This handcrafted beauty is the best bagel in Melbourne. Of course there are more famous bagels, the ones produced by Glicks are much better known, but they aren’t really a patch on the ones from Haymishe Bakery, just a few doors away. Not that you’d be able to tell, this unprepossessing shop doesn’t even have a single sign to let you in on that it’s a bakery, its windows are shaded by half open venetian blinds, but inside are baked breads and cakes of the highest order.

So what is it that separates this from the well known Glicks and all other bakeries on Carlisle Street, which after all, is the spiritual home of Melbourne’s bagels?

First of all, they are obviously hand shaped into knobbly, gnarly rounds, no two are the same in looks. Then there is the slight shattering of the crust as you bite into it, neither too hard or soft. As you chew, the crumb is halfway between the chewier, denser Glick bagel and a loaf of good sour dough bread. They are all finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds that are baked into the crust, adding a slight nuttiness that makes these just irresistible.

If you like a bagel, do yourself a favour and head on down to Carlisle Street and try these beauties. Just look for the shopfront without a sign.

Haymishe Bakery
320 Carlisle Street
Balaclava – Cnr Carlisle & Westbury Streets
Not open Saturdays

Labels: bagels