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Harry & Sons Bagels Crowned 'Best in the World'

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. harry-sons-bagels-crowned-best-in-the-world.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, March 7th 2026 at 9:42 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - March 7th, 2026 - The age-old debate of who makes the world's best bagel has been settled - at least for now. Harry & Sons Bagels, a beloved institution in New York City, has officially been crowned the 'Best Bagel in the World' at the prestigious 2025 Bagelfest, held this past weekend in the city that practically invented the bagel. The victory has sent ripples of excitement through the culinary world, reaffirming New York's dominance in the art of bagel-making.

Bagelfest, now in its tenth year, is a globally recognized competition that draws bakers and bagel enthusiasts from every corner of the earth. This year's event was particularly fierce, featuring a diverse array of contenders representing over a dozen nations, including Canada, Israel, Australia, and even Japan. Each baker brought their unique regional twists and techniques, showcasing the surprising breadth of bagel interpretations beyond the traditional New York style.

However, it was Harry & Sons' unwavering commitment to classic methods and an impeccable final product that ultimately swayed the panel of expert judges. The evaluation criteria were stringent, focusing on four key aspects: the bagel's crust, its internal crumb structure, the quality of the boil, and, of course, the overall taste experience. Judges meticulously examined each bagel, considering texture, aroma, and the balance of flavors.

"What set Harry & Sons apart wasn't just one aspect, but the holistic perfection of their bagel," explained Anya Sharma, lead judge at Bagelfest and a renowned food critic. "The crust had that perfect chew and slight resistance, the crumb was airy and consistent, the boil was flawlessly executed giving it that signature sheen, and the flavor...the flavor was just exceptional. It was a beautiful example of a traditionally made New York bagel, and it was evident they've honed their craft over generations."

According to sources within Harry & Sons, the winning bagel was their classic everything bagel, made with a time-honored recipe passed down through three generations. The process begins with a cold fermentation of the dough over an extended period, allowing for a more complex flavor profile. They use only high-quality ingredients, including unbleached flour and locally sourced malt syrup. The bagels are then hand-rolled, boiled in water sweetened with malt, and baked in a stone oven. This dedication to traditional techniques, eschewing shortcuts and automation, proved to be a winning formula.

The win is a significant boost for New York City's culinary reputation, already celebrated for its pizza, delis, and diverse food scene. "This is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the entire Harry & Sons team," stated Mark Olsen, spokesperson for Bagelfest organizers. "Their commitment to quality and tradition shone through in every bite, and they have set a new benchmark for bagel-making globally."

Beyond the immediate celebration, this victory is expected to further fuel the "bagel renaissance" currently underway. Across the nation, artisanal bagel shops are popping up, challenging the dominance of mass-produced varieties. Consumers are increasingly seeking out authentic, handcrafted bagels made with quality ingredients. The attention garnered by Harry & Sons' win is likely to accelerate this trend, driving demand for expertly crafted bagels across the country.

For Harry & Sons, the future looks bright. They have already reported a surge in orders, with customers lining up around the block to sample the world-famous bagel. The shop is considering expanding its operations to meet the increased demand, while remaining true to its core values of quality and tradition. They are also exploring opportunities to partner with other businesses to bring their bagels to a wider audience.

But perhaps the most significant impact of this victory is the renewed pride it has instilled in the New York bagel community. It's a reminder that even in a rapidly changing world, some things - like a perfectly made bagel - remain timeless.