Does Montreal Make Better Bagels than New York? - Dining on a Dime

Lucas is back and hanging around the wonderful Canadian city Montreal! On the first episode of the new season, Lucas is at St-Viateur. The home of Montreal's best bagels.
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[@SamTheWai]

I'm from Montreal. But come on, you can't make a blanket statement about all New York bagels being mass produced. There are mass produced bagels in Montreal too, and there are definitely hand made bagels in New York.

[@rambosx6699]

SamTheWai well now I know you from New York because someone from Montreal wouldn't say I'm from Montreal I have seen a lot people doing this in the comment section and do you know how to talk French then if you say yes then talk French then.

[@NNJED61]

You are 100% right this guy interview only ppl from montreal .is a win win montreal.best bagels .

[@j2174]

SamTheWai - You seem to be missing the context. And any Montreal-style bagel, whether its been in Montreal, Toronto or other parts of Ontario, or more recently in Vancouver, they are never "mass-produced" bread-like products.

[@antigen4]

yes you can. ny bagels are just buns with holes in them. no comparison.

[@gassiusdave]

Yeah, what he said. All New York bagels mass produced? And the bagels being cooked in a rotating oven? That doesn't represent New York style bagels. No disrespect to Montreal but how much did they pay you to say all that?

[@mdsf01]

A couple of months ago I gave a homeless guy a bagel (I didn't have any change to give) I bought at St. Viateur. I couldn't believe how grateful he was. Told me it had been years since he last had one . It was something he missed having. They really are great comfort food.

[@enkryptron]

Bless your heart!

[@elborko6821]

I was working in Montreal for a few months and noticed how locals would by food instead of money for some homeless-nice job

[@tiacho2893]

St. Viateur is one of first stops when I'm in Montreal. Just the smell of them baking is an unforgettable sense memory.

[@DucatiKozak]

For me it's the last stop, so the car smells of bagels the entire drive home.. and occasionally there will be some left when I arrive.

[@tiacho2893]

Ducati Me too. My addiction to St. Viateur is a first, during, and last, whenever I visit Montreal. The whole trip is a carb heavy calorie fest (I know it's touristy but I still make a trip to Swartz's). My weight gain is proportional to the length of my visit.

[@christinecamley]

St. Viateur is the best Montreal bagel, hands down. LOVE them - Montreal bagels, all of them, beat NY bagels!!! But you have to try St. Viateur!!! Delectable, delicious, delightful!!! Lol!!! :-)

[@cheffanxx]

Let's get one thing straight, just because New York sells more bagels does not mean the bagels are mass-produced. There are MANY bagel shops that do small batches in house.

[@cheffanxx]

But with that said, NYC does have a Montreal style bagel place (Black Seed Bagels) and they are pretty damn good in their own way.

[@JTCFC1]

not a fan of NY bagels. Montreal ftw

[@yosukesakai5491]

Welcome back, Lucas! Happy to see you again in this show! Best!

[@StrummerDave]

Sitting here in COVID 19 isolating Seattle, this brought my wife and I home to Montreal with a little tear in our eyes.

[@sopysingh8092]

Finally more dining on a dime!!! So happy 😊

[@roary33]

This place has INCREDIBLE rosemary bagels, especially when they’re warm. UGH I want some now!! 😂

[@mikeghaleb]

Montreal! Amazing! Welcome Lucas!

[@tosht2515]

I did an informal poll on Montreal bagels a few months ago and St-Viateur barely edged out Fairmount. It’s definitely the rivalry in Montreal. 👍

[@SomeDudeQC]

Tosh T St-Viateur is better

[@bleumarin1968]

too bad he didn't try both and compare as well !

[@SomeDudeNameNate]

Tosh T I was hoping he would cover Fairmount too!

[@guillaumebenoit3550]

Tosh T both are good, a little different, I can't say which I like better

[@danf8047]

I like both, hell the fact that I can pop in a 2 am and get bagels = win!

[@RosieGray]

In Victoria, there's a wonderful real Montreal-style bagel shop called Mount Royal Bagel Factory. Best we can get on the Island.

[@Goprof150]

There’s a lot of places in NYC that make fresh bagels.

[@DeniseGlass]

What are some of the fresh bagel places you like in NYC?

[@Goprof150]

I’m not familiar with the ones in Manhattan but on Staten Island I know a place called Royal Crown that makes some amazing bagels.

[@Inazarab]

The places I go all make their own bagels. I've never had a massed produced bagel in NYC except at the grocery store.

[@annwan10]

im from montreal!!! finally a video about us

[@Joedem92]

Here in am, in Brooklyn, sitting in my car at 6am, getting ready to go into work, eating my bacon egg and cheese on a hot bagel (with a flat bottom) I got from a corner bagel store that DEFINITELY isn’t pumping out “1,000 dozen” bagels a day. Way more “artisanal” than that place in Montreal.

[@RickJ666ESQ]

There is nothing like eating a hot, fresh out of the oven St-Viateur bagel. Yum! And I love the all dressed. So damn 😋

[@dg5450]

Was there this summer, man in the background at 1:29 talked to my dad for a bit he was nice and we bought a bunch, and after he gave us some free bagels, very nice bagels and people;)

[@malifestro7596]

I eat a bagel about 4 times a week, and have for years. They are so good! You definitely develop a taste for a good one!

[@davidchacon139]

I'm gonna try this place this weekend

[@PositiveLastAction]

Just got back from Montreal and already miss the bagels.

[@matchalatte73]

You have got to try out Fairmount's Bagels as well! They're right next to a popular Gnocchi shop as well as an artisanal ice cream shop that consists of a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavours

[@supermantom2456]

Growing up in MTL.. I remember there was a bagel shop on st Catherine + Atwater inside a mall when you walk by on st Catherine you can see them making bagel .. remember the name of the bakery anyone ?

[@mathewlee5712]

@3:30 Well they now have a key as it's now open 6am-midnight. Nearby Fairmount Bagel is still open 24/7.

[@XxxX-ln9js]

St-Viateur is sooo good. Whenever I am in Montreal I buy 3 to 4 dozen and freeze them at home. The best part about St-Viateur is eating 1 bagel right after purchase. nothing on it, just a hot St-Viateur bagel.

[@dg5450]

Xx xX 1 bagel? Either it’s 3+ or I’m fat

[@AvroBellow]

That's called soul food my friend!

[@jfdd43]

There is another location in the west land. If your coming in from Ottawa or Toronto, it's on your way to downtown.

[@rumiarabi99]

is Begels look like a doughnuts? because in my country (indonesia) the "bread" like that is called Donat/Donut with the varian topping.,

[@douglasfulmer5483]

Thank you! Yes, good bread including bagels can be eaten by itself!

[@danf8047]

The beauty of Fairmount or St-Viateur bagel is that they are open 24 hours.. I used to stay out late, sometimes party and just pick up a dozen of these at 3am.... ah memories.

[@CyberDocUSA]

A very diplomatic ending, though they do look and sound delicious, just different.

[@PaulNirvana]

Nice video! Thanks Lucas! Now i know where my next travel destination will be

[@lucaskwanpeterson2010]

You guys... I've got a couple things say as we begin this epic FIFTEENTH season of Dining on a Dime in beautiful Montreal, Canada. First, I want to say thanks for watching and tell you how great you are. Second, I want to tell you a story: There's two sets of footprints on a beach, which become one set of footprints, and then become two again. And you said to me, what's with the footprints. And I was like, that was where YOU guys carried ME. And you were like, I don't understand this allegory. And I was like, yeah, it doesn't make much sense. And you were like, can I stop carrying you, because you're sort of heavy. And I was like, okay wiseass, you try eating for a living. I digress. The point is: Whether you're eating tapas in Barcelona or dumplings in Shanghai or shoveling quarters in your mouth outside a laundromat in Fresno, remember that the spirit of Dining on a Dime is always with you. Now please enjoy what's going to be an INCREDIBLE Montreal season, each episode more exciting and delightful than the next. And remember you can bother me over at my Insta @staletwizzlers and also that I love and appreciate you and also can I finally get some fan art. XOXOXO Lucas

[@cafezo87934]

Lucas Peterson ok. im going to bother and annoy the hell out of you (for the millionth time) on insta 🤗

[@SuperLio333]

You are amazing dude

[@trinhkets]

Lucas!!! Hi, Hi

[@felixlemieux6560]

montreal love thanks lucas

[@damohr69]

nice one!

[@mediocrecyclist]

Missed this show.

[@francoisgaudreault8047]

I'm so down with a Mtl season!!! 👌🙏

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

Grew up on Bagels in Cote Des Neige. My bagel shop was Cantors on Darlington Id grab one every time I went to buy some rye bread for my mom. Hot out of the oven. No cheese needed

[@ropro9817]

Lucas is back! We missed you, buddy! :D

[@protocolofficer2629]

Historically, the Jews who brought the bagel from northern Europe to North America ended up in either New York, Montreal or Toronto. They produced the same bagel. A friend from New York bought fresh NYC bagels, flew to Toronto where we had a taste test with fresh Toronto bagels. The result with 6 tasters concluded that it was the same bagel!!! Enter the Montreal Style bagel from Outremont, Montreal made by Hasidic Jews. What a difference, more reminiscent of a baguette but still retaining the chewiness and flavour. You can also get them in Toronto all baked in wood fired ovens. The Montreal style bagel is much preferred by real bagel aficionados, but there are some who prefer the original...all fresh baked. Ignore the frozen or mass produced by bakery chains. For my money, and probably yours (politics aside) the best bagel is the Montreal style bagel, hands down! Cheers, (“who the hell is”) Colin!

[@peterk814]

Protocol Officer stay in Canada. More bagels for me

[@steveromain]

Protocol Officer a

[@jfdd43]

Toronto is not a bagel town, even the places that sell "Montreal style" bagels, aren't even close. I have family in Toronto, and when I go up there, they all want bagles. They don't look or taste the same. I've never had a NYC one though.

[@jayron9]

Toronto makes bagels?

[@protocolofficer2629]

jfdd43 You’re entitled to your opinion but Toronto has many more bagel bakeries than Montreal! Just because Montreal style bagels were invented there certainly does not mean they are better. I’ve had both and prefer what I can get in Toronto.

[@Kbaum752]

No bagels in Toronto 🙁 i love Montreal begals, but wouldn't it be great to try both.

[@MrNoobslayer115]

They’re different beasts. Also for me it’s all about Fairmount bagels.

[@huckleberi6540]

Lucas: “Who doesn’t like creamcheese?” Me: David Seymour

[@dmitrim9328]

Those who haven't tried MTL'S bagles, haven't lived...

[@CheapToad]

Living in NYC my "hole" life, I've never had a mass produced bagel.

[@thepudgyninja]

Montreal-style bagels are amazing.

[@AvroBellow]

I LOVE St.-Viateur Bagels but I much prefer their poppyseed bagels to sesame. That's just a preference because anything from St.-Viateur is just amazing! The difference is the boiling in the honey water. I have NEVER eaten a Montreal bagel that was topped with anything. They are best eaten just as they are.

[@karandeosingh2356]

My favorite bagel shop in Montreal is Cote St Luc Bagel inc.

[@budthespud1546]

I've tried both, it's hard to compare. Montreal bagels are better if you eat them within 7-8 hours after they come out of the oven. I love it when the sesame seeds are slightly burnt.

[@Desmaad]

I'm more of a Fairmount man, myself.

[@panotragoulias9462]

It's easy to be brave from afar..Enjoy!..try it with greek feta...nuff said.

[@kls9710]

good video

[@Arational]

There was a blind test done years ago between the winner of the NYC best bagel and Fairmount bagel. Fairmount won. Fairmount is still better than St-Viateur.

[@arglebarglefoofara]

Had both from NYC and Montreal, I give it to Montreal, but have only had Fairmount. You should have went to both Montreal places they are practically right near each other.

[@dramatime101]

I'm a Bager Baker in new york we dont use machines. Lol kettle boiled ,rotating oven . Just like the old days.

[@pierremercier7315]

Hand rolled?

[@dramatime101]

ofcourse man. handrolled baby. we dont play.zuckers bagels. world record biggest Lox sandwich in the world made

[@astrea79]

"A strong bagel should stand on its own" Amen!

[@gregguarino563]

I'm from NYC. I've been to Montreal many many times, and have had bagels at St. Viateur and Fairmount. Both make a really high-quality product - delicious really - albeit something significantly different from my idea of a "bagel". What was really disappointing though was the St. Viateur baker's poorly-informed assessment of NY bagels. Not boiled? Mass-produced? Where exactly did he get his bagels in NYC? From the supermarket? In a sealed plastic bag? There's noting particularly special about my neighborhood (in Queens), but I can get bagels - fresh-baked in the back of the store, still warm - at my choice of several different places a few minutes away. I have to imagine this guy has very limited experience with New York.

[@tigermarcel1997]

I prefer Fairmont Bagle but St-Viateur are good too

[@johnnyquest4900]

Hand s down!! We kick NY s ass!!!!! St.Viateur are GODS!!!! All done by hand,and with passion!!!

[@sheteg1]

They are both good.

[@thepeartax]

Somehow watching Lucas is so relaxing

[@arbalestt4590]

Eeeeeyyyyy, welcome back!

[@beltxabeltxa]

Great vid, Thanks for this

[@BobMcCoy]

*Gotta give it to Montreal, having tried both*

[@didiertong381]

Lucas definitely prefers Montreal bagels over NYC bagels. He just doesn't want to say it! ;)

[@pkt976]

Wow, that's a nice round sesame pretzel

[@sessionfiddler]

My cousin's family from Queens and mine from Toronto met in Montreal a few years back. They brought bagels and pastrami from Ben's while we went and got Pete's smoked meat and St. Viateur bagels as well as some smoked salmon and cream cheese from Atwater. They're two different bagels that have different applications. NYC bagels make great sandwiches. Crispy outside, soft inside and savoury. Have one and you're full. Montreal bagels are good snacking and dipping into stuff kinda bagels. They're sweet. Have a few of them and you're still okay to eat. Can't really do a great sandwich with them. (However, whatever Kettleman's does in Ottawa with their bagels makes an awesome sandwich) As far as the smoked meat/pastrami thing went, we all seemed to prefer the smoked meat.

[@jandnorton]

WTF is this guy talking about? NYC mass produces? Mom and Pop bagel shops hand make their bagels all day in tiny kitchens. Do you know how many bagel you would need to sell to afford the space needed to have a factory in NYC?

[@MikeHawksBig69]

I think he was talking about the bigger bagel shops

[@mrtech2259]

He just made up his own facts. The difference has nothing to do with mass production, it's just a different flour, a different recipe and different way of preparing.

[@maried.4980]

It’s because industrial bagels are very hard to find in MTL. Even bagels sold in groceries are from either St-Viateur or Fairmount, whereas NYC ofc has places where it’s handmade, but it’s not as widespread as MTL, where nearly everything is handmade.

[@ariel3725]

Wow, it has been a while. The last time we saw your episode, it was in Rome right?

[@robertlee4172]

Food expert/raconteur, Anthony Bourdain said it best, "Damn you Montreal!" after taking a bite of a Beauty's bagel.

[@prankster671]

Where you been Lucas!?...good to see you back up!!

[@justinhershkowitz2386]

What place in NY is mass producing bagels? Sounds like the guy went to Panera Bread

[@dereck72]

He confused Lender's with NYC bagels.

[@yahel2651]

Love Bagels

[@Redhawkmtl]

yes

[@capncanuck2064]

Montreal has the best bagels , poutine , and smoked meat in the world period !

[@DJON0071]

I see Lucas, i like i watch i hangry.

[@williammurphy666]

go to ile flotante, its 4 doors down, but im going to assume you are already gone...

[@amazingdany]

Too fine dining.

[@j1234ss]

Tasted the best of both Montreal destroys the New York bagel, same goes with smoked meat

[@fagetaboutit4968]

im slightly bias since im from Canada but im a hard yes on the montreal style

[@afdhalsoft]

1:53 putting rolled bagels dough to make more bagels.. Mindblowing!

[@Zipfei_Kloatscher]

You throw them away??... 😅

[@afdhalsoft]

Horst Tristan von Wittenbach i dont understand the hassle of mixing them back again when they already have the finished product

[@lateve6243]

Afdal H. They are flawed. It's some kind of quality control. It looks easy, but rolling consistent bagels by hand is something you have to learn. New employees have to practice rolling a couple of hours each day, these bagels aren't cooked and throw back into the dough.

[@afdhalsoft]

La Teve i havent thought about that before. It makes sense!

[@DominicBlair]

MONTRÉAL FOR LIFE

[@aR0ttenBANANA]

I've lived in both an to be completely honest I can't even tell you what an NYC bagel tastes like cus they are nowhere near as good as an MTL one.

[@saintvictorie]

Oh hey Lucas been awhile

[@NewfieLawNerd]

I love NYC, I'm a huge Yankees fan but Montreal makes the best bagels. I miss Montreal, I need to go back soon

[@afnanrehman866]

Montreal makes the best bagels in the whole world. I have tried bagels in NYC, Chicago, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

[@jackfrost9003]

I'm from Alberta, what's a bagel taste like?

[@antoqc]

Its a mix in-between of a french baguette and a pretzel with sesame taste !

[@chewbielove]

Oh my gosh are you guys still in Montreal? Do you guys have plans to do a meet up?!?!

[@peter5807]

Fairmount Bagel in Montreal is just as good.

[@bludhound73]

I think I’ll pick up a dozen Montreal style tomorrow.

[@sidra406]

Yippee he is back

[@thomasmichael6509]

I wonder how these are compared to utopia bagels

[@karandeosingh2356]

Viateur bagels and they were excellent but buying it in the grocery store is a different story. It's offensive to call one one! bagel shop better than all of New Yorks bagels shops. I am from Montreal and I have had New York bagels that I could just chew into without cream cheese.

[@hildareyes471]

YESSSSSSSSS AMEN

[@goodi2shooz]

The other difference is that New York Bagels are super high in sodium compared to Montreal Bagels which have like 10 to 15 mg, New York Bagels have like 500 milligrams so a person like me on a low sodium diet goes for that Montreal bagel every time

[@claretheworm]

Bagel from NYC or Montreal, don't matter to me, I'll eat BOTH.

[@joannan5718]

The best bagels are from st viateur,montreal.

[@robertk2007]

My favorite bagel is whatever city I’m in.

[@wake259]

Who’s here after seeing that one guy get played?

[@RayRa]

My friends i hate to burst your bubble this is exactly what is known as simit (the turkish bagel) it's everywhere in Turkey its so important and essential that there is an inflation stats linked to the price of the bagel (simit), instead of the honey water used here for real simit you molasses water, everything thing else is copy paste, even Robert the owner looks Turkish X)

[@wwzz3971]

فهم شنون عليك 🤔

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

No? He looks Quebecois.

[@owlperson5075]

HE'S BACK

[@nicoconejero5590]

i think saw this kind of video before. lol

[@yitz3155]

New York bagels are boiled in barley malt syrup instead of honey. Most New York bagels are hand made so no I difference there too. The only difference I know of is that NY bagels are made with cold water instead of warm and that the NY bagels are Refrigerated overnight before boiling.