When we say bagel, most of us think of a round, hole-in-the-middle pastry that we can find almost everywhere these days – in brunch restaurants, cafes and of course at home, freshly baked. But what exactly is a bagel, where did it come from and why did it become so popular? Now we’ll tell you its story and give you some tips on where to find the tastiest bagel in Budapest.
What is a bagel?
A bagel is a special type of dough-based baked good that is characterized by a combination of cooking and baking. The raw dough is first cooked in hot water and then baked in an oven until crispy. This gives the crust a delicately chewy texture and the inside is soft and fresh.
The classic bagel is usually topped with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, but today you can find all kinds of exciting versions - with cheddar cheese, red onion, cinnamon and raisins, or even completely homemade, customized to your own taste.
The history of the bagel
The history of the bagel can be traced back to 17th century Poland, where it became a popular delicacy among the Jewish community. The round shape was symbolic: it represented the cycle of life, luck and continuity. From there, it began its journey of world conquest, arriving in America with the great waves of emigration.
New York became the new capital of the bagel: in the early 1900s, immigrant bakers introduced the basics of the original bagel recipe here. Since then, the „New York bagel” has become a concept and is considered an iconic element of American cuisine.
Luckily, you no longer need to travel to New York to enjoy this treat. More and more places offer bagels in Budapest, especially in the brunch Budapest scene. A cream cheese and salmon bagel for breakfast, a good coffee on the side – and the day can begin.
You can do this, among others, at our place, near the Danube and the Parliament, where we offer a colorful and wide selection of bagels!
How are homemade bagels made?
Making homemade bagels is not a difficult task, although it does require a little attention and patience:
Good quality flour, yeast and water are key
After rising, the dough must first be cooked in boiling water for a few minutes,
then it gets its characteristic crispy crust in the oven.
Once you try it, you're guaranteed to be addicted - and you'll always have fresh bagels on your table.
Bagel in the Smoothie
But if you’d rather leave the baking to us, we have good news: you’ll find your favourite bagels at Smúz too.
Whether it's a light, vegetarian version like the bagel with hummus and egg or the bagel with eggplant cream, or something really hearty like the bagel with serrano ham, or a classic brunch star like the bagel with salmon and avocado - you're sure to find something you like here.
