Get on a Roll at these 5 Bagel and Sanga Venues

Sometimes you just want a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or a toasted chicken, cheese and avocado sanga to beat off ravenous hunger – right?

The origin of the bagel we know today dates back to 1683 as a salute to King Jan Sobieski, who had just successfully led Poland against Turkish invaders, all from the back of his favourite horse.

To honour the known equine enthusiast, a Polish baker shaped his obwarzanek into circles meant to resemble boot stiruups, for which the German term is ‘beugel’.

These days, the humble bagel has become an iconic New York street food and made its way to delight us Down Under. Here are five joints to find your perfect bagel or sanga:

 

Kingscliff has welcomed a new kind of fusion eatery that weaves together Filipino flavours with American toasted sandwiches and doughnuts at George’s Deli on Marine Parade. With a bright orange vibe inside and out, take a seat alfresco and soak up the sun, or head indoors where banquette seating awaits and tantalising aromas waft from the open kitchen.

Think toasties like the Ain’t Reuben – a take on the classic sandwich – with dill sauce instead of sauerkraut and pastrami in the place of corned beef; or a cheeseburger toastie with burger mix, onion, pickles and cheese sauce, on sourdough. Grab a sweet treat from the cabinet where a selection of doughnuts is sure to tempt, with a nod to the owners’ Filipino heritage expect flavours like ube, filled with bright purple cream made from yams.

 

Fresh made to order American-style bagels with a modern Mediterranean twist are on the menu at Bagels and Co on Sydney Road in Brunswick. Step into a fun and funky vibe of recycled timber, a greenery-clad wall, circular love seat and pink accents to chill out with an apple, lemon and ginger cold pressed juice and gourmet bagel such as Panko crumbed chicken with lettuce, tomato and sweet chilli mayo.

Perhaps opt for smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion and capers, or grilled halloumi, sriracha mayo, lettuce, tomato and Spanish onion; carnivores opt for double beef smashed patties, double American cheese, lettuce, red onion, pickles and house special sauce.

 

With a modern take on Melbourne brunch classics, Bellboy on Nicholson Street is the hippest café on the East Brunswick block. Named after owner Emilio’s first job in the industry, you will find subtle nods to bellboys and hotels throughout the café, where a chic interior vibe of mature tones, stone, polished floors and solid timbers sets the scene for leisurely dining.

A spacious outdoor terrace, complete with a ‘check-in zone’ for your furry friends, is ideal for relaxing and reconnecting with family over dishes like a chorizo sausage patty melt on a bagel with fried egg, cheddar, pickles, aioli and salsa brava, or wood-smoked pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, pickles and Russian dressing.

 

Discover a Brisbane breakfast and brunch spot that delights with a blend of Asian-inspired and traditional dishes at Golden Lava Toast on Musk Avenue in Kelvin Grove. Enjoy a menu with an intriguing selection of toast options as you chill out in bright and cheery surrounds of glowing neon signage and yellow chairs at round tables to sip a brown sugar latte with pearls, or an iced chocolate.

Wrap your hands around a Cuddle Bacon - smoked bacon, brioche bread, cheese, scrambled eggs, house special mayo and Kewpie to start your day - or perhaps Lava Lover Beef hits the mark, with a beef patty, cheese, omelette, mayo and sesame dressing on brioche toast. Seafood lovers opt for garlic butter prawns, with omelette, black pepper and wasabi mayo; while the Veggie Hulk satisfies vegetarians.

 

Embark on a culinary journey at Tomo's Little Collins, nestled in Melbourne's vibrant city heart. Experience an inviting ambience, alfresco dining and cosy interiors exuding warmth; renowned for exceptional coffees, indulge in all-day breakfast delights like the pantry breakfast with triple-herbed mushrooms or the popular signature French toast topped with fresh seasonal berries and Cointreau cream.

For lunch, savour super sandwiches such as the cordon bleu with pulled chicken, ham, Swiss cheese and cordon bleu sauce, or a chicken parma and bacon panini with tomatoes, Napoli sauce and cheese; bagels such as salmon, cream cheese, avo, onions, capers and citrus are sure to hit the mark.