Battle of the bagels: Montreal versus New York City

Photo courtesy: St-Viateur Bagel

Urban legends suggest that the best bagels in North America are made in New York City, but it turns out that New York might have some competition after all, in the largest French speaking city in North America.

I heard claims that Montreal bagels, smaller and less salty, were delicious and just might beat out my favorites. When I went to Montreal I had to see what all the fuss was about, after all New Yorkers are a very proud bunch, and according to them, New York bagels are the best around. I lived happily in my ignorance, munching on buttered bagels from the likes of H&H Bagels, Murray's Bagels, and Ess-a-Bagel in New York. I didn’t think anyone else could compete.

Bagels are first boiled and then put in an oven to bake. In Montreal salt isn’t added to the dough and they are boiled in water with a bit of honey. The end result is a sweeter less savory variety than what I was used to. There are two bagel shops that all bagel lovers must visit, the competing Fairmount and St-Viateur. Breakfast is a game of showmanship as the baker behind the counter seemingly tosses each bagel higher and higher in the air with each smile he gains from customers waiting in line.

While Montreal bagels are tasty, they lack the punch of its New York neighbors. I admit I may be biased, however; there is nothing better than satiating your craving with a salty, fresh out of the oven, New York bagel slathered with cinnamon raison cream cheese. It doesn’t get better than that.