7 Bagels That Will Haunt Your Dreams
There are moments when you stumble upon a bagel that captivates your very soul – the kind of food experience that seizes you, shakes you, and refuses to let go. As I wander the city in search of new bagel spots, I yearn for these rare encounters that inspire and delight. The search for these bites of perfection is what fuels my passion and drives me to continue exploring the city for the crème de la crème of bagels. Like Ahab in pursuit of his Moby Dick, I'm on a relentless quest for the ultimate bagel experience.
In my travels over the years, there are seven bagels and sandwiches that, to this day, haunt my dreams. They’ve separated themselves from a plethora of unremarkable bagels by enveloping my senses in the most extraordinary ways. From the spicy allure of Shelsky's Szechuan peppercorn bagel to the tantalizing fusion of the Seoul Meets Bagel from Between the Bagel NY, these masterpieces are sure to captivate your taste buds and capture your heart, as they have for me.
Shelsky's Szechuan Peppercorn Bagel
Kicking off the list is a truly unique, tongue-tingling creation from Shelsky's. The Szechuan peppercorn bagel introduces a world of spice to the classic bagel, with a fragrant and slightly numbing sensation that only Szechuan peppercorns can provide. I’m not even really a fan of Szechuan peppercorns in other contexts, but this bagel keeps me coming back again and again. Top it with a generous amount of cream cheese and nova, and this may be the most perfect bagel marriage of all time. The cracked pepper and salt bagel is another wonderful Shelsky’s creation.
Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe's Za'atar Bagel
For those who crave a taste of the Middle East, the za'atar bagel from Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe is the answer. This bagel is infused with the aromatic and earthy flavors of za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. As someone who spent years living in Israel as a kid, the taste of za’atar creates a nostalgic feeling that transports me back to the Shuks of Jerusalem. Pair this za’atar bagel with cream cheese, labneh, or an egg sandwich, and you’ll enjoy an explosion of flavors with each bite.
Bo’s Bagels Everything Bagel
Sometimes, classic is best. Bo's Bagels in New York City proves that with their exceptional Everything Bagel. Loaded with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and just the right amount of salt, this bagel is the perfect canvas for any topping. I’ve sampled thousands of everything bagels from hundreds of bagel shops across the world, and when I close my eyes and think about my favorite, it’s Bo’s that comes to mind. Pair it with scallion cream cheese, lox, or simply a generous schmear of butter to satisfy your bagel craving.
Any Fresh Bagel from Utopia Bagels
Utopia Bagels is known for its dedication to the art of bagel-making, and their fresh bagels are a testament to that. Hand-rolled, boiled, and baked to perfection, these bagels have the ideal balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Whether you opt for a simple plain bagel or something more adventurous, there is nothing like a fresh bagel out of their massive oven. A visit to Utopia Bagels guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Baz Bagel Pumpernickel Everything
Baz Bagel may not have been the first bagel shop to combine the rich, earthy flavor of pumpernickel with beloved everything bagel seasoning, but they were the first for me. This dark, dense bagel is packed with the classic everything seasoning, making it the perfect choice for those who crave a more robust bagel experience. Their signature Baz sandwich, the pumpernickel everything with cream cheese, lox, tomato and onion, is the signature for a reason. You can also try it with whitefish salad or cream cheese and cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Between the Bagel NY Seoul Meets Bagel
The Seoul Meets Bagel is a fusion masterpiece that brings together the flavors of Korea and New York City. This inventive creation features a sesame seed bagel topped with homemade bulgogi-marinated beef, kimchi, and a creamy gochujang sauce. The bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients make it a must-try for any bagel enthusiast, and is a shining example of what how the bagel can be used as a canvas to paint the picture of any culture’s food traditions.
Liberty Bagels Jalapeno Everything Bagel with Avocado Herb Cream Cheese
Jalapeno Everything Bagel with Avocado Herb Cream Cheese from Liberty Bagels
Adding a spicy twist to the list is the Jalapeño Everything Bagel from Liberty Bagels. This scrumptious bagel takes the classic everything seasoning and marries it with the fiery yet subtle kick of jalapeño peppers, creating a delightful balance of heat and flavor. To elevate this bagel even further, I recommend pairing it with their incredible avocado herb cream cheese. This creamy, cool spread features hints of fresh herbs and velvety avocado, perfectly complementing the heat of the jalapeño. The combination of flavors and textures makes this bagel one that I return to over and over again.
These seven bagels have haunted my dreams in the best way possible, and I hope they inspire you to explore the endless possibilities that bagels have to offer. From classic everything bagels to inventive fusion creations, there's a bagel out there for everyone to fall in love with. Which ones have captivated your taste buds and your soul?
If you want to experience the best of New York City's bagel scene first-hand, why not join one of our NYC Bagel Tours or sign up for a Bagel Baking Workshop? It's a fantastic way to taste a variety of delicious bagels while learning the these iconic treats. Click here to learn more and book your spot today!