What fried doughnut is a traditional symbol of Hanukkah in Israel?

A sufganiyah is a filled fried doughnut traditionally associated with Hanukkah in Israel.

Sufganiyot are round yeast-raised doughnuts deep-fried in oil, filled most famously with strawberry jam, and dusted with powdered sugar. The use of oil connects them with the Hanukkah story and the festival’s celebration of the oil in the ancient Temple.

Although jam-filled versions are the classic form, bakeries now produce many varieties with custard, chocolate, caramel, halva, or other fillings. They are especially prominent in Israel during the weeks leading up to Hanukkah, when bakeries and supermarkets sell them in large numbers.

Sufganiyot are sometimes compared with European filled doughnuts such as pączki or Berliner. Those pastries share a general form, but sufganiyah is specifically tied to Israeli Hanukkah customs. The singular is sufganiyah; the plural Hebrew form is sufganiyot.