When Jewish Food Worlds Collide: 12 Chairs x Katz’s Delicatessen Summer Collab

What do you get when you cross two iconic Jewish cuisines? Our NYC correspondent, Sasha, found out when she attended the launch event for Tel Aviv-style Soho cafe 12 Chairs’ summer collab with the Lower East Side’s legendary Katz’s Delicatessen.

12 Chairs, known for their Israeli classics like hummus and shakshuka, is one of Sasha’s favorite spots, so she and her boyfriend couldn’t wait to check out the scene. When they arrived, they were welcomed by a vibrant crowd, blasting music, and glasses of champagne.

Inside, there was a giant Katz’s sign – and tons of food combining the best of both worlds. Plates with olives and pickles, tangy matbucha, creamy hummus, fluffy pita, and hot falafel flew back and forth.

And then there was the trademark dish of the collab, 12 Chairs’ hummus topped with the iconic Katz’s pastrami, pickles and pita bread (which you can find at both of 12 Chairs’ locations, in Soho and Brooklyn, through May 12).

Everyone was loving the food – and the party vibes. In addition to the live music, they had tambourines lying around for anyone to pick up – how fun is that? And when the DJ played “Am Yisrael Chai” by Eyal Golan, it coincided with a breathtaking sunset just out the window – such a special moment. 

Try the Collab through Monday, May 12

Soho Location

56 MacDougal St,
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254 8640

Williamsburg Location

342 Wythe Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11249
(347) 227 7077