It is traditional to eat foods that are fried in oil, to commemorate the jar of oil through which the miracle occurred.

Although festive meals are not prescribed for the days of Chanukah, many follow the custom of investing the Chanukah meals with a special atmosphere of rejoicing, by discussing Torah themes and recounting the miracles performed for Israel, so as to make the meals into festive meals.

It is customary among the Sephardic communities in Jerusalem for communal meals to be arranged during the days of Chanukah. Friends who quarreled during the year become reconciled at these meals.