Bagels are a traditional Jewish bread that is boiled and then baked. They are often enjoyed with cream cheese or as a breakfast food. New York is famous for its bagels, which can be found at various shops throughout the city. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of the New York Bagels | Best Bagel Shop in Los Angeles and provide some tips on where to find the best ones.
What is New York bagels?
New York bagels are a type of boiled and then baked bread. New York Bagels have a chewy crust with a soft interior and a variety of toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or onion flakes.
New York-style bagels are made from high-gluten flour that has been kneaded, boiled in water for a minute or two, and then baked in the oven. New York Bagels are typically larger than Montreal-style bagels and have a sweeter taste due to the addition of malt syrup during the boiling process.

History of the New York bagel
The history of the New York bagel dates back to the early 1900s, when Jewish immigrants brought their version of the bagel with them to America. These immigrants were mainly from Poland and Russia, where they had perfected a crisp, chewy dough that was boiled in water before being baked. This method created a unique texture and flavor that soon became popular among New Yorkers.
Types of New York bagels
There are many types of New York bagels, including everything from plain to more creative flavors like French toast or jalapeno cheddar. However, some classic New York Bagel varieties include:
– Plain Bagel: A New York Bagel that is boiled and then baked without any toppings.
– Sesame Seed Bagel: New York Bagel topped with sesame seeds.
– Poppy Seed Bagel: New York Bagel topped with poppy seeds.
– Onion Bagel: New York Bagel topped with onion flakes.
– Everything Bagel: New York bagel topped with a combination of sesame, poppy, and onion flakes.
Traditional ingredients and methods used to make a New York bagel
Traditional New York bagels are made with a combination of high-gluten flour, malt syrup, sugar, salt, and yeast. The dough is kneaded until it develops a smooth texture before being rolled into thin circles and then boiled for about two minutes in heavily salted water. Finally, the bagels are baked in an oven until golden brown.
What makes a good New York bagel?
A New York bagel is characterized by its chewy, slightly dense texture and thick crust. They should be boiled in water with malt or barley malt syrup before baking, giving them a glossy sheen and unique flavor.
New York-style bagels are usually topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes or other toppings. The dough used to make New York-style bagels is typically denser than other types of bagels, allowing it to retain its shape and texture while baking.

Whether you’re visiting from New York or just looking for an amazing bagel, the shops we mentioned above are sure to provide you with some of the best around. So be sure to stop by and get your fill of these iconic treats next time you’re in LA.
Where to find the best New York bagels in your area?
If you’re looking for the best New York bagels in your area, there are several things to consider. First, research local shops to see what kind of bagel they offer and how long they’ve been in business. You should also ask around to get recommendations from friends and family who have tried them before. Finally, don’t forget to check online reviews to get an idea of the quality and customer service of a particular shop.
Absolute Bagels
If we had to pick one bagel to reign supreme over all of its New York City carbohydrate kin, it’s the untoasted everything bagel with scallion cream cheese from Absolute Bagels on Broadway and West 108th Street. Tiny and round like a softball, each springy dough globe you’ll find here has a blistered bottom. The dough itself tastes malty and sweet, like it had a daydream years ago about being a dessert.
But the real magic is how the bagel’s subtle sweetness is counteracted by the salty garlic everything seasoning that adheres to the exterior. Absolute Bagels also makes fantastic Thai iced tea—the place was founded by Sam Thongkrieng, who moved from Bangkok to NYC in the ’80s and worked at Ess-A-Bagel for years. Try one, and it’ll add some needed relief to the salty-garlicky, cream cheese-gushing experience.

Bagel Oasis
There are several good bagel places on Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Queens, but our favorite is Bagel Oasis. The shop has been around for more than three decades, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a neighborhood institution. The bagels here are big and chewy with a nice crust, and the maltiness really comes through.
We like to get ours with scallion cream cheese, but there are plenty of other options, including lox, tuna salad, and egg salad. The shop also has a wide selection of breakfast sandwiches if you’re looking for something a little heartier.
Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a New York institution, and its bagels are some of the best in the city. The shop has been around for more than 100 years, and it’s now run by fourth-generation owners. The bagels here are made with malt and a touch of honey, which gives them a subtle sweetness.
They’re also nice and chewy with a crisp crust. The lox is, of course, phenomenal, but we also like the smoked salmon cream cheese. If you really want to indulge, get the bagel with Nova Scotia salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. It’s a lot of food, but it’s worth it.
Empire Bagels
Empire Bagels in Pelham Bay deserves to be on several guides, including The Lightest Cream Cheese In NYC and one of the best spots for bagel breakfast near 6 Train. If you grew up eating massive, buoyant New York City style bagels then this is your spot.
Their versions have a shiny caramelized exterior with an extra fluffy interior that makes them stand apart from other locales around town – plus they’re open 24 hours so guests can always find some good old fashioned cream cheese fresh off the grill when it’s time hit sans cereal Thur.
Shelsky’s Of Brooklyn
The story behind Shelsky’s Bagels is one that begins with experience and knowledge from places like Kossar’s, Zabars or even Eleven Madison Park. In 2011 someone who had this expertise opened up a shop specializing in seafood related items but wanted to provide something for everyone so they put together an appetizing menu including bagels richly colored by time as well fresh cream cheese options such scallion bulbs which you want if it sounds simple enough – no need for fixings here. But we also love their pastrami smoked salmon sandwich on bialys with Nova style lox (which has less salt)and pepperdew tomatoes plus Addie sister brownies finished off.
Baz Bagel And Restaurant
This is the newest bagel spot on our list, and it’s already become one of our favorites. Baz Bagel is a small shop in the Financial District that specializes in, you guessed it, bagels. The bagels here are made with a malt syrup and baked fresh throughout the day.
They’re nice and chewy with a crispy crust, and they’re big enough to make a meal out of. We like the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. The shop also has a great selection of breakfast sandwiches if you’re looking for something a little heartier.
H&H Bagels
H&H Bagels is another New York institution, and it’s been around for more than 50 years. The bagels here are made with malt and a touch of honey, which gives them a subtle sweetness. They’re also nice and chewy with a crisp crust. The lox is, of course, phenomenal, but we also like the smoked salmon cream cheese. If you really want to indulge, get the bagel with Nova Scotia salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. It’s a lot of food, but it’s worth it.
Leo’s Bagel Shop
Leo’s Bagel Shop is a family-run business that’s been around since 1972. The bagels here are made with malt and a touch of honey, which gives them a subtle sweetness. They’re also nice and chewy with a crisp crust. The lox is, of course, phenomenal, but we also like the smoked salmon cream cheese. If you really want to indulge, get the bagel with Nova Scotia salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. It’s a lot of food, but it’s worth it.
Utopia Bagels
Utopia Bagels is a small, family-owned bagel shop in the Bronx. The bagels here are made with malt and a touch of honey, which gives them a subtle sweetness. They’re also nice and chewy with a crisp crust. The lox is, of course, phenomenal, but we also like the smoked salmon cream cheese. If you really want to indulge, get the bagel with Nova Scotia salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. It’s a lot of food, but it’s worth it.

Ess-A-Bagel
Head to Ess-A Bagel for a big, doughy bagel that is about the size of your favorite Tonka truck—only these are filled with perfect ratio cream cheese and fluffy dough. They have an extra chewy crust thanks in part from being cooked on both sides before baking which gives them their signature puffy texture.
Bagel Hole
Bagel Hole is the plainest, most basic bagels you’ll find in Park Slope. This tiny kneaded breads store has been baking their eleven flavors of hot golden brown dough since 1985 and we love it for its textbook example that shows how a perfect circle should look like: chewy white center with crunchy edges giving way to satisfying cracking sound when bitten into. But no matter which variety or flavor combo your choose at Bagles- know this place never toasties–and also remember they run small so make sure take down two salt based ones while ordering something else.
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Bagel Pub
Bagel Pub is a Brooklyn mini-chain that has been satisfying patrons for over ten years. On any given Saturday, you can find the place bustling with activity as they prepare and serve fresh bagels from their ovens behind the scenes while simultaneously taking names of those waiting in line to get some. And when it comes time for one last meal before heading off into adulthood (or trying), there’s no better option than these thick slices delivered straight from NYC’svested doughnut shops where nothing else matters.
Greenberg’s Bagel
With two locations in the city, Greenberg’s is a bagel shop that takes their smoked fish very seriously. The lox here is some of the best we’ve ever had, and it comes in a variety of flavors including plain, onion, garlic, and chive. The bagels are also delicious, and they have a wide selection of cream cheeses to choose from. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or lunch, this is the place to go.
Bo’s Bagels
Harlem may have only one bagel shop, but what a selection. The kind where you leave with way more than your original count. Behind the giant hanging doughnuts are they full-fledged baking operation making chewy inside and crispy out front – made from scratch every time (no preservatives here). There’s more variety available too; traditional to slightly adventurous like onion & garlic pumpernickel cranberry za’atar spice combo on top of three cheeses for an unbeatable flavor experience that will make even nonbread eaters want some breakfast join in too.
Dyker Park Bagels
Dyker Park Bagels is a local favorite in Brooklyn, and it’s easy to see why. The bagels here are big and fluffy with a nice crust, and they have a wide selection of cream cheeses to choose from. The lox is also delicious, and the smoked salmon is some of the best we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a bagel shop that is reliable and consistent, this is the place to go.
David’s Bagels
David’s Bagels is the perfect place for a breakfast sandwich on their fluffy, Tempur-Pedic bagels. The pumpernickel has an amazing flavor and stays soft even after you toast it. They also serve whole wheat options which are not too sweet but still pack some sweetness when needed with your favorite fruit topings or jams from David’s garden workshop stocked right next door at Green MarketPlace.
Terrace Bagels
Terrace Bagels is a great place to go if you’re looking for a bagel sandwich or just a plain bagel with cream cheese. The bagels here are big and fluffy, and they have a wide selection of cream cheeses to choose from. The lox is also delicious, and the smoked salmon is some of the best we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a bagel shop that is reliable and consistent, this is the place to go.
How to make a New York bagel at home?
To make New York bagels at home, you will need high-gluten flour, malt syrup, water, yeast, and some salt. Start by mixing the yeast and warm water in a bowl until the mixture is foamy. Then add the malt syrup and mix until it is fully incorporated. Next, slowly add in the flour while kneading the dough with your hands until it is elastic and smooth. Let the dough rise for about an hour in a warm place.
When the dough has doubled in size, shape it into bagels and let them rise again for 15 minutes. Boil them for 2 minutes each side, then brush egg wash on top before baking for 20 minutes at 375°F. Enjoy your New York-style bagels.
Tips for make New York Bagels
1. The key to New York-style bagels is high-gluten flour, so be sure to use a good quality brand.
2. Be sure not to over boil the bagels – two minutes each side is enough time for them to cook through without becoming too soft and chewy.
3. For a crispy crust, brush the bagels with egg wash before baking.
4. New York Bagels are best served warm, so enjoy them while they’re hot.
How to enjoy New York bagels?
New York Bagels are delicious when enjoyed with a schmear of cream cheese, lox, and capers. They can also be enjoyed plain or with butter and jam for breakfast. New York Bagels also make an excellent base for sandwiches such as egg salad, tuna salad, or even an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. New York Bagels are also great for snacking when toasted and served with butter or your favorite spread.
Recipes for delicious toppings & spreads for your New York bagel
1. Cream cheese and smoked salmon: Spread cream cheese over the New York Bagel and top with thinly sliced smoked salmon and capers.
2. Blueberry cream cheese: Make your New York bagels special by spreading blueberry cream cheese over them for a tasty breakfast treat.
3. Peanut butter and jelly: Enjoy New York bagels the classic way – with a layer of peanut butter and jelly.
4. Avocado and tomato: Make your New York bagels healthier by topping them with mashed avocado and slices of tomato.
5. Egg salad: New York Bagels are also great with egg salad, especially when topped with a sprinkle of bacon bits.

Conclusion: New York Bagels
These are just a few of the great places to get a bagel in Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for a traditional New York-style bagel or something a little bit different, you’ll be able to find it here. So go ahead and enjoy one of the most iconic foods Los Angeles has to offer.
FAQ: New York Bagels
What is different about New York bagels?
New York bagels are typically denser and chewier than Los Angeles bagels. They also have a thinner crust and are boiled in water before being baked.
What’s so special about New York bagels?
New York bagels are made with a sweeter dough and are boiled before they’re baked, giving them a chewy texture. They also tend to be larger than Los Angeles bagels.
What is the best New York bagel?
From the answers we can find to this question, it’s clear that there is no one-size fits all solution; what works for some may not be ideal for others. Ultimately, when choosing an answer to this particular inquiry, personal preferences must come into play.
Do New Yorkers not toast their bagels?
No, New Yorkers do toast their bagels. However, many people believe that a properly made New York bagel does not need to be toasted.
What is the difference between a New York bagel and a Montreal bagel?
Montreal bagels are smaller and sweeter than New York bagels. They are also boiled in honey water before being baked, giving them a slightly different flavor.
Why are new york bagels so good?
Unleash the debate over New York City bagels. The secret to their superiority lies in the water they’re boiled in. Just like a vineyard’s distinct terroir gives a wine its character, certain minerals found in NYC tap water are credited with crafting the ultimate bagels.
What makes new york style bagels different from other types of bagels?
Experience the iconic taste and texture of a New York-style bagel, perfectly boiled in water infused with barley malt. Indulge in the classic, leathery skin that truly sets a bagel apart.
Are New York bagels sweet?
Experience the perfect bagel – boiled in honey-infused water for a hint of sweetness, a glistening crust, and the irresistibly delicious and chewy texture you love.
Are New York bagels hard?
Indulge in the renowned bagels of New York. These flavorful treats boast a chewy texture and a crusty exterior that’s irresistibly blistery. Sink your teeth into the soft, yeasty center and savor the delectable combination of cream cheese and all the fixin’s. Don’t miss the chance to start your day off right with a mouthwatering bagel and a steaming cup of coffee.
Are New York style bagels healthy?
Enjoy delectable and nutritious bagels without compromising your calorie goals. When sourced from a reputable bakery, these bagels boast an ideal protein-to-carb ratio, along with healthy fats and zero preservatives. With mindful toppings, self-discipline, and portion management, you can savor the scrumptiousness of bagels while staying on track with your dietary needs.
Why are New York bagels hard?
Discover the secret behind New York’s irresistibly soft and delicious bagels. The pristine water, sourced from the purest streams of the Catskill Mountains, is exceptionally low in calcium and magnesium. Unbeknownst to many, these minerals have a direct impact on the texture and chewiness of your favorite breakfast treat. Dive into our fascinating exploration of how the unique mineral ratios in the water shape the gluten in bagel dough. Prepare to be amazed by the science behind the perfect New York bagel.
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