Vancouver’s oldest bagel shop has been serving Montreal-style classics for 35 years
The team at Siegel’s Bagels in Vancouver take as much care of their signature item as they do the customers that walk through their doors.
On a recent morning visit to Siegel’s original location on Cornwall Avenue in Kitsilano, dozens of diners filtered in to order their favourite Montreal-style bagels, choosing from the menu of over 15 varieties hung on the wall.
In the back, hundreds of fresh bagels are being cooked in a giant, fiery oven, giving off an enticing smell.
It’s no wonder that Siegel’s has endured in Vancouver’s food scene, becoming the city’s oldest and one of its most popular bagel shops.
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“We love seeing all the different kinds of people who come in for bagels,” said Parise Siegel, Bagel Boss of the long-running shop. “We have kids from across the street come by for lunch. Healthcare workers and members of the Vancouver Police Department stop in when they’re working a night shift.
“Siegel’s even has people who came here as children now bringing their own kids in. We’re that place where everyone is welcome.”
Siegel’s father, Joel Siegel, opened the first location at 1883 Cornwall Ave. in 1990. According to the restaurateur, the family’s roots in Montreal inspired him to launch his business.
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Parise Siegel in front of a poster of her father, Joel Siegel (Daniel Chai/Dished)
“My parents are French Canadians, and our family was always in Montreal, where my brother, sister and I were born,” explained Siegel. “Every time we went to Montreal, we would fill our suitcase with bagels and then bring them back to Vancouver, where all the Montrealers who were our friends would show up and ask us if they could have some.
“The bagels were very coveted here in Vancouver, and my dad had a dream of opening up a Montreal bagel shop. And this is where it all started 35 years ago.”
Daniel Chai/Dished
Daniel Chai/Dished
Siegel’s makes over 6,000 fresh bagels a day and over two million bagels each year across its two locations on Cornwall and Granville Island. Varieties include classics like rosemary, rock salt, and cinnamon raisin, to more unique flavours like jalapeno and sundried tomato.
Bakers craft the Montreal-style bagels with fresh ingredients using Siegel’s original recipes, mixing them in a big dough hopper before boiling them. The bagels are then placed in the oven right up against a wood fire with the help of a long, wooden board called a shiva.
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“One of the things that our bakers do well is really manipulate the bagels throughout our baking process,” said Siegel. “We can’t just put them in an oven, set a timer, and walk away. The bagels have to be really cared [for].
“They’re baked on both sides, so throughout the baking process, bagels will be pulled back a little bit further away from the fire. And there are different positions that every bagel will have in the oven until they’re ready and out of the oven.”
Some of the bagels are used in the store for dishes like breakfast sandwiches or Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. Others are packed into bags for people to purchase and bring home. More bagels will be shipped to local grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants for diners to enjoy.
Siegel’s also offers treats like apricot almond rugelach and cinnamon buns, as well as a selection of juices and smoothies. Of course, don’t forget the in-house-made cream cheese.
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On Friday, May 16, Siegel’s is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a party for the community at the Cornwall location. You can grab some of your favourite items during the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will feature local vendors, samples, a live DJ, free giveaways, and complimentary cake.
“It’s all been very rewarding,” shared Siegel. “We feel like a family here at Siegel’s. Most of our staff have been here for over 20 years, and many customers have been coming for just as long.
“We’re just so grateful and happy that people love our bagels, and we hope that everyone will come and celebrate with us on May 16.”
Siegel’s Bagels
Address: 1883 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver (Kitsilano)
Address: 1689 Johnston St. #22, Vancouver (Granville Island Public Market)
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