This Bakery Was Just Awarded Best Bagel in the World-and No, It's Not in New York City

"Let's play a game. Without thinking, what food comes to mind first when I say "New York City?" Odds are, you said bagels. And really, you'd be right. The delicious breakfast item has long been synonymous with the city that never sleeps. But, what if we told you that the best bagel you can devour tomorrow morning is actually some 1,500 miles away in Dallas?"

"Over the weekend, the experts gathered for New York BagelFest 2025, celebrating the best bagels from around the world. According to the festival, more than 2,000 people attended, including competitors from far-flung, bagel-loving places like Madrid, Honolulu, Montreal, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Chicago, who joined "local legends across New York City to compete for the industry's highest honors.""

"It's actually the second time the shop has won the prestigious award, taking the top prize in 2023 as well. As owner Oren Salomon shared with the Dallas Morning News, this year they upped their game by making the bagels using a new par-baking technique, then packing them in dry ice and finishing them off in New York City before presenting them to the judges."

New York BagelFest 2025 attracted more than 2,000 attendees and competitors from cities including Madrid, Honolulu, Montreal, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Chicago. Starship Bagel of Dallas won the overall Best Bagel in the blind taste test and also captured Best New York Style and Best Showmanship, marking a repeat top finish after 2023. Owner Oren Salomon described using a new par-baking method, shipping par-baked bagels on dry ice and finishing them in New York before judging. The shop also placed second in Schmear of the Year and Most Creative. The festival combines celebration with high-stakes competition for makers.

Read at Travel + Leisure