Nosh & Gnar: Kosher and Jewish Cuisine in Utah

By Paula Colman Nov 30, 2021
With Hanukkah and Passover typically falling within the ski season, vacationers to Utah might be pleasantly surprised to find numerous Kosher options available.
Nosh & Gnar: Kosher and Jewish Cuisine in Utah

With Hanukkah and Passover typically falling within the ski season, vacationers to Utah might be pleasantly surprised that numerous Kosher food, dining and Jewish cuisine options are available during their stay. 

Utah has a well-established Jewish community dating back to 1854. Today, it includes thousands of members across Orthodox, ConservativeReformed and Reconstructionist congregations throughout the Wasatch Mountains and down to St. George. They welcome travelers from all over the world to their places of worship as well as the place they call home, and they’ll be the first to tell you that you’re going to need to nosh before you shred the gnar. A few suggestions are listed below.

Schmear Here

If you’re looking for a bagel, the best ones are in... New York. However, local and chain bakeries are slicing delicious rounds here in Utah, as well. You can even grab a toasted sesame with schmear at most ski resorts before jumping on a lift. Just avoid putting it into your pocket! 

That said, if you want an excellent bagel and happen to be skiing near Ogden, order a dozen or two online for pickup from Cheryl’s Bagels. If you’re in Park City, Wasatch Bagel & Grill has all of your favorite flavors. For a popular deli restaurant with bagels and lox, a pastrami on rye sandwich oozing juices into your lap and the creamiest, dreamiest Borscht, check out Feldman’s Deli in Salt Lake City. Finally, although Challah is pretty ubiquitous in Utah, if you’re seeking a round one, your best bet is Whole Foods in Salt Lake or Park City.

Beyond Bagels

When it comes to certified Glatt Kosher sit-down dining, the best-known restaurant is found at Park City Mountain. Bistro Kosher Deli, located at the Silverado Lodge, offers guests innovative Glatt Kosher cuisine within the Canyons base area Eruv during the ski season. It is open Sundays through Thursdays from 4-9 pm from December through March, and  in addition to dine-in service, provides traditional Shabbat dinners available for preorder takeout.

Stores for Stocking Up

Other guests opt for accommodations with kitchenettes, well-appointed condos or homes featuring high-end kitchens for their short-term stays. However, stocking those kitchens with Kosher ingredients and prepared meals isn’t difficult near most Utah ski resorts. Grocery stores, such as Smith’s (the same company that owns Kroger and Ralph’s), with locations throughout Utah, offers online ordering and delivery and has many Kosher foods and menus, especially around Jewish holidays. For arguably the most extensive selection, WesternKosher.com provides overnight delivery of a vast array of baked goods, meats, seafood and just about everything else.

One of the most popular places for Kosher foodies is Trader Joe’s. With two locations in Salt Lake City and one in Orem, it has numerous products that are certified Kosher and additional information is searchable online. You can even see what’s trending there seasonally. 

Pro Tip: Trader Joe’s offers many individually packaged items that are perfect for “ski beach” lunch or après ski. 

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Let Someone Else Do the Cooking

If you want to take a vacation from cooking or are just too tired after shredding, let someone else take care of your meals. For prepared microwavable dishes to catered feasts, Kosher on the Go is a Utah favorite. From its grilled chicken power salad to Kosher steak with caramelized onion on ciabatta, this purveyor provides dishes for single serving or family-style dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pickup is available in Salt Lake City, or delivery can be provided, including to Park City. For a full menu or to order, contact Rabbi Avremi Zippel at Chabad Lubavitch of Utah. Contact Chabad of Southern Utah for its Kosher and Shabbos takeout menu options if you’re down south near Brian Head Ski Resort.

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L’chaim!

There is even Kosher wine available!  In Utah, wines and spirits are available at over 100 package agencies and over 40 state stores (DABC), several of which have an easily-identifiable section for Kosher wines. Indeed, there is more than one! If you’re looking for a particular bottle, the entire inventory for the whole state is searchable online. If you cannot find something or want a recommendation, just ask. DABC employees are often pretty knowledgeable and passionate about wine. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 11 am-7 pm but are closed for major Federal and state holidays. 

Whether visiting Utah for Pesach on the mountain or just a little mountain mishegoss, you can enjoy Kosher and Kosher-style cuisine at Utah ski resorts and towns. For more information about Jewish foods, congregations and services throughout Utah, contact:

Chabad Lubavitch of Utah
1760 South 1100 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, (801) 467-7777
Congregation Kol Ami
2425 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109, (801) 484-1501
Congregation Chavurah B’Yachad
P.O. Box 9115, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Temple Har Shalom
3700 North Brookside Court, Park City, Utah 84060, (435) 649-2276
Congregation Brith Sholem
2750 Grant Ave, Ogden, Utah 84401, (801) 436-7268
Chabad of Southern Utah
569 E 200 S St. George, Utah 84770 (435) 619-6630