Hands-on Bagel Class with an Award-Winning Baker

(Upper WEst Side)

Learn the Secrets of New York Bagels Inside Fairway Market

⏰ 2 Hour Class

✋ Hands-On Activity

🏆 Expert INSTRUCTORS

Small Group Classes

  • Roll, Boil, Bake: Master the art of authentic New York-style bagels using the traditional rope-and-loop method for shaping.

  • Dough-Making Demo: Learn how to mix and knead bagel dough from scratch with a step-by-step demonstration.

  • Home-Friendly Baking: Bake your bagels using equipment similar to what you have in your own kitchen, ensuring you can replicate the process at home.

  • Fresh from the Oven: Enjoy your hot, handmade bagels accompanied by a variety of cream cheeses, smoked fish, and classic toppings.

  • Take-Home Treats: Leave with a half dozen bagels, along with access to our Intro to New York Bagel Baking online course ($49 value) to continue baking at home.

  • Sip While You Schmear: Enjoy complimentary coffee and refreshments throughout the class.

  • Dive into History: Discover how the humble bagel became an iconic New York food.

From $150 / person

Cancellation flexibility

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

PRIVATE Classes

Looking to plan a bagel-making experience for your group? Here’s what sets our private classes apart:

  • Flexible scheduling during morning, brunch, or lunch hours, available any day of the week.

  • Group sizes up to 35 to fit your team, celebration, or event.

  • Tiered pricing options, starting at $75 per person when minimum group size is met.

  • Optional add-ons to enhance the experience - perfect for team-building, birthdays, or client events.

Where You’ll Be

 

Fairway Market’s 74th Street Café (74th St & Broadway) on the Upper West Side

2131 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023

Full Itinerary

  • We’ll kick things off with a warm welcome, light introductions, and then divide the group into teams for a fun and collaborative experience.

  • Reva will demonstrate how to mix bagel dough and introduce the rope-and-loop method—the traditional shaping technique used by professional bakers (and a step up from the common “hole poke” method).

  • Each participant will roll 6–10 bagels by hand using the rope-and-loop technique, guided by Reva and the BagelUp team.

  • Reva will discuss the ingredients and demonstrate how they all come together to form bagel dough.

  • While the dough proofs, we’ll dive into the origins of the bagel, from its roots in 17th-century Poland to the rise of the Bagel Bakers Local 338 in mid-20th-century New York.

  • We’ll demonstrate the crucial boiling and seeding step—explaining how this technique creates that perfect chewy crust and signature bagel texture.

  • Back at your stations, each team will take turns boiling and seeding the bagels they just rolled.

  • Now that the dough has been given a chance to rest, Reva will talk more about gluten development and how to finish mixing your dough.

  • As the bagels bake, we’ll continue the story: from the invention of the bagel machine to Lender’s frozen revolution, the rise of cream cheese, Thai bagel makers, and the modern bagel renaissance.

  • Bagels are served hot from the oven with cream cheese, lox, and other classic toppings. Enjoy your creations and swap stories with your fellow bakers.

  • We’ll close with a quick quiz to test your new bagel knowledge before you bag at least 6 bagels up to bring home with you.

  • Master Authentic Techniques

    Roll, boil, seed, and bake your own authentic New York-style bagels from scratch.

  • Bake Like a Pro

    Use kitchen equipment similar to what you already have, so everything you learn is practical and repeatable.

  • Enjoy the Freshest Bites

    Savor your bagels straight from the oven with a full spread of cream cheeses, smoked fish, and classic toppings. Leave with at least 6 of your own bagels!

No Baking Experience Required

  • Bagel Enthusiasts

    Whether you bake occasionally at home or just love eating bagels, this workshop will take your appreciation to the next level. Dive into the art and science behind New York's iconic delicacy.

  • Travelers Seeking Authentic Experiences

    Visiting NYC? Don't just taste the culture—participate in it. This workshop offers a hands-on experience that’s more memorable than typical tourist attractions.

  • Teams Looking for Unique Bonding

    Break the mold of usual corporate events. Foster team spirit and collaboration as you and your colleagues roll, boil, and bake together.

Reviews

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Meet Your Instructors

  • Reva Castillenti

    Reva started her career as a sculptor, but eventually found her true passion in the art of bread-baking. She spent years perfecting her craft, sourcing native and heritage flours for her baguettes and bagels, and teaching others the art of bread-making. Reva's bagels won second place at the World Bread Awards in both 2018 and 2019, and her expertise has been sought after by home bakers and professionals alike.

  • Sam Silverman

    Sam is the brains behind NYC Bagel Tours. Since 2017, he's delved deep into the bagel world, earning him the title of New York's "Bagel Ambassador." Recognized as one of Brooklyn’s 50 Most Fascinating People by Brooklyn Magazine in 2023 for his flagship event, the New York BagelFest, his bagel knowledge is unparalleled. Sam’s favorite bagel? An everything bagel with scallion cream cheese - not toasted, of course.

Contact Us

FAQs

  • Classes typically last about 2 hours, but this can vary based on the specific class and the number of participants.

  • Yes! Our bagels are naturally vegan, and we can provide plant-based spreads upon request.

  • If you are gluten-free, you can participate in the bagel making process, and when it comes time to eat we will prepare a store-bought gluten-free bagel that you can enjoy with the spreads and toppings.

    Unfortunately we cannot make gluten-free bagels during class due to risk of cross-contamination.

  • Yes, kids love it! However, we recommend our workshops for children aged 8 and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • The key difference is the style of equipment and setting:

    • The Midtown class takes place at Bagel Market, a working bagel shop that produces thousands of bagels daily. You'll be baking with commercial equipment, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how New York’s busiest bagel shops operate.

    • The Upper West Side class is held at Fairway Market’s 74th Street Café and uses home-style kitchen equipment, making it easier to replicate what you learn in your own kitchen.

    Both are hands-on, include at least a half dozen bagels to take home, and feature gourmet tastings with spreads and smoked fish.

  • This class is designed for home bakers. Check out our Bagel Industry Immersion page for experiences geared towards current and aspiring industry professionals.

    This will allow you to understand business operations, gather industry-specific insights, and explore the business side of things in detail. It's an invaluable experience for those keen on a comprehensive understanding of the bagel business.

  • Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm! We provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment. If you wish, you can bring an apron or wear comfortable clothing.

  • Absolutely! At the end of the workshop, you'll get to indulge in the fruits of your labor with a delicious variety of spreads (vegetarian and vegan options available).

    You’ll take at least half a dozen bagels home with you!

  • Not at all! Our workshop caters to all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned bakers. Our expert instructors guide you step by step.

  • Book worry free! You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start of the class.

  • Absolutely! We offer private bookings for corporate events, special occasions, or bakers looking to improve their skills. Fill out a Private Booking Request, or contact us below for details.

  • Yes, we offer gift vouchers that make for a perfect gift for food enthusiasts and budding bakers.

    Purchase a gift voucher here.

Questions?