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What Is the Difference Between a Bagel and a Beigel?

The age-old debate between 'bagel' and 'beigel' runs deeper than just spelling – it tells a story of migration, culture, and culinary evolution across continents. While you might hear both terms tossed around bakeries and delis from London to New York, each carries its own distinct history and characteristics.

The New York Bagel: The "bagel" has become synonymous with New York's bustling breakfast scene. These hefty rings of joy are crafted through a distinctive process: first boiled in sweetened water (often with honey or malt), then baked to perfection. The result? A generous-sized bread with a glossy exterior that gives way to a characteristically chewy interior. Today's bagels embrace innovation, featuring everything from blueberries to jalapeños, reflecting America's love for reinvention.

The London Beigel: A Traditional Treasure Travel to London's East End, particularly along Brick Lane, and you'll encounter the "beigel" – a testament to the area's Jewish heritage. These more modest-sized rings maintain their traditional roots, beginning with a simmer in plain water before meeting the oven's heat. Beigels tend to be denser and less sweet than their American cousins, creating the perfect canvas for classic fillings like salt beef, pickled cucumbers, and generous smears of cream cheese.

The spelling difference reflects more than geography – it captures distinct cultural moments in time. The "bagel" represents the evolution of Jewish food in America, adapting to new tastes while maintaining its essential character. The "beigel," still proudly displayed in London's historic Jewish bakeries, preserves its original Yiddish roots, serving as a delicious reminder of the community's history. Luckily, you can pick up both types at Rinkoff bakery. The oldest Jewish bakery in East London. Our take on the American classic can also be ordered online, or for wholesale delivery. Each version offers its own authentic experience, proving that sometimes the best debates in life can be settled simply by enjoying both.

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