Made from boiled yeast dough and baked, bagels come in numerous delectable options in cafes and eateries around the world. Although people enjoy this classic breakfast food every day, not many know of its story. Here’s how this round bread with a hole in the middle came to be.

Origins & Rise to Fame

There were several early versions of the breakfast food, including the Roman bucellatum. This round biscuit was traditionally dipped in a stew or wine beverage that included water, vinegar, and herbs. Another early bagel version is the Syrian ka’ak, a crispy, pretzel-like bread. While the ka’ak wasn’t boiled, this incarnation shares a connection with German pretzel creations during the 14th century.

German immigrants brought their pretzel recipe to Poland during this century, which eventually gave way to obwarzanek, which was a round bread with a hole in the center. Queen Jadwiga of Poland increased the bread’s popularity by consuming it during Lent instead of eating pastries.

How They’re Enjoyed Today

Jewish immigrants leaving Eastern Europe brought bagels to the New World in the early 1900s. The bread was boiled and baked to prolong its life span, and its popularity quickly spread throughout New York City, New York and Montreal and Toronto, Canada.

Cream cheese joined the bread in the 1930s, providing a condiment foundation for lox to be placed on top. Many versions have appeared since then, including those made with fruit and cheese or topped with poppy and sesame seeds, garlic, and salt.

If you want to enjoy a fresh bagel, turn to Maleko Coffee and Pastries in Honolulu, HI. This coffee shop offers affordable breakfast options, including handmade bagels that come with cream cheese. You can even pair your bread with a hot cup of coffee to enjoy a classic breakfast. View their pastry selection online, or call (808) 561-2846 to place a takeout order.