Kosher-style

Kosher style refers to foods commonly associated with Jewish people but which may or may not actually be kosher. It is a stylistic designation rather than one based on the laws of kashrut. Generally, kosher style food does not include meat from forbidden animals, such as pigs or shellfish, and does not contain both meat and milk. In some U.S. states, the use of this term in advertising is illegal as a misleading term under consumer protection laws.

Jews who do not keep kosher, but wish to restrict themselves to eating "traditional style" foods, usually not eating forbidden animals or mixing milk and meat, may consider themselves to keep kosher style.

Some dining establishments, notably delicatessens, serve kosher style food. This usually means that they serve traditional Ashkenazic Jewish foods, such as knishes, blintzes, matzo ball soup, and cold cut sandwiches. Almost always, when a restaurant calls itself kosher style, the food is not actually kosher according to traditional halakhic standards. Several notable restaurants in lower Manhattan fit into this genre, including Katz's Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters. Canter's restaurant in Los Angeles and Montreal's Schwartz's deli also fall into this category.

Jews who adhere strictly to the laws of kashrut will not eat at kosher style establishments. Furthermore, the fact that such establishments appear to be kosher can be deceptive to Jews who are visiting an unfamiliar city and are looking for kosher food. Some of these establishments are also open on the Jewish sabbath for business when this is forbidden by Jewish Law. Others may choose to eat at such restaurants, but not consume meat or cheese at these restaurants.

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Wikipedia