Shabbat dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of tradition, rest, and connection. While challah and wine are staples at every table, the flavors, spices, and dishes can vary widely depending on where Jewish families live—or where their roots come from.

At ShabbatLV.com, we celebrate the diversity of Jewish culture through food. Here are 24 Shabbat dinner ideas inspired by Jewish families from around the world. Add them to your menu, or just enjoy learning how Shabbat is celebrated across continents and generations.

Ashkenazi Traditions (Eastern Europe)

1. Gefilte Fish (Poland/Russia)
   A classic appetizer made from ground white fish, often served with horseradish (chrain).
2. Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
   The iconic “Jewish penicillin,” perfect for Friday night comfort.
3. Brisket with Onions and Carrots
   Slow-braised beef, tender and rich with flavor—an Ashkenazi Shabbat staple.
4. Potato Kugel
   A savory baked pudding made with grated potatoes, onions, and eggs.
5. Tzimmes
   A sweet carrot and dried fruit stew often served alongside meat.
6. Challah with Poppy or Sesame Seeds
   Braided, golden, and perfect for blessing and sharing.

Sephardic Inspirations (Spain, North Africa, Middle East)

7. Moroccan Fish
   White fish simmered in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with preserved lemon.
8. Chicken with Apricots and Almonds
   A fragrant and slightly sweet dish seasoned with cinnamon and saffron.
9. Bukharian Plov (Uzbekistan)
   A rice pilaf with lamb, carrots, and aromatic spices.
10. Sephardic Borekas
    Flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or mashed potatoes.
11. Mafrum (Libya)
    Stuffed potatoes simmered in a tomato-based sauce—hearty and flavorful.
12. Eggplant with Tahini or Tomato Sauce
    A smoky and satisfying vegetarian option.

Mizrahi Delights (Middle East)

13. Yemenite Chicken Soup with Hawaij
    A turmeric and cumin-spiced soup, often served with hilbeh (fenugreek dip).
14. Kubaneh (Yemen)
    A pull-apart, slow-cooked Shabbat bread with a buttery texture.
15. Iraqi T’bit
    A spiced chicken and rice dish cooked overnight and served hot on Shabbat day.
16. Persian Herb Kuku (Iran)
    A green herb frittata, often served cold as a starter.
17. Sabzi Polo with Fish (Iran)
    Herbed rice paired with white fish—a Persian favorite for festive meals.

Global Jewish Communities

18. South African Chakalaka with Chicken
    A spicy vegetable relish served with roasted chicken—vibrant and flavorful.
19. Argentinian Empanadas (Kosher Style)
    Handheld pastries with kosher ground beef or chicken, seasoned with Latin spices.
20. Indian Jewish Malida Plate (Bene Israel)
    A ceremonial sweet-savory dish of poha (flattened rice), coconut, and fruit.
21. Ethiopian Doro Wat (Beta Israel)
    A spicy chicken stew served with injera (fermented flatbread).
22. Baghdadi Jewish Sambusak
    Half-moon pastries filled with spiced chickpeas or ground meat.
23. Georgian Chicken Tabaka
    A pan-fried, spiced chicken dish served with garlic and herbs.
24. Israeli Shabbat Salatim Spread
    A variety of small salads—beet salad, matbucha, hummus, eggplant baladi—served with warm challah.

Bringing It Home to Las Vegas

Whether your family traditions come from Warsaw or Casablanca, Tel Aviv or Tashkent, ShabbatLV.com honors them all. Our Shabbat meal offerings are inspired by this beautiful diversity. We bring together tradition, comfort, and creativity to help you enjoy Shabbat your way—right here in Las Vegas.

Feeling inspired?
Order your Shabbat meal today or try something new from this list in your own kitchen.

Shabbat Shalom from all of us at ShabbatLV!