Onion bagels epitomize the New York bagel more than any other variety in the city known for its water-bath wonders. Indeed growing up in New York Sunday mornings meant bagels for breakfast, with lox and cream cheese and sometimes white-fish salad or a whole fish of smoked sable. We had the proverbial baker’s dozen, which included plain, sesame seed and onion. Occasionally an egg bagel (with onions) was included in the mix and a few bialies, too.
Union’s basket of onion bagels
