Kossar's Bialys

Kossar's Bialys[edit | edit source]

Kossar's Bialys is a renowned bakery located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It is famous for its traditional Jewish bialys, a type of baked bread roll that originated in Bialystok, Poland.

History[edit | edit source]

Kossar's Bialys has a rich history that dates back to 1936 when Morris Kossar, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, opened the bakery. He brought with him the traditional recipe for bialys, which quickly gained popularity among the local Jewish community.

Over the years, Kossar's Bialys has remained true to its roots, preserving the authentic flavors and techniques of making bialys. The bakery has become a cultural landmark in the Lower East Side, attracting both locals and tourists who seek a taste of traditional Jewish cuisine.

Bialys[edit | edit source]

A bialy is a round, flat bread roll with a depressed center and a chewy texture. It is similar to a bagel but without the hole. The depression in the center is traditionally filled with diced onions and poppy seeds, giving the bialy its distinct flavor.

To make bialys, the dough is first prepared by mixing flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. The dough is then left to rise before being shaped into small rounds. After shaping, the bialys are topped with a mixture of onions and poppy seeds and baked in a hot oven until golden brown.

Kossar's Bialys Today[edit | edit source]

Today, Kossar's Bialys continues to be a beloved institution in the Lower East Side. The bakery offers a variety of bialys, including traditional onion and poppy seed, as well as modern variations such as garlic and cheese.

In addition to bialys, Kossar's also offers a range of other Jewish baked goods, including bagels, challah bread, and rugelach. The bakery prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining the traditional baking methods that have been passed down through generations.