Frumento dives into why she believes New Jersey bagels are superior to New York’s. (Courtesy of Claire Krieger for The Fordham Ram)

When walking into a bagel shop, many people do not know what they should expect for their money. To the oblivious consumer, most bagels are equivalent. A chewy ball of dough with a hole in the center. How can you mess it up? Fortunately enough for me, I’ve lived in the two states that claim they have the “best” bagels — New York and New Jersey. 

I am here to tell you that New Jersey bagels take the crown.

New York City often boasts about being the bagel epicenter of the country, and the New York pride is real. These debates spark intensity among two states that are in a rivalry for the highest quality food. The Garden State wins by a landslide when it comes to pure bagel bliss. 

Now, New York City shouldn’t necessarily be ashamed of its bagel production, as I have tasted much worse. But with one taste of a New Jersey bagel, New Yorkers would be humbled, to say the least. Let’s start off with the basics: the dough. New York City claims that their pristine water is the holy grail of their dough, yet New Jersey bagels share the same water source. And the bagel dough concocted in New Jersey is top-notch.

The foundation of making the finest bagel around lies in the people who are a part of the process. New York City has a lot of pride in its cuisine, yet New Jersey residents get down to business when it comes to bagels. The vivacious nature of the staff in each bagel shop has an honor to defend and are eager to receive feedback from the people. They know that a bagel isn’t just a ball of dough, but the key to starting your day off right. Nothing is as sad as building up excitement in the morning, preparing yourself to have a delicious bagel and being let down (which can happen if you indulge in a NYC bagel).

 While New York bagels have a consistent recipe for their dough, it lacks the uniqueness New Jersey bagels have. While New York City has traditions in its recipes, New Jersey has versatility. Are you feeling a sweet raspberry-flavored bagel? Or maybe you have a savory craving that can only be fulfilled by an aromatic garlic poppy seed bagel. Each Garden State bagel shop has its own unique recipe for a chewy, delightful dough with a golden crispy exterior. Although every bagel tastes a little different, every bagel tops NYC in flavor and texture. Nothing can compare to the fluffy yet chewy texture of a New Jersey bagel. 

We’ve set the groundwork for exactly why New Jersey wins the award for supreme bagels, but where exactly can you get this amazing breakfast food? Although every bagel tasted has a great chance of winning you over, there are a few bagel shops that come to mind. Located next to my hometown in Randolph, N.J., Alfa Bagels is ranked #3 in New Jersey’s 44 greatest bagel shops. Each bagel has a golden exterior with a dense and delectable interior. I can confidently say, they are the best bagels I have ever tasted. My favorite is their sausage egg and cheese on an everything bagel. If you are down the shore and looking for a great bagel shop, “The Bagel Shack” in Beach Haven is the way to go. If you’re a risk taker and looking for more variety in your bagel, go to “The Bagel Station” in Sparta for their famous blueberry-flavored bagel. 

The fierce competition over who has the best bagels around is quite simple when it comes to facts. New Jersey has everything there is to offer in a bagel. People from New York can try to defend their honor, but in the end, the Garden State will always take the crown. From the mindfully crafted dough to the unique flavors, there will always be a bagel shop in New Jersey that fits your taste buds. If you don’t believe me, experience the difference for yourself. Once you taste the deliciousness of a supreme New Jersey bagel you will never look back.