Candles, presents, doughnuts, and chocolate coins – these are usually the first words that come to mind when we speak about Hanukka. But beyond the sweet treats and glowing lights lies a festival rich in history, meaning and tradition.
Hanukkah or Chanukah?
Both spellings are correct! “Hanukkah” is the more common English spelling, while “Chanukah” more closely reflects the Hebrew pronunciation. No matter how you spell it, the meaning and joy of the Festival of Lights remain the same.
In Judaism, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt, a story that celebrates resilience and faith.
This year, Hanukka celebrations begin on the evening of 14th December and continue until the 22nd. The festival is eight nights of gathering, gratitude, sharing food and stories and of course, the lighting of candles!
The Hanukka tea party is a delightful way to blend timeless traditions with the effortless charm of afternoon tea. It invites guests to savour both sweet and savoury treats while lighting the menorah, spinning dreidels, and exchanging thoughtful gifts in an atmosphere filled with joy and warmth.
This year, let Panzer’s Deli take care of your festive holiday. Whether you’re hosting family, sending a thoughtful gift, or simply stocking up on seasonal favourites, our shelves are filled with treats that make every celebration feel special.
Panzer’s for Hanukka: What to Share & Enjoy
No tea party is complete without something to nibble on, and our Mini Bagel Boxes serve as the perfect centrepiece for your Hanukka celebration.
Each bagel is freshly baked to order in our Northwest London bakery, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Pair them with smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, or a delicate egg and onion, these bite-sized treats turn tea-time into an indulgent tribute to Jewish food traditions in London.
You can create your own latke bar with a variety of toppings and sauces, including hand-sliced smoked salmon, luscious cream cheese, slices of creamy avocado. For a touch of refinement, you can even add crème fraîche and caviar.
For those who love to cook, we recommend trying Alissa Timoshkina’s Carrot, Honey and Twarog Fritters , a twist to classic latkes, a recipe inspired by her Ukrainian-Jewish roots and featured in her latest cookbook, Kapusta. See recipe at the end of this post.
Originally from Siberia, Alissa comes from a family with a Ukrainian-Jewish lineage, whose history forms an important part of her culinary writing. Hosting, bringing people together and sharing food are important parts of Alissa’s heritage and food philosophy.
Pair them with:
Sweet Indulgences: Biscuits, Doughnuts and Chocolate
Tea without treats is unthinkable, and our curated selection of Parkway and Just-Baked Biscuits is the perfect partner for a hot pot of tea. Arrange them on tiered trays with fresh fruit and a few pieces of Firetree dark chocolate for a balanced spread.
Don’t forget the doughnuts, the iconic sufganiyot, pillows of sweet, jam-filled bliss, heartily dusted with sugar and served fresh.
For Londoners seeking the freshest doughnuts, they will be available daily, in-store only, arriving fresh each day to make the festival night truly special. Or you can enjoy them on our terrace, with a cappuccino, or take them away for your own Hanukka party.
Join us on 14th December to try Alissa Timoshkina’s home-made apple dusted cinammon doughnuts. More details bellow.
Every tea party deserves a stunning teapot and well-chosen blends that enhance your menu: fragrant Earl Grey, calming Chamomile, or vibrant, citrusy green tea. View our whole selection here.
For the little ones, a mug of velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, dusted in cocoa or drizzled in honey, is pure kindness in a cup.
Gifting with Light and Gratitude
Above all, Hanukka is about sharing, and small, thoughtful gifts can help your guests feel appreciated. Why not send guests home with a selection of biscuits, decadent truffles, or a jar of honey.
If you’re sending a gift from afar, our kosher hampers — Mazel Tov and Schmooz-ing– each a unique blend of traditional Jewish Favourites and artisanal treats, perfect for spreading festive cheer throughout London and the UK.
For something naturally elegant, our seasonal fruit baskets make a beautiful alternative — a cornucopia of freshness, brimming with hand-selected fruit, they’re as stunning on the table as they are thoughtful!
Visit us and celebrate Hanukka
On Sunday, 14th December, the first night of Hanukkah, join us at Panzer’s from 11 – 2 PM to enjoy Alissa Timoshkina’s home-made Hanukkah Apple and Cinnamon doughnuts. Alissa will also be in the store signing copies of her latest cookbook, Kapusta — a perfect gift for any food lover.
When you visit our store in St. John’s Wood, discover our full Hanukka food collection or browse online at panzers.co.uk to have a taste of Panzer’s delivered straight to your door.
Whether you choose a kosher hamper for Nationwide delivery, send fruit baskets to loved ones, or surprise friends with biscuits, each item offers a blend of heritage and elegance.
No matter how you celebrate, brighten your table with tradition, fill your home with delicious treats and a touch of London gastronomy. Host a unique Hanukka tea party remembered for its abundance, warmth, refinement, and a hint of modern magic. freshly made and available to purchase.
Alissa Timoshkina’s Carrot, Honey and Twarog Fritters
Ingredients:
Makes 10-12 fritters
50g (1¾oz) unsalted butter
2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
2−3 tablespoons honey, or to taste
200g (7oz) twarog (or ricotta)
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon sugar
1 scant teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
6 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour
2 tablespoons raisins, pre-soaked in 20ml (1½ tablespoons) rum (optional)
grated zest of ½ lemon
vegetable oil, for shallow-frying
icing (powdered) sugar, for dusting
crème fraÎche, to serve
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium-low heat and add the carrots and honey. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes.
Mix the twarog, eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt, flour, raisins and lemon zest in a large bowl.
When the carrots are soft, remove from the heat and allow to cool. Add the carrots to the flour mixture, stirring to combine.
Heat enough oil for shallow-frying (about 4−6 tablespoons) in a large frying pan. Scoop two heaped tablespoons of the mixture directly into the hot oil and pat it down with the back of a spoon to form a fritter. There is no need to strive for perfection in shape, the more rustic they look, the better. Fry on each side on a medium high heat for 4 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Dust with a little icing sugar and serve with some crème fraîche.
