Knish

A knish is a cherished snack from Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, featuring a flavorful filling encased in dough, which is then either baked or fried to perfection. These delightful treats are commonly sold by street vendors in areas with large Jewish populations, particularly in New York City.

Knishes found their way to North America with Ashkenazi Jewish refugees escaping Eastern Europe. Traditional fillings include mashed potatoes, kasha (buckwheat groats), and cheese; however, you can also find innovative variations such as sweet potatoes, black beans, or spinach. Knishes come in various sizes, from small, bite-sized pieces to larger, sandwich-sized portions.

The knish first arrived in the U.S. around 1900, introduced by Jewish immigrants. The first knish bakery in America opened in New York City in 1910, solidifying the dish's association with the city. Knishes experienced a resurgence in the 2000s, thanks in part to specialty shops like The Knish Shop in Baltimore and Buffalo & Bergen in Washington, DC.

Similar snacks from other culinary traditions include the Cornish pasty, Scottish Bridie, Jamaican patty, Spanish empanada, Italian calzone, Central Asian samosa, Polish pierogi, Russian pirozhki, German Maultasche, and Southeast Asian curry puff. These dishes all embody the delightful concept of dough filled with savory goodness, highlighting the universal appeal of this simple yet satisfying comfort food.