Jacob Brown
Bagel Ambassador Sam Silverman conveys his top bagel places in New York City, from precious hole-in-the-wall Absolute Bagels to award-winning Popup Bagels.
Bagels stand as a quintessential symbol of New York City’s culinary landscape, boasting a myriad of savory and sweet flavors, toppings, and fillings.
Whether it’s the classic “everything” bagel with plain cream cheese or the innovative French toast bagel with peanut butter, bagel joints across the city cater to diverse tastes and preferences, offering a quick and satisfying bite for New Yorkers on the go.
A Journey through Bagel History: From Poland to New York
Delving into the rich history of bagels, we discover their origins in 17th-century Poland, where discriminatory laws prohibited Jewish communities from baking bread.
To circumvent these restrictions, Jewish bakers developed a unique method of boiling dough before baking, resulting in the iconic crunchy exterior and chewy interior that define bagels today.
With the influx of Eastern European immigrants to New York and Montreal in the 1900s, bagels became a beloved staple in both cities, carrying forward the tradition from generations past.
Meet Sam Silverman: The Bagel Ambassador
Sam Silverman, known as New York City’s “Bagel Ambassador,” has dedicated himself to celebrating and preserving the legacy of bagels.
From organizing BagelFest to leading bagel baking classes and walking tours, Silverman shares his passion for this iconic carb. His lifelong love affair with bagels earned him the endearing nickname “bageltarian,” reflecting his penchant for enjoying bagels with every meal since childhood.
Exploring NYC’s Bagel Hotspots
Silverman reveals his top bagel destinations in the Big Apple, starting with Utopia Bagels in Whitestone, Queens.
Renowned for its artisanal approach and dedication to quality, Utopia Bagels hand-rolls over 100,000 bagels per week, boasting a team of over 50 staff members and an impressive oven that ensures the perfect crisp on every New York bagel. Whether you’re seeking a classic plain bagel or a bold flavor combination, Utopia Bagels promises a memorable bagel experience for groups and individuals alike.
From its humble beginnings as a loophole to oppressive legislation to its status as a beloved cultural icon, the journey of the bagel embodies the resilience, innovation, and diversity that define New York City’s culinary scene. With Sam Silverman as our guide, we embark on a flavorful exploration of NYC’s bagel culture, savoring every bite of this timeless culinary delight.
