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World's Best Bagels? Manhattan May Beg to Differ

August 4, 2008 at 10:00 AM | 2 Comments

Members of the foodie blogosphere never hesitate to declare their local faves "the best (whatever) in the world." But the best bagel? Any claim is a recipe for a fight, whether you're partial to New York's Zabar's or to LA's Bagel Broker.

But according to a particularly passionate online fan base, the very best bagels can be found in... wait for it... Canada?

St.-Viateur Bagel isn't just the home of the best bagel in Montreal, but Washingtonian.com's Best Bites blog calls it the best in the world:

Smaller and lighter than their New York cousins and with a larger hole in the center, the bagels are artisanally handcrafted--no machine stamping--and baked in a wood-burning oven.

We have to admit we're a little skeptical, but Montreal does know what they're doing with the smoked meat and the poutine. Has anyone out there actually tried these bad boys?

Related Stories:
· St.-Viateur Bagel [Official Site]
· The Best Bagels in the World? Oui! Oui! [Best Bites Blog]
· Best Steamed Bagel Sandwiches in the US? [Jaunted]

Where: 263 St. Viateur West, Montreal, QC, Canada

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Author Photo: BS by BS

2 Comments

Return to » World's Best Bagels? Manhattan May Beg to Differ

  1. fatetta

    Jaunted Member
    August 4, 2008 at 3:28 PM




    Montreal Bagels

    These are good, but they are not the same type of taste or texture as "real" NY bagels.  True, they are hand-formed, boiled and baked in wood-fired ovens, but they have a bit of a sweet, bread-like texture, and generally come only in one variety (the sesame variety, pictured, is the most prevalent).  
    Real bagel gourmets may be disappointed that they lack "bite" or "chew", and they may be put-out by the slightly charred or smoky taste.  Just one opinion, but the world's best?  Don't think so.

  1. joshunspun

    Jaunted Member
    September 4, 2008 at 7:43 PM




    All for NY bagels

    I'll admit I've never tried bagels in Montreal, but I can't imagine they're as good as NY ones.  What amazes me though is the incredible number of people who like chain bagles (Einstein Bros., etc.).  UnSpun by Amazon actually has Einstein listed as #1.  Me?  I'm an H&H person (currently at #4).

Return to » World's Best Bagels? Manhattan May Beg to Differ

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