Montreal is known for its diverse culinary scene, and among the many delicious offerings in the city is the humble bagel. While New York may be famous for its bagels, Montreal has its own unique take on this beloved bread product. Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterparts, and are typically baked in a wood-fired oven.
If you’re a bagel lover visiting Montreal, you’ll be delighted to know that there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. From traditional bakeries that have been serving up bagels for decades to trendy new spots offering creative toppings, there’s something for every bagel aficionado in this vibrant city.
One of the most iconic spots to get a Montreal-style bagel is St-Viateur Bagel. This legendary bakery has been a Montreal institution since 1957 and is famous for its hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels. St-Viateur offers a variety of toppings, including classic sesame seed, poppy seed, and everything bagels, as well as more unique options like rosemary sea salt and garlic and herb. The bagels here are chewy and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Fairmount Bagel is another must-visit bakery for bagel lovers in Montreal. Founded in 1919, Fairmount claims to be the oldest bagel shop in the city and is known for its traditional, rustic approach to bagel-making. The bagels here are slightly larger and denser than those at St-Viateur, with a crisp crust and a chewy interior. Fairmount offers a variety of toppings, including the classic sesame seed, as well as more unconventional options like blueberry and chocolate chip.
If you’re looking for a more modern take on the Montreal-style bagel, look no further than Beaubourg Bagel. This trendy spot in the Mile End neighborhood offers a range of innovative bagel sandwiches, as well as traditional toppings like sesame seed and poppy seed. Beaubourg’s bagels are slightly smaller and softer than those at St-Viateur and Fairmount, with a sweeter flavor profile. The sandwiches here are creative and delicious, with options like smoked salmon with cream cheese and avocado, and roasted eggplant with tahini and pickled vegetables.
For those looking for a vegan or gluten-free option, Brossard Bagel is the place to go. This bakery offers a range of vegan bagels made with plant-based ingredients, as well as gluten-free bagels for those with dietary restrictions. The bagels here are slightly smaller and denser than traditional Montreal-style bagels, but are just as delicious. Brossard also offers a variety of toppings, including classic sesame seed and poppy seed, as well as more unique options like cinnamon raisin and sun-dried tomato.
No matter where you choose to get your bagel fix in Montreal, you can rest assured that you’ll be enjoying a delicious and authentic taste of this vibrant city’s culinary heritage. Whether you prefer a classic sesame seed bagel from St-Viateur, a rustic Fairmount bagel with cream cheese, or a modern bagel sandwich from Beaubourg, there’s something for everyone in Montreal’s thriving bagel scene.
So next time you find yourself in Montreal, be sure to seek out one of the city’s best bagel shops and indulge in this beloved bread product. Whether you’re a longtime bagel aficionado or a newcomer to the world of Montreal-style bagels, you’re sure to be impressed by the quality and variety of options available in this vibrant city. After all, there’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked Montreal-style bagel and experiencing the unique flavor and texture that has made this humble bread product a beloved staple of the city’s culinary scene.
