? Let us know in the comments!
