Boiled and baked to perfection, bagels have almost reached cult status in Cape Town, with the top spot reserved for coffee (we all know how much we love our coffee). If you’re looking for the best places to satisfy your bagel craving, here are five in-demand places around Cape Town.
Against The Grain (ATG)
Originally established in Buitengracht Street, in its green-accented home adorned with hanging plants and textured wallpapers, Against The Grain (lovingly known as A.T.G) exuded a cosy atmosphere that made you feel right at home instantly. Locals loved it so much, it had to move to a bigger space just to match its popularity. But don’t worry, it may be bigger, but its cosy charm and luscious greenery were not lost in transition.
They offer ten different bagels-with-a-twist options, ranging from savoury to sweet and delicious. Some of the twists include Gesmoorde eggs, WTF, and Soutvleis. The crumbed, crispy chicken with jalapenos, red onion, and the signature secret sauce is definitely a crowd favourite so be sure to try it out.
And it’s fully Halaal too.
- Location: 102 Wale Street, Bokaap
- Time: Monday to Saturday 7am to 5.30pm | Sunday 7am to 4pm
New York Bagel
Nestled in the heart of the city, Capetonians seem to flock to this bustling little cafe – and with good reason. They offer a mouth-watering selection of handmade bagels with all types of fillings, including cream cheese, roast beef, and chicken schnitzel. Whether it’s a breakfast or lunchtime treat, you don’t have to end there. If you’re craving something a little sweeter, they claim to have one of the best cheesecakes in Cape Town.
- Location: 44 Harrington Street, District Six
- Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday 7am to 4pm | Saturday and Sunday 7.30am to 2pm
Kleinsky’s
Everyone, their mother and aunty, knows about this Cape Town landmark. If you’re looking to sample some heavenly goodness, Kleinskys offers a range of incredible bagels that will not leave you (or your mother and aunty) disappointed. The California seems to be a favourite with its smoked salmon, wasabi cream cheese, pickled ginger and sweet soya dressing –giving you all the sushi-like goodness, without the sushi rice.
- Location: 92 Regent Road, Sea Point
- Operating hours: Monday 8am to 4pm | Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 9pm| Sunday 8am to 3pm
Serendipity Creamery
If any Southern Suburber doesn’t feel like heading all the way into town to satisfy a bagel craving, fear not for there is a little fully-Halaal gem right on your doorstep.
Serendipity offers a concise bagel menu of five options – simple and easy. The salmon lox cream cheese bagel is said to be the crowd pleaser. So when you make your way down there, you can tell the waiter you’re ready to order before you even get to your table.
If your bagel craving suddenly transforms into a desire for something sweet, you don’t have to travel much further. Serendipity is rumoured to serve some of the most decadent hand-churned artisanal ice cream in Cape Town, with unique flavours like boeber, baklava, and burfee.
- Location: Belvedere Square, corner Keurboom and Belvedere Roads, Claremont
- Operating hours: Monday to Sunday | 8am to 6pm
Max Bagels
According to Max Bagels, 2014 was the year of the Bagel Drought, a dreadful time in which there was nowhere in Cape Town to get a truly lip-smacking bagel. Thanks to its love for humanity, the establishment became the pioneer of arguably the most significant movement in the Mother City: The Bagel Renaissance.
Nine years later, Max Bagels remains the beloved home of hand-made boiled bagels served alongside specialty coffee from Rosetta Roastery and a selection of specials and drinks.
- Location: Oude Schuvr, 120 Bree Street, City Centre
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm | Saturday and Sunday 8am to 2pm
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Written by Tauhira Ajam for Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Unsplash
