When you think of world-class bagels, New York comes first. It is the undisputed capital, the city where the bagel was perfected and protected. But this year, something unexpected happened — and it happened in the most New York way possible.
At the 2025 New York BagelFest at Citi Field, Starship Bagel of Dallas beat global competitors and won the coveted title of Best Bagel.
For the Texas shop, it was a sweep. In addition to the top prize, Starship Bagel earned recognition for Best New York Style Bagel, Best Showmanship, and placements in Most Creative and Schmear of the Year.
Festival founder Sam Silverman said BagelFest has grown into an “international culinary landmark” and that a win like this can “change the trajectory of a business overnight.”
This isn’t a story only about food — it’s about excellence, humility, and breaking expectations. Even New Yorkers admitted the win was stunning.
Shawn Dixon from Astoria told JNS:
“I think not a lot of bagel shops outside of New York get a lot of respect… it’s definitely impressive that they won.”
Another attendee, Hector Molina-Casillas, confessed:
“I thought New York bagels are the one and only… but I learned that there are other places doing bagels as well.”
What stood out most was the global participation. Competitors traveled from Madrid, Honolulu, Montreal, Seattle, Atlanta, New Orleans, and cities across the U.S., proving that the simple bagel has become an international craft.
Carly Johnson, a food creator behind Soho Foodie, said she used to be shocked when non-New York shops won — but not anymore.
She praised Starship’s bold flavors, including their garam masala bagel, saying:
“I thought it was delicious… an innovative take on bagels.”
BagelFest wasn’t only about competition. It was a full experience:
• tray-based sampling stations
• family activities
• industry talks
• the Bagel Rolling World Championship
• a lively, friendly New York energy
Molina-Casillas described it perfectly:
“It was a total New York vibe… the energy was very high.”
Other winners included:
• Potchke Bagel of Knoxville – Most Creative and Best Bialy
• Fantzye Bagels of Kingston, NY – placements in multiple categories
• Baltik’s Bagel of Richmond – People’s Choice
• St-Viateur Bagel of Montreal – Best International
What makes this story heartwarming is how it bridges communities. A Jewish festival. A New York institution. A Texas newcomer winning respect in the city that invented the competition.
In a world full of heavy news, this story reminds us that excellence, creativity, and honest craftsmanship still rise — and that blessings can come from unexpected places.
Source: JNS – “Dallas bagel shop takes top honor among global competitors at New York BagelFest”
