Toasted, buttered, topped, or plain, bagels are a delicious breakfast food, and they’re eaten by people of all ages. These popular treats date back to the 1600s and are still enjoyed around the world today. Here’s more information about how this breakfast staple became the ultimate grab-and-go morning favorite.

Worldly Origins

The exact origin of the bagel is unknown; however, historians have found records of this treat around the world. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depict people eating a round bread with a hole in the middle. The hole made the bread portable, allowing the Egyptians to carry it on a string or stick.

Austrians believe that the bagel was created in 1683 in honor of their monarch, King Jan III. This Polish king liberated the Austrians from the Turks. The round shape with the hole in the center is believed to be symbolic of stirrups, a nod to the liberated Austrians who clung to the king’s stirrups as he rode by.

The first official documented appearance of the bagel was in Poland in 1610 by the Jewish community. Bagels were wildly popular with the Ashkenazi Jewish and were documented in Yiddish by the Jewish Council of Krakow. During the 17^th century, bagels were extremely popular and often given to new mothers as a present.

Rise to Popularity in the U.S.

Bagels were introduced by Eastern-European migrant workers in the late 19^th century and were baked in apartment building basements on the lower east side of Manhattan. As the bread gained popularity, bagels shops began to open up, and the most notable one was a simple bakery founded by Harry Lenders. Lenders discovered that freezing the bagels would facilitate distribution, allowing him to keep up with the ever-increasing demand. Bagels have continued to grow in popularity and are now a staple in most bakeries and grocery stores.

If you’d like to try a delicious bagel, head to Maleko Coffee and Pastries in Honolulu, HI. Since 2017, this locally owned coffee shop has provided Oahu kamaaina and visitors with tasty breakfast foods, including malasadas, croissants, and muffins. Pair your breakfast with a cup of hot coffee or cold brew for the ultimate morning meal. View their menu online, or call (808) 561-2846 to place a take-out order.