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Photograph: Marianne Rafter Latkes from Russ and Daughters
If you can't make it to your bubbe's house this Hanukkah, take the F train straight to the Lower East Side for the next best thing. Russ & Daughters, a 106-year-old institution, makes an exemplary version of the traditional potato pancake: Its classic latke—about the size of a coaster and perfectly thick—has a deep-brown crust concealing a lush interior of grated potato, onions and bright scallions. 179 E Houston St between Allen and Orchard Sts (212-475-4880). $2.99
Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson Seven Spice Potato Chips from Momofuku Noodle Bar
As if potato chips weren't addictive enough, these crispy, salty beauties pack an added punch: a hearty sprinkling of togarashi. The Japanese seven-spice blend provides a healthy dose of heat that tingles your tongue with red and Japanese pepper, roasted orange peel, seaweed, ginger and sesame seeds. Sour cream and onion, watch your back. 171 First Ave between 10th and 11th Sts (212-777-7773). $3
Photograph: Marianne Rafter Korean fried-chicken appetizer from Mono + Mono
A double dip in the deep fryer jacks up the crackle in each bite of these Korean-style wings and drumettes. Break through the skin, glistening with a sweet-salty soy-and-garlic glaze, and you're rewarded with moist fowl lurking just below. 116 E 4th St between First and Second Aves (212-466-6660). $8.95
Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson Fritto bolognese from Osteria Morini
This tantalizing trio of expertly fried snacks is packed with flavor—but nary a stray drop of grease. Golden polenta discs are dotted with lardo and sprinkled with chives; bchamel and bits of salty speck ooze from crispy croquettes; and mortadella and nutty Swiss cheese, bound in bread crumbs and served on a stick, channel all the flavors of a croque-monsieur in one gooey bite. 218 Lafayette St between Broome and Spring Sts (212-965-8777). $8
Photograph: Jolie Ruben Tres leches doughnuts from Doughnut Plant
Doughnuts are a Hanukkah staple, and there's no better round in town than the cake and yeast treats at this Lower East Side bakery. We love owner Mark Israel's decadent reimagining of a traditional Mexican tres leches cake: A sweet lacquer of vanilla glaze enrobes a buttery cake doughnut stippled with moist, velvety pockets of cream and evaporated and condensed milks. Pick up a few of the Plant's seasonal offerings while you're visiting the shop: gingerbread, chestnut or pomegranate. 379 Grand St at Norfolk St (212-505-3700) • Chelsea Hotel, 220 W 23rd St (212-675-9100). $2.50
Photograph: Marianne Rafter Red-wine Oxtail risotto balls from Terroir
After a leisurely braise in red wine, chef Marco Canora plucks tender, aromatic oxtail meat from the bone and rolls it into a rich orb of creamy risotto, packed with Parmesan and thyme. The savory spheres are swiped in bread crumbs and dunked in the fryer, creating a rich, hearty snack ideal for a cold winter night. 24 Harrison St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts (212-625-9463). $7
Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson Watermelon fries from Yerba Buena Perry
Chef Julian Medina swaps spuds for fruit in this cheeky french-fry variation. Sweet, succulent watermelon is dusted in flour and chili powder, dipped in egg and rolled in crunchy panko crumbs to ensure that the spears develop an bercrispy crust—a crunchy canvas for the smoky chipotle mayo served alongside. 1 Perry St at Greenwich Ave (212-620-0808). $7
Fried food for Hanukkah
Celebrate Hanukkah with the best fried foods in NYC.
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RECOMMENDED: Guide to Hanukkah in NYC
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