Why are bagels the king of Gdańsk breakfasts? Discover our appetizing secret
Mornings in Gdańsk have their unique, magical charm. The sound of the wind from the Motława River, the first rays of sun reflecting in the windows of historic tenements, and that sense-awakening aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting over Piwna Street. At Pikawa Bistro, we believe that a good, energetic day must start with an excellent breakfast. And in this category, for a long time, one absolute favorite has reigned supreme on our guests' tables: the bagel.
Why has this distinctive bread with a hole become the symbol of a perfect morning? Discover its fascinating history and our appetizing secret!
The fascinating history of the bagel – from Poland to the world and back again
Before we delve into how we serve bagels at our bistro, it's worth exploring their extraordinary history. Although today bagels are mainly associated with vibrant New York, American films, and bustling cafes there, their true roots do not lie across the ocean at all. They come straight from Poland!
The first written mentions of this pastry date back to the early 17th century, specifically from documents of the Jewish community in Krakow from 1610. According to the beautiful tradition of the time, bagels were given to women shortly after childbirth. Their round shape was meant to symbolize the cycle of life and bring good fortune to the newborn.
It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a wave of emigration, that Polish Jews brought the bagel recipe with them to the United States. There, this bread made a dazzling career, becoming the undisputed culinary symbol of New York. Today, after many decades, the bagel triumphantly returns to Polish cities, including Gdańsk, becoming a must-have item on the menu of the best breakfast spots in the Old Town.
What is the secret of the perfect bagel?
What makes a bagel so different from an ordinary roll, kaiser roll, or croissant? The secret lies in its unique preparation process.
Traditional bagel dough – made from flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt – must first rise, and then the formed rings are... briefly boiled in simmering water. A touch of malt or honey is often added. Only after this short water bath do the bagels go into a hot oven.
It is precisely this double thermal treatment process that gives them their characteristic, shiny and delicately crispy crust, and an incredibly dense, springy, and slightly chewy interior. Thanks to such a structure, the bagel is practically made for hearty breakfasts. It doesn't soften too quickly under thick sauces, perfectly holds all toppings, and provides a feeling of fullness for many hours of exploring the charming corners of Gdańsk.
How do we serve bagels at Pikawa Bistro?
In our kitchen at Piwna 16, we combine artisanal quality with original culinary ideas. You won't find boredom on your plate here! Our bagels are true flavor compositions that will satisfy even the most demanding palates. We offer our guests, among others:
- Classic with fried egg and spinach: A crispy-on-the-outside bagel embracing a perfectly set egg, from which a velvety yolk flows when cut. The whole is balanced by the refreshing freshness of green spinach.
- Warm composition with vegetables: This is a proposal for those who appreciate nutritious, warming mornings. Poppy seed bagel halves, topped with fried eggs, are served on an amazing, thick homemade tomato and vegetable sauce with pieces of zucchini, red onion, and fresh arugula.
- A fresh variation: Bagels generously filled with crispy lettuce, slices of juicy tomato, red onion, and sprinkled with distinctive cheese. A real vitamin bomb to start the day!
Rich menu at Pikawa Bistro – man does not live by bagels alone!
Although bagels are our morning favorites, the Pikawa Bistro menu is much richer and ready to satisfy your appetite at absolutely any time of day. We are a place where home tradition meets modern culinary flair. What else awaits you?
If you're looking for a different kind of breakfast, we've prepared two fantastic extremes for you. For lovers of morning classics, we recommend a hearty Traditional English Breakfast, which includes crispy bacon, pan-fried sausages, fried eggs, mushrooms, and the indispensable bowl of baked beans in tomato sauce. And if you prefer to start your day sweet (but with a kick!), you must try our American pancakes. Fluffy pancakes are served with perfectly baked bacon, generously drizzled with golden syrup, and garnished with dark fruits – it's a sweet and savory combination that's simply hard to resist.
And what if you get hungry at lunchtime or for an evening dinner? Our kitchen serves homemade, very filling meals based on proven recipes. On the menu, you'll find exquisite original pasta dishes with aromatic sauces and melt-in-your-mouth kopytka, prepared fresh with attention to every detail.
You can easily pair excellent food with equally excellent drinks here. Mornings are fueled by exquisite, artisanal specialty coffee, brewed with passion by our baristas. Afternoons and evenings, in turn, are the perfect time to reach for a glass of selected wine or savor local Tricity beverages. We offer excellent regional beers from Browar Amber (including the legendary Koźlak, Złote Lwy, or the refreshing Johannes) and invigorating cider straight from the tap.
Visit us at Piwna 16!
Pikawa Bistro is more than just a restaurant. It's a place for meetings, good conversations, and unforgettable flavors in the heart of the Tricity. Whether you're popping in for a quick morning bagel during sightseeing or planning a long, festive dinner with friends – we will always welcome you with a smile and open arms.
We invite you to the heart of Gdańsk! Reserve a table, make yourself comfortable in our cozy interior or summer garden, and discover your new favorite flavors. We await you!
