New York bagel
Bagel · New York, USA
A bread ring that's boiled and then baked, brought to New York by Polish Jewish immigrants.
Know before you go
- Don't dither and hold up the queue in a busy shop during the morning rush
- New Yorkers have strong views on whether bagels should be toasted — do as the locals do
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The bagel is a bread ring from the Jewish communities of Poland: yeast dough rolled by hand into a ring, boiled briefly in water, then baked. Bagels are mentioned in the community regulations of the Jews of Kraków as early as 1610, and from the 17th century they have been associated with Ashkenazi Jews. Today they are popular in North America and Poland, especially in cities with large Jewish populations such as New York.
Local customs
- Sliced and toasted, spread with cream cheese (a schmear)
- the classic topping is smoked salmon, red onion and capers
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't dither and hold up the queue in a busy shop during the morning rush
- New Yorkers have strong views on whether bagels should be toasted — do as the locals do
Locals appreciate DO
New Yorkers appreciate customers who order quickly and know what they want.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Go to an old bagel shop in the morning: the queue moves fast and the bagels are fresh from the oven. Prices and opening hours are set by each shop
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Sources & verification notes
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