Overview

Established in 1919, Fairmount Bagel holds the distinction of being Montreal's first bagel bakery, founded by Isadore Shlafman who brought his bagel recipes from his native Russia. For over a century, this family-run establishment has been hand-rolling, honey-water boiling, and wood-fire baking bagels using the same traditional methods. The 24-hour operation produces approximately 20,000 bagels daily, each one still made by hand. Fairmount's bagels, with their distinctive sweetness and chewy texture, have developed a cult following and sparked the famous Montreal vs. New York bagel debate. The bakery remains in its original Mile End location, where customers can watch the bagel-making process while waiting in the inevitable line that forms outside.