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Unlocking the Delicious Mystery of Lox: What Is It and Why Do We Love It?

What is lox, and why is it such a beloved delicacy? You’re in for a treat (literally)! Join us on a journey into the world of lox where we’ll unravel its delicious mystery, sibling rivalry, and odd partner. The Basics: What is Lox? At its core, lox is a type of salmon that has been cured and then cold-smoked. This unique preparation process gives lox its distinct salty and smokey flavor, and silky, buttery texture. Lox is most often enjoyed as a topping on bagels or incorporated into various dishes. It’s a delicacy that’s enjoyed by many, but don’t confuse lox with its sibling, smoked salmon, or you’ll send it spiraling into an existential crisis. Lox vs Smoked Salmon: A Sibling Rivalry The word “lox” originates from the Yiddish word “laks”, which means salmon. Lox has deep roots in Jewish cuisine, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews who emigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States. In these communities, lox became a cherished part of culinary culture, often served on bagels (also ...

Bagels Around the World: A Global Tour of Delicious Variations


Bagels are an essential breakfast food for people all around the world. Long regarded as a Jewish specialty item, the bagel is commonly eaten as a breakfast food or snack, often with toppings like cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon). But did you know that there are thousands of different variations of the classic bagel? From sweet and savory, traditional, and unique, there definitely is a bagel for everyone if you travel far enough!

Bublik: Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania

The bublik is a close cousin of the bagel with a few key differences: it's typically larger and has a wider hole. It's also not boiled before baking, giving it a denser texture. Bubliks can be either savory or sweet, often flavored with milk, butter, and eggs.

Obwarzanek: Poland

The obwarzanek is a Polish bagel that's similar in size and shape to a pretzel! Its dough is boiled then baked, which gives it a chewy outside and a soft inside. Obwarzanek are often topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or salt.

Montreal Bagel: Canada

Montreal bagels are traditionally shaped by hand, and known for their smaller size, denser texture, and sweeter flavor. The dough is boiled in honey water before baking, which gives it a unique flavor. They are typically topped with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.

Beigel: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

The beigel is a glazed yeast-raised doughnut-shaped roll with hard crust. They’re a Central European bagel whose dough is higher in sugar and fat than a New York bagel. Beigels are typically topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even caraway seeds.

Jerusalem Bagel: Israel

Jerusalem bagels have much in common with an ordinary bagel; a hole in the middle and sesame seed topping. However, unlike the common bagel, Jerusalem bagels are smaller and denser. They’re made with a dough that’s boiled in water before baking, making them tender and fluffy instead of dense and chewy. Jerusalem bagels are often filled with cream cheese, lox, and vegetables.

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Unique Bagel Flavors

Despite all of these different global variations, the United States are known for creating unique and interesting bagel flavors. Check out our other post here for a more in-depth description of ten more classic bagel flavors and what toppings best pair with them.

Here are thirteen more interesting bagel flavors mainly from the United States and a few around the world:
  1. Garlic Parmesan bagel (United States)
  2. Salt bagel (Poland)
  3. Onion bagel (United States)
  4. Poppy seed bagel (United States and Canada)
  5. Sesame seed bagel (United States and Canada)
  6. Everything bagel (United States and Canada)
  7. Cinnamon raisin bagel (United States)
  8. Blueberry bagel (United States)
  9. Chocolate chip bagel (United States)
  10. Maple walnut bagel (Canada)
  11. Pumpernickel bagel (Germany and Austria)
  12. Rye bagel (United States and Canada)
  13. Whole wheat bagel (United States and Canada)
No matter your taste or culture there definitely is a bagel variation or flavor that you’ll love. Next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, try one of these global bagel variations. You won’t be disappointed!


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