A Tale of Two Bagels: NYC Vs. Montréal

Photography By Greg Garry.

Which city does the bagel better? Read and then taste.

New York: 

Size: Very round—bulbous, even—with a small hole that almost looks like a dimple. 

Method: A quick boil and traditional bake keeps them fluffy yet chewy.  

Ingredients : Extra malt and salt are key factors; some say the metals in the local water add extra magic. 

Flavors: With less ceremony around toppings, New York tastes range from “plain” to “everything” 

VERSUS

Montréal:

Size: A tubular ring with a noticeable gap in the middle. Much thinner than the American kind, like Canadians themselves.  

Method: Boiling in honey water then baking in a wood-fired oven gives them a sweet crunch and slight char.

Ingredients: More eggs in the dough recipe, with a touch of honey as well.  

Flavors: Sesame is the OG flavor; poppy is an acceptable secondary option. 

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