Normally we are writing about deli food, restaurants, recipes and other related related topics. Recently a reader contacted us and asked for recommendations for the best books for a deli connoisseur to add to his or her bookshelf. So today, we are reviewing these books.
If you’re interested in learning more about delis, there are some great books out there for you.
This post will provide an overview of the best books about delis, from historical accounts to cookbooks to memoirs and often a combination of all all these. Read on to find out which one will be your next favorite read!
The Best Books about Jewish Deli’s
Here are my favorite books that I would recommend to anyone reading this website.
The 2nd Ave Deli Cookbook: Recipes and Memories from Abe Lebewohl’s Legendary Kitchen
If you’re looking for a cookbook that will remind you of the flavors and aromas of a classic New York deli, look no further than The 2nd Ave Deli Cookbook. This book is filled with recipes from Abe Lebewohl’s legendary kitchen, providing readers with a unique insight into what made this deli so special. The late Abe Lebewohl was a great restauranteur, a bit of a showman and a much loved NY personality!
He started with a tiny 10 seat eatery in the village and evolved it into a New York institution that is still going strong. This book has more than 160 deliciso recipes including traditional jewish dishes like chopped liver, chicken soup with matzo balls, gefilte fish, noodle kugel mushroom barley soup, potato latkes, blintzes, kasha varnishkes, and many more
Pastrami on Rye: A History of the Jewish Deli by David Sax
If you want a good overview of the history of the early days of Jewish Delis in America, this book is a top recommendation.
It is the first full length history of the New York Jewish deli and it is full of fun historical discussions of how immigration from different European countries to the United States, led to a merging of food preparation and international flavors that evolved into the US Deli Scene that started in New York.
The book is filled with interesting facts and stories about delis and the people who ran them. Sax captures the essence of what makes a deli special: the food, the people, and the atmosphere. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read that will leave you craving a pastrami on rye, this is the book for you.
Sax paints a vivid picture of what life was like in the early days of delis in America. He chronicles the struggles and successes of Jewish immigrants as they strived to make a living in their new country. Delis were a way for these immigrants to bring a taste of home with them to America and served as a place to preserve and maintain their Jewish identity in a new country.
Note: This book won the 2015 National Jewish Book Award in Education and Jewish Identity from the Jewish Book Council.
Save the Deli by David Sax
David Sax is a career journalist that watched in dismay as one beloved Jewish deli after another closed its doors. He was alarmed and wondered if it was possible to save the deli.
In this book he writes about deli food and his own opinions about what dish is best at what deli. I don’t want to spill his secrets, but let’s say it’s worth a read just to find out his opinion these things!
Mr. Sax set out on a tour of delis in the major US cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and he spoke with owners, employees and customers. He argues that the key to a great deli is its focus on quality ingredients and traditional methods.
Mr. Sax also writes about the importance of sourcing meat from local farms and using time-honored curing and smoking techniques. He also highlights the vital role that community plays in the success of delis: customers who feel like they belong can be just as important as the food itself. He makes solid points that have definitely impacted some recent delis such as Wexler’s deli that smokes their own fish and meat.
The Mile End Cookbook: Redefining Jewish Comfort Food from Hash to Hamantaschen
If you love New York Jewish Delis, then you will really enjoy this book. Noah and Rae Bernamoff celebrate the craft of Jewish cooking with over 100 recipes that are accompanied by beautiful photography.
When the Bernamoffs opened Mile End, their small Brooklyn restaurant, they wanted to share the classic Jewish comfort food they enjoyed as kids. They started with their grandmothers’ recipes and evolved them into more modern recipes.
The book is full of their warm family memories and recipes, which are quite diverse. For example, they have a modern take on a chicken salad that uses fresh gribenes as a “secret ingredient.”
They also have a decision cinnamon bun recipe that is made with challah dough. The recipes also include smoked and cured meat and fish, all the jewish deli classics, and even sweets like honey cake, and even how to make sour pickles. You will love trying these recipes in your home kitchen!
The Artisan Jewish Deli at Home
Unlike some of the books mentioned above that have a solid focus on history and certain cities like New York, this book is mostly delicious Jewish deli classics you can enjoy at home.
The book focuses on how you can make traditional deli classic dishes at home. But it also has updated takes on classic dishes.
For example, they discuss a wide range of recipes including Crispy potato latkes (with a chunky ginger applesauce), chocolate babka French toast, making pastrami in your home oven.
The other thing that is fun about this book is that it includes discusses of some well known delis including Wise Sons, Caplansky’s, Kenny & Luke’s, Mile End, and many more.
Katz’s: Autobiography of a Delicatessen
Katz’s Delicatessen is a Living New York City Landmark, and has been serving up traditional Jewish comfort food since 1888. Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Katz’s is one of the last remaining old-school delis in New York City. And it’s not just a deli – it’s an experience.
And of course it’s on our list of Top Jewish Delis in the United States.
This book is a loving tribute to Katz’s deli and its long history of serving its local community.
When you walk into Katz’s, you’re transported back in time. The decor hasn’t changed much in the 130 years that the deli has been open, and the menu has not changed much either – except for the prices! You can still get all of your old favorites like matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, and knishes.
This book captures Katz’s restaurant experience in its beautifully worded writing. it is 384 pages and includes over 600 photographs that will leave you feeling nostalgic, and probably thinking about planning a trip to Katz’s soon!
Zabar’s: A Family Story with Recipes
This book is very similar to the Katz’s one above – it’s a loving tribute to a legendary establishment in New York City. Zabar’s was started by Louis and Lillian Zabar in 1934 in a 22 foot wide shop that was along NYC’s Broadway at 80th street.
From the beginning, they had very high standard for food quality, affordable prices and excellent customer service. Those qualities have led to its massive success and longevity over time.
Zabar’s has greatly expanded over the years and 3 generations and 80 years later, the family business is still going strong in a new era, currently being run by Saul and Stanley Zabar.
The book is full of fun and interesting family stories and many excellent recipes to make at home. A few of my favorite recipes are Lilly Zabar’s Latkes, Lilly Zabar’s Chopped Live, and the cheese blintzes with blueberry sauce.
Stories on Rye: A Collection of Memories Shared at Canter’s Deli Since 1931
Our final book recommendation is from the deli I’ve been to the most – Canter’s Deli in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles.
Stories on Rye is a love note to Canter’s Deli. The book is 100+ stores from patrons and employees that capture their experiences at Canter’s since it opened in 1931.
This book is very nostalgic and touching.
It’s a perfect gift for anyone you know that his visited Canter’s!
Conclusion
If you are a regular reader of this site, you are probably a little obsessed with deli food.
From classic recipes to stories of family legacies that include immigration and entrepreneurship during challenging times, these books all contain fascinating history tidbits.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookbook or just a fun read, we hope our list has helped you find some great titles to explore!
And I wrote a similar post about the best Italian Deli Books too!
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
