Foodies rejoice! We’ve embarked on an epic bagel quest to settle the eternal debate: Which city reigns supreme in the realm of bagels, Montreal or New York? As a self-proclaimed bagel enthusiast, I’ve personally sampled the delights of six celebrated bagel establishments from both cities, representing the best of the best.
Montreal’s bagel scene boasts the beloved Fairmount, St. Viateur, and Dizz’s, while New York’s contenders include Best Bagel & Coffee, Tompkins Square Bagels, and Brooklyn Bagel. Each spot has earned its reputation for excellence, ensuring that we’re tasting the cream of the bagel crop.
The defining characteristics of each city’s bagels set them apart. Montreal bagels are slightly sweeter, with a generous hole in the center, and a smaller, crispier texture. They’re often paired with the classic combination of cream cheese and smoked meat, a culinary symphony that’s hard to resist.
New York bagels, on the other hand, are larger and chewier. They embrace a maximalist approach, showcasing towering sandwiches and an astounding array of cream cheese flavors. From the whimsical birthday cake cream cheese to the savory cucumber dill, there’s a flavor for every palate.
After careful consideration and multiple bagel indulgences, we’ve crowned New York the overall winner. Don’t get me wrong, Montreal bagels are still extraordinary, but New York bagels just have that extra something special.
For the best cinnamon raisin bagel, Montreal takes the prize. The sweetness of the bagel harmonizes perfectly with the raisins, and the generosity of the filling ensures a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
When it comes to everything bagels, New York’s doughy texture and bold flavors shine through. It’s a bagel that invites you to keep munching, despite the inevitable garlic breath.
As for the best bagel on its own, Montreal’s dense texture and subtle sweetness make it a winner. It’s a bagel that stands on its own, without the need for embellishments.
But let’s not forget the most important category: sandwiches. New York bagels simply excel in this arena. Their larger size and ability to withstand hearty fillings make them the ideal foundation for a satisfying bagel sandwich experience.
So there you have it, the verdict is in: New York bagels are the ultimate champions. While Montreal bagels hold a special place in our hearts, New York’s bagels have won us over with their size, flavors, and sandwich-making prowess. But hey, don’t take our word for it, embark on your own bagel adventure and let us know which city’s bagels reign supreme in your taste buds.
