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Highest-rated delis in Honolulu by diners
Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. It didn’t take long for their rich culinary traditions (including food preservation methods like pickling) and communal spirit to lead to the creation of delicatessens (which translates to “delicacies” in German).
Jewish delis became essential hubs for gathering, sharing meals, and maintaining their heritage, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Iconic delis such as Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City , founded in 1888, and Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles , which opened in 1931, are still gastronomic landmarks in American food history. Katz’s, famed for its hand-carved pastrami on rye and iconic appearances in films like “When Harry Met Sally…,” exemplifies the deli’s role in shaping urban cultural identity. Similarly, Canter’s in Los Angeles is renowned for its extensive array of Jewish classics, like matzo ball soup and corned beef sandwiches, attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a strong sense of community across generations.