What are Korean Style Bagels?
Oh we love our bagels, but only on occasion. When we’re ready to treat ourselves we’re all-in and deep diving into the best bagels we can find. Our latest curiosity brings us to Korean bagels. What are Korean Style Bagels ? We did some research and taste testing to give you all the delicious details.
Video: Korean Style Bagels
What are Korean Bagels vs New York Style Bagels?
They’re not your traditional New York bagels, which are amazing on their own. The Korean style bagels we tried came in two forms. On version is a sweeter, softer and fluffier version of traditional bagels. The second version has a light and crispy outside texture and fluffy interior. But what makes Korean bagels unique is that they are often filled or topped with savory Asian fillings. Think of korean bulgogi, kimchi and all the umami flavors of the cuisine all stuffed or topped on a bagel. If you can just envision eating a big bite of savory Korean cuisine that’s sandwiched between a bagel, then you’re already halfway there to knowing what it tastes like. Now you just need to get out a devour one!
Where to Find Korean Style Bagels?
Our home base is in Southern California so we have a local list for you to explore. If any are outdated please let us know! And we also have an ongoing list of other areas in the country that we add during our research. It’s a tough job but we’re up for the challenge. 🙂
Korean Bagels in Orange County and Los Angeles Counties
- CED Coffee & Donut has beautiful Korean chewy style bagels that are not only pretty to look at but also yummy to devous. They have locations in Garden Grove and Westminister. While you’re there try their cream filled pistachio donut. OMG.
- Baglier Official is a pop-up Korean bakery serving Southern California and these are super popular. You have to pre-order then head to their pick-up location. Check out Baglier Official Instagram page for all the order and pick up details.
- Deli Seoul in Costa Mesa makes Korean bagel sandwiches. Their bulgogi and egg bagel sandwiches are delish.
- Rise Bagels in Irvine are gorgeous and great as sandwiches. We had their kimchi bagel & a furikake bagel which were both delicious. They have amazing shmears too. The chili crisp shmear was perfect on the furikake bagel.
Making your own sandwiches
If you get your hands on some Korean bagels, the best way is to eat them while they’re fresh. Honestly, the unique and flavorful toppings on the bagels are flavorful enough. A little cream cheese is ok if you want. But if you have leftovers, enjoy them as a sandwich with your favorite fillings. Try our gochujang pulled pork or Vietnamese inspired pulled pork in the slow cooker. These tender meats are perfect as a bagel sandwich.
- Add some pickles to bring out the brightness and balance to the bagel sandwiches. If you’re using very savory and umami meats, the pickles are great. Or add some kimchi and vietnamese pickles.
- If you love spicy hot sauces, then our homemade sriracha or chili oil crisp recipe is perfect for the sandwiches.
Darker and thicker than many gochujang sauces. Similar to bbq sauce in flavor & texture. We see it as more of a Korean bbq sauce than the typical Korean “ketchup”.
Brighter red in color and flavor. The red chili flavors come through without being too spicy. Equally delicious, just different from the Bibigo.
This is a popular gochujang paste. Thicker than the sauces, but can easily be thinned down to your liking with water or other liquids.
Easy Recipes for the Week
- We love our latest version of chili crisp: Everything Bagel Chili Crisp
- Korean Cut short ribs with ginger soy marinade
- Zucchini noodles with korean style pork and kimchi
- Delicious oven roasted Korean gochujang pulled pork
- these burgers : korean gochujang burgers are so good!
