Brooklyn is, well, Brooklyn. So it's possible to find challas almost anywhere, from the supermarket in Carroll Gardens on a Friday to the weekday farmers market in Brooklyn Heights.
But Jewish pastries and cakes, now that's another matter. To get huge kosher rye breads, head to one of Brooklyn's Hassidic communities in Williamsburg, Crown Heights or Borough Park. There you'll also find kosher babka, cheese danish, chocolate rolls, and other traditional eastern European kosher baked goods.
1. Classic Eastern European — Ostrowski Kosher Bakery in Brooklyn's Midwood
Ostrowski Bakery sells loaves of bread big enough to feed a college football team. But this bakery also turns out delicious pastries.
Where: 1124 Avenue J at East 12th Street, Midwood
When: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; close 2 hours before sundown on Friday and closed all Saturday
Contact: (718) 377-9443
2. Classic Sephardic Kosher Bakery — North African Jewish
The tastes of these delicious pastries and cakes remain true to the ingredients of their country of origin: you'll find figs and almonds, honey and pistachios aplenty.
3. Classic Hassidic — Sanders Kosher Bakery in Williamsburg
Sanders Kosher Bakery makes great baked goods. The store is friendly, if slightly packed with customers from the local Hassidic community.
Where: 159 Lee Avenue between Pennsylvania Avenue and Hewes Streets, Williamsburg
When: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; close 2 hours before sundown on Friday and closed all Saturday
Contact: (718) 387-7411
4. Classic Eastern European — Korn's Kosher Bakery in Brooklyn's Borough Park
If you're shopping for a good nosh in the Jewish department, as they say, they'll have it in the very religious neighborhood known as Borough Park.
Where: 5004 16th Avenue, Borough Park
When: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; close 2 hours before sundown on Friday and closed all Saturday
Contact: (718) 851 0268
5. Classic Brooklyn Jewish — Weiss Homemade Kosher Bakery in Borough Park
Another of Brooklyn's long standing kosher bakeries, Weiss Homemade Kosher Bakery also serves a mostly local orthodox clientele, but in a spiffed-up, modern-looking shop.
Where: 5011 13th Avenue, near 50th Street
When: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; close 2 hours before sundown on Friday and closed all Sunday
Contact: (718) 438-0407
