Tal Bagels in Tel Aviv is a place that seems to have been around for donkeys years (in fact, it’s been around since 1996). And it’s also one of those places that you always pass on your way through central Tel Aviv and catch yourself thinking “Oh yeh, I really fancy a bagel…” before something else (usually a mad, horn-blasting taxi driver) diverts your attention and the bagel moment is gone…
So if you ever have that bagel moment again, don’t let it slip, because Tal Bagels have the best bagels in town. Not bad coffee either, and definitely some of the finest yogurt in town.
Tal Bagels isn’t, admittedly, one of the cool, to-be-seen in places in Tel Aviv, it’s more of a lunchtime spot where the hungry gather. I’ve even had a breakfast or two there on my way to various places throughout Tel Aviv in the early morning rush hour. At that time the place isn’t steaming, the staff have time to explain everything to you and you can just watch the traffic flow (Ha! Flow?? In central Tel Aviv?!) past your window seat.
The bagel is, of course, the staple ingredient at Tal Bagels. You can buy just a bagel, without any fillings, if that’s what floats your boat: however, once you’ve seen their dairy display chocka with all sorts of delicious fillings, you won’t be going away with just a plain old bagel…then again, when I say plain, that does include their freshly baked onion AND sesame seed AND poppy seed AND cinnamon AND herb bagels…
Apparently, they have also recently just invested a fortune in a top-of-the-line yogurt machine, one that makes real yogurt, not the crap some of these supposed “yogurt shops” are selling. And I can tell you, the Tal Bagels yogurt might just knock your socks off. If it doesn’t, at least go away with the knowledge that you’ve eaten some real yogurt…
Tal Bagels also has branches in Jerusalem (the only kosher branch in Israel) and the Cinema City complex at the Glilot junction. Check out the menu for the Jerusalem branch here (in English), I should imagine the Tel Aviv branch is exactly the same. FYI, at Tal Bagels there is also a big range of light lunches and breakfasts, including a very tasty muesli.
What I like most about Tal Bagels: no pretensions and no smart-arse waitresses with an attitude. It’s relaxed, the food is good, coffee good and you’re pretty free to stop and take a seat or just take your order away with you. You can even call to order if you can’t make it over there.
Tal Bagels, Tel Aviv: Carlibach 41, 03-5610564
Tal Bagels, Cinema City: Glilot Junction, 03-6990718
Tal Bagels, Jerusalem: Emek Refaim 46, 02-5666666