JOJA Bagels
Bagels in New York are like what char kuey teow is to Penang – delicious, iconic, and unparalleled anywhere else. The doughy and fragrant treats make for a satisfying meal, especially when smeared with cream cheese and layered with lox or other types of cured fish.
But while Penang abounds with char kuey teow vendors, it is a little harder to hunt down a good authentic bagel on the island – until recently. Cue JOJA Bagels, a humble cafe in Penang that specialises in hand-rolled NYC-inspired bagels. Here, you’ll find a yummy variety of bagel buns and choices of sweet and savoury bagelwiches.
Speciality bagel shop in Penang
Image credit: @jhphotography_95
Tucked among old shoplots along the streets of Lebuh Bishop, JOJA Bagels has been attracting customers to their quaint cafe ever since they opened. The cafe’s allure rests in their glorious bagels. With golden exteriors that crackle satisfyingly when you sink your teeth into them, the bagels are airy and chewy on the inside, making the perfect vessel for condiments – savoury and sweet.
Image credit: @jhphotography_95
What makes JOJA Bagels stand out is the authenticity of their baked goods. Each yeasty wheel is carefully kneaded, rolled, and shaped by hand. The shop is modest and homey, making the experience of devouring their hand-rolled bagels a lot more authentic.
Image credit: @jojabagels
An array of NYC-style bagel sandwiches
Image adapted from: @jojabagels & @jojabagels
Reminiscent of the stuffed monstrosities of a bagel in New York, JOJA Bagels dishes out plump bagels generously packed with fillings – making one of these beauties fit for a filling meal.
Pick from a selection of homemade bagels as the base of your bagel sandwich, such as the Original, Sesame, Poppy Seed and Parmesan Cheese. And while the bagels are good enough to wolf down without any fillings, you won’t be able to resist the assortment of fillings available here.
Image credit: @jojabagels
For savoury options, go for their best-seller Smokin’ Beast (RM25) – it’s a stacked beauty of homemade Australian beef patty, grilled portobello, caramelised onion, sunny side-up egg and cheddar cheese.
Image credit: @jojabagels
Another go-to is The Breakfast Club (RM22), comprising all the best parts of a breakfast platter – avocado, smoked salmon, and omelette – in a bulbous, fragrant bagel. The Surf Boy (RM21) – stuffed with deep-fried fish fillets and Doritos – and Mr. Junagi (RM32) – a unique bagelwich which has unagi kabayaki, Japanese omelette, and bonito flakes for a Japanese flourish – are more creative options on the menu.
An American favourite, philly cheesesteak, is reimagined with bagels at JOJA Bagels – Philly Cheesesteak (RM33), which sandwiches Australian ribeye steak and sweet onions between garlic toasted bagels.
Image adapted from: @jojabagels & @yumtummy28_
Bagels can double up as desserts too. JOJA does not skimp on sweet options on their menu for those looking for a sugary filling. The Strawberry Cream Cheese (RM16) or Matcha Yuzu (RM20) are both tangy and refreshing choices that are creative takes on the usual traditional cream cheese condiment.
Image credit: @jojabagels
Pair your bagels with a cup of warm drink, such as a strong Espresso (RM7) or a soothing Hot Cocoa (RM12). For a refreshing one, go for the Berries Latte (RM13) or the Passion Strawberry Fizzy (RM11).
JOJA Bagels in Penang
A barn of bagels and a current local-favourite brunch spot, JOJA Bagels is where you’ll get to enjoy good, hearty bagels and be awed by their variety of choices. Perfect for a quick lunch, and a delightfully flavoursome treat that’s a cut above your usual sandwich, these beautifully blistered rings will have your mouth watering with their perfect crunch and chews.
Address: 55, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 8.30am-3.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 017-553 4380 | JOJA Bagel’s Facebook | Instagram
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Cover image adapted from: @jojabagels, Google Photos & @jojabagels