L. A.
Google
New Jersey food culture is a byproduct of the garden state functioning as a giant suburb for the 2 greatest food cities in America, New York City and Philadelphia. You’ll find legendary Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and delis that will rival some of the most famous in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, and south Philly. We have cheesesteaks that are up there with Philly’s best, the best bagels outside of NYC, and no state, at least on the east coast, can compete with us when it comes to hot dogs. If you want something different, New Jersey is perhaps the most ethically diverse state in America with so many different cuisine options from across the world. We’re also considered the diner capital of the world.
But one thing that hasn’t carried over as much, at least when it comes to New York food culture in particular, are those great Jewish delis. And no, I’m not talking about bagel shops, but traditional Kosher or Kosher style delis like the world famous Katz’s Deli that specialize in Ashkenazi or European Jewish comfort food, like hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye, matzo ball soup and borscht, kreplach and cabbage rolls, latkes and knishes, among other delicacies. Outside of a couple handful of places, they’re not that prominent in New Jersey, as the Jewish community in the garden state is a bit more scattered compared to New York. But with every rule, there comes exceptions, and in this case, it’s Harold’s in Edison more than fits the bill.
One of the two most well-known Jewish delis in New Jersey by a long shot (the other being the iconic Hobby’s Deli in Newark) Harold’s was started up by a former manager of the legendary and now defunct Carnegie deli in New York. Their massive sandwiches, particularly the pastrami, has been compared with the likes of Carnegie and Katz’s. While I’ve never tried those legendary New York establishments, just a couple bites into their hot pastrami and cured tongue sandwiches that I ordered and I could see why they have garnered such high praise. By far better than any pastrami sandwich I’ve had before, and legitimately one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had of any kind. Some Jersey diners make a quality hot pastrami or corn beef sandwich, but nothing quite of this caliber. In addition, I ordered a cup of their cold borscht, which I must admit I might like even better than the hot borscht I’ve tried in the past at several polish restaurants and delis. Their knish is the size of a dinner plate, and absolutely fantastic. Harold’s also has an incredible pickle bar, which I’m told is one of a kind.
Outside of the food, the service was great and the atmosphere was clean and overall incredible. It felt like I was in one of those iconic places in Manhattan with all the incredible New York themed memorabilia scattered throughout the walls, along with displays of all the different rewards they’ve won and the shows they’ve been on.
I must say as a lifelong New Jerseyan of almost 30 years with a Jewish mother, I’m almost embarrassed how long it’s taken me to come here, but I’m so glad I did. I can’t wait to come back, and I also can’t wait to eventually try Katz’s and Hobby’s to properly compare the three. 10 out of 10 experience all around.