Looking for the best bagels in Pyeongtaek? From classic favorites to innovations that use Korean ingredients, Pyeongtaek's bagel shops offer mouthwatering bagel options. Come along as we investigate Pyeongtaek's bagel scene.
Where Is Pyeongtaek?
Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. We try to make sure that everyone knows what area our blog post recommendations cover since we don't know what part of Korea you may currently exist in when viewing our information.
Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes two US military installations, Camp Humphreys, and Osan Air Base.
The bagel shop recommendations provided exist within different areas of Pyeongtaek-si. Therefore, in this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. Also, we recommend using this information in Naver Maps or Kakao Maps instead of Google for the best results.
St. Urban Bagel (Photo Credit: Chad Card)
Let's Talk Bagels
Bagels began with the Jewish community and became a treat people from many backgrounds now appreciate. The history of bagels is proof of the ongoing popularity of this straightforward yet adaptable dish.
A Brief History of Bagels
While the bagel's exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have begun in Eastern Europe, particularly within Polish Jewish communities in the early 17th century. The Yiddish word "beygl," comes from the German word "beugel," which means "ring" or "bracelet," from which the English word "bagel" originates.
Jewish immigrants arriving in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought their bagel recipes to the country. At the beginning of the 20th century, the manufacturing of bagels started to move away from local, family-run bakeries and toward bigger, commercial facilities. This resulted in the introduction of new tastes and varieties as well as improvements in bagel-making methods.
In the mid-1900s, bagel shops and delis expanded in many American cities like New York. This expansion contributed to bagels' widespread acceptance. Therefore, bagels made their way across the nation and became a staple in American breakfast food options.
During the past few decades, bagels have grown in popularity, both locally and abroad. Modern bagels are available in a variety of tastes, and range from the traditional plain and sesame seed to the atypical blueberry and chocolate chip.
We celebrate the long history and enduring appeal of the modest bagel by cherishing every bite of these well-loved ring-shaped treats with a delicious schmear of cream cheese.
Traditional Method of Making Bagels
Likely, the first bagels were a bit different from those made today. Made with basic components like wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water, they were denser and rougher. The traditional method used for cooking bagels has been to boil the dough prior to baking. As a result of this process, bagels have a distinctive chewy crust and texture.
The art of making authentic bagels is a labor of love requiring expertise, patience, and meticulousness. The first step involves making a simple but essential dough using water, yeast, high-gluten flour, salt, and a tiny bit of honey or malt syrup for sweetness. Then, the dough must be kneaded (creating the gluten structure) and allowed to rise until doubling in size. Once the dough has risen, it is divided into portions and shaped into evenly smooth rounds.
Boiling is the next essential step that defines the bagel, not necessarily the shape. It is believed that the creation of bagels stemmed from, "anti-Semitic laws preventing Polish Jews from baking bread. To circumvent these edicts, Jewish bakers would boil the dough before baking it, a loophole that allowed them to bake." Great bagels are boiled in water, frequently with a hint of honey or malt syrup. The boiling gives the bagel its characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust. The mineral complexity of the water used for boiling then impacts the crust of the bagel.
Finally, bagels are baked in a hot oven until they are golden brown on the outside and soft and thick inside. After all of the hard work, the result is a fragrant and tasty batch of real bagels. Enjoy them plain, toasted, or topped with a variety of spreads and fillings.
If you are curious about delving into the differences between bagels and bread, check out this article on Wildgrain.
General Bagels in Korea
Although not a traditional dish in Korea, Bagels have established themselves amid the diverse array of culinary options seen in cities such as Seoul and Busan. In Korea, bagel shops usually offer a modern twist on the classic recipe by fusing local ingredients with artisanal techniques to create a delicious blend of East and West.
Unfortunately, many bakers tend to skip boiling the bagels. They prefer to use the steaming functions of the ovens. This typically results in a much harder texture on the outside of the bagel and the inside bagel is less chewy.
Always Bakery
Korean bakeries also like to combine traditional Korean ingredients infusing this well-known bread with inventive flavors like sweet potato, red bean paste, and green tea. Some may love this while others may only want the taste of home.
Therefore, bagel aficionados should remember to temper expectations. Although you may find a hidden gem offering authentic New York-style bagels, you may also find your bagel to be more of a Korean bread shaped like a bagel. Keep this mind wherever you go.
Bagel Quality in Pyeongtaek
Over the last 2-3 years, bagel stores started opening in Pyeongtaek. Some even offer boiled and backed options in traditional flavors like Everything Bagels.
Young's Bagels in Sosabeol
KimchiRednecks Grabbing Bagels In Pyeongtaek
We have not made it to visit all of the best bagel shops in Pyeongtaek. However, we have made it to two of the local favorites, 753 Bagel Bistro and Always Coffee and Bakery. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel for our adventures in and around Korea.
You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone's adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again.
While this list of best bagels in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us!
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