The NYC Deli Specialty To Try If You Love Bagels And Lox - Daily Meal

"The delicious dish is made by combining freshwater whitefish with a dollop of mayonnaise and seasonings. Unlike lox, which is cured in a salt brine, the whitefish is brined, dried, and hot smoked, imparting it with a woody taste that's more similar to smoked salmon. Whitefish is naturally oily, lending it a buttery texture, particularly when whipped into a rich mayo. This quality also helps it to absorb smoke, giving it a satisfying savory vibe."

"A freshly baked bagel (or beigel?) with a schmear of cream cheese and lox is a match made in heaven. Ask your deli server to scatter over some capers, dill, and slivers of red onion, and you'll be transported to textural nirvana. The only problem? Ordering the same special every day can give you a case of taste fatigue. If you've overexposed your taste buds to bagels stuffed with lox but enjoy the flavor of fish, it's time to try another NYC deli specialty: the whitefish salad."

"Invented by members of the Ashkenazi Jewish community who immigrated to the U.S., the whitefish salad was their yummy attempt at recreating the flavors of traditional Eastern European dishes that were made with local freshwater fish. It has since become a popular dish served at Jewish delis and stores, particularly in New York, where 1.4 million of the population identified as Jewish in 2023."

Whitefish salad combines freshwater whitefish with mayonnaise and seasonings to form a rich, spreadable salad commonly enjoyed on dense, chewy bagels. The whitefish is brined, dried, and hot smoked, producing a woody, savory flavor and a naturally oily, buttery texture that blends smoothly with mayo and absorbs smoke well. The dish originated with Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants who sought to recreate Eastern European freshwater fish preparations using available American fish. Whitefish salad became a staple in Jewish delis and stores, especially in New York, where a large Jewish population sustains widespread demand. Popular delis and bagel shops are known for distinct takes on the salad and pairings.

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