While Greenpoint, Brooklyn, does not have bagel shops exclusively dedicated to "Taiwanese-style bagels" in the traditional sense, there is a notable establishment that creatively incorporates Taiwanese and other global flavors into its bagel offerings: Bagel Joint. This shop stands out for its unique fusion approach, blending the classic New York bagel with diverse culinary influences, including those from Taiwan.

Bagel Joint: A Fusion of Flavors

Bagel Joint, founded by Greenpoint locals Lanty Hou and Will Sacks, is a multicultural appetizing and bagel shop that has gained recognition for its innovative approach to bagels. It is not a traditional Taiwanese bakery, but rather a fusion concept that draws inspiration from the founders' diverse backgrounds. Lanty Hou brings Taiwanese heritage to the table, while Will Sacks contributes a Jewish background, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and culinary traditions.

Background and Mission

Bagel Joint began as a social media baking project in the founders' kitchen, reflecting their passion for food and their desire to explore the intersection of their cultural heritages. Their mission is to "honor global cuisine through the format of Ashkenazi Jewish baked goods like bagels, bialys, babka, knishes, and rugelach." This mission is evident in their menu, which features a variety of globally inspired flavors incorporated into traditional Jewish baked goods.

Unique Flavors and Ingredients

Bagel Joint is known for its eccentrically-flavored bagels and other baked goods. They draw inspiration from various global cuisines, including Taiwanese flavors. While not strictly "Taiwanese-style bagels" in the sense of traditional Taiwanese baked goods, their offerings include elements that reflect Taiwanese culinary traditions. For example, they have created items like the "scallion pancake cream cheese" bagel, which combines elements of Taiwanese scallion pancakes with traditional Jewish bagel cream cheese. This fusion approach is a hallmark of their menu, which also includes other international flavors, such as Indian and Asian-inspired bagels and bialys, like the "garlic naan bialy." The use of ingredients like miso, gochujang, and five-spice powder further demonstrates their commitment to incorporating diverse flavor profiles.

Menu Highlights

Bagel Joint's menu features a range of creative and globally inspired items. Some of the notable highlights include:

• Gochujang Everything Bagel: A spicy twist on the classic everything bagel, incorporating Korean gochujang chili paste. This bagel exemplifies their fusion approach, blending a traditional bagel with a bold, international flavor.
• Miso Bagel: A savory bagel with umami-rich miso flavors, showcasing their use of Japanese-inspired ingredients.
• Saffron Bagel: A luxurious option featuring the aromatic spice, demonstrating their willingness to experiment with unique and high-quality ingredients.
• The Broome: A sandwich inspired by global flavors, combining traditional Jewish deli ingredients with Taiwanese elements. This sandwich is a testament to their ability to create cohesive and delicious fusion dishes.
• Spreads and Toppings: In addition to classic accompaniments like cream cheese, butter, egg salad, and tuna salad, Bagel Joint offers unique spreads like black sesame cream cheese or scallion-infused butter, further highlighting their fusion approach.

Sales and Locations

Bagel Joint initially gained popularity through pop-up appearances at local markets, including Williamsburg’s Smorgasburg and Greenpoint’s McGolrick Park. While their last day at Smorgasburg was mentioned as June 8, 2024, they continue to operate at McGolrick Park. As of December 2024, Bagel Joint has opened a permanent location at 230 Calyer Street in Greenpoint. This permanent storefront allows them to expand their offerings and serve the community on a more consistent basis.

Customer Reviews and Highlights

Bagel Joint has garnered positive feedback for its creative and global flavors. Customers appreciate the unique and innovative approach to bagels, describing them as "a refreshing take on a New York classic." The gochujang everything bagel has been particularly highlighted as a must-try item for those seeking a spicy, flavorful experience. Their commitment to quality and their ability to blend diverse culinary traditions have made them a popular destination in Greenpoint.

Cultural Significance

Bagel Joint's mission is to "expand the vocabulary of the appetizing and dairy restaurant with signature global flavors." The shop reflects the immigrant history of New York City, where bagels have long been a symbol of Jewish-American identity, now reimagined through a multicultural lens. Their fusion approach celebrates the diverse culinary landscape of the city and the ability of food to bridge cultural gaps.

Understanding Taiwanese-Style Bagels

To fully appreciate Bagel Joint's offerings, it's important to understand what constitutes a "Taiwanese-style bagel." While not a traditional food in Taiwan, these bagels are a modern reinterpretation of the classic bagel, blending the dense, chewy texture of traditional Ashkenazi Jewish bagels with the bold, vibrant flavors and ingredients commonly found in Taiwanese cuisine. These bagels often reflect the creativity of Taiwanese-American chefs who seek to merge their cultural heritage with New York’s iconic bagel tradition.

Key Features of Taiwanese-Style Bagels

Taiwanese-style bagels are characterized by several distinct features:

1. Flavor Profiles:

   • Taiwanese-style bagels often incorporate ingredients like miso, gochujang, five-spice powder, scallion oil, and even tea-infused doughs (e.g., oolong or matcha).
   • Sweet elements such as taro, black sesame, or condensed milk may also be included, reflecting the Taiwanese love for sweet-savory combinations.

2. Preparation Techniques:

   • While traditional bagels are boiled before baking, some Taiwanese-style bagels may use variations in boiling liquids (e.g., tea or broth) to infuse additional flavor.
   • The dough may also be enriched with ingredients like rice flour or tapioca starch to create a slightly different texture.

3. Cultural Context:

   • These bagels often symbolize a bridge between two culinary traditions: the Ashkenazi Jewish influence of New York and the Taiwanese flavors brought by immigrant communities. They celebrate the multicultural fabric of cities like New York.

It's important to note that some interpretations of Taiwanese-style bagels, particularly those found in Taiwan, may differ significantly from traditional New York bagels. These variations may include the use of sweet potato or taro in the dough, resulting in a softer, more moist texture. Additionally, some Taiwanese-style bagels are deep-fried, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, more akin to a doughnut than a traditional bagel. These differences highlight the diverse interpretations of the bagel concept across different cultures.

Other Bagel Options in Greenpoint

While Bagel Joint is the only shop in Greenpoint explicitly offering Taiwanese-inspired bagels, the neighborhood is home to other notable bagel establishments. One such shop is Bagel Point, located at 699 Manhattan Ave. Bagel Point is known for its traditional bagels and creative offerings like the “Greenpoint Special” and “Rainbow Bagel.” While not Taiwanese-inspired, Bagel Point offers a wide variety of flavors and toppings that cater to adventurous palates. Another option is Greenpoint Bagels & Coffee, located at 456 Franklin St, which offers classic bagels, artisanal coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. These shops provide a range of traditional bagel options for those seeking a more classic experience.

Where Else to Find Taiwanese-Style Bagels

If you are looking for more specific Taiwanese-style bagels or similar fusion bagels, you might need to explore other neighborhoods or cities. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Brooklyn:

   • Smorgasburg (Williamsburg): Bagel Joint previously operated here as a pop-up and may return for seasonal events.
   • Win Son Bakery (East Williamsburg): While not a bagel shop, this Taiwanese-American bakery offers creative baked goods with Taiwanese flavors, such as scallion pancakes and black sesame pastries.

2. Manhattan:

   • Black Seed Bagels: Known for its Montreal-style bagels, Black Seed occasionally experiments with global flavors, though Taiwanese-specific offerings may be limited.

3. Queens:

   taipanbakery.com

   Tai Pan Bakery

Conclusion

In summary, while Greenpoint, NYC, does not have shops that exclusively specialize in traditional Taiwanese-style bagels, Bagel Joint stands out as a pioneer in Taiwanese-Jewish fusion bagels. Their creative and delicious reinterpretation of New York’s classic bagels, inspired by the founders’ diverse backgrounds, celebrates the multicultural essence of New York City. For those seeking similar flavors, exploring other innovative bakeries in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens may yield exciting discoveries. Bagel Joint’s success underscores the potential for bagels to evolve while honoring their cultural roots. The shop's unique approach to bagels, blending traditional Jewish baking with global flavors, including Taiwanese influences, makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique culinary experience in Greenpoint.