By Carolyn Stoller, VRG Intern
Nothing like a nice, hot bagel on a Sunday morning from your favorite bagel shop! Out of all the bagel shops in Baltimore, Roland Park Bagels is definitely a go-to. Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, Roland Park Bagels is a hidden gem that not only caters to “meat lovers,” but also to health-conscious, plant-based enthusiasts. This establishment has a full menu of vegan bagels, sandwiches, and more, including the infamous bagel sandwich with “egg, meat, and cheese.” I’m from New York, so a “bacon, egg, and cheese” on a fluffy bagel is a staple breakfast food and cannot be messed with. But, can Roland Park’s vegan bagels bring the same satisfaction? Intrigued by the prospect of their plant-powered bagels, I eagerly stepped into the café, ready to embark on this vegan culinary journey.
First, you are hit with the smell of hot, fresh bagels and the nutty, caramelized smell of coffee beans roasting on a pot near the cashier counter. I walked up and immediately spotted a menu full of vegan options. Roland Park has many vegan bagel flavors, including a plain, everything, sesame, poppy, onion, pumpernickel, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, whole wheat, and a cranberry-orange flavored bagel. I was astonished by the variety of flavors. Whether you’re in a savory or sweet mood, Roland Park Bagels has the plant-based bagel for you. As I contemplated what I was in the mood for, I realized the best “vegan bagel” to critique is Roland Park’s vegan version of a meat, egg, and cheese on an everything seasoned bagel (toasted of course!). I had to see for myself if the flavors of this plant-based bagel sandwich came close to the authentic New York “bacon, egg, and cheese.”
Hot off the griddle, the bagel arrived in shiny, aluminum wrapping. I could feel the warm, toasty bagel through the pristine packaging. As I unwrapped the bagel, its appearance immediately piqued my interest. The bagel had a lovely golden-brown crust, adorned with a blanket of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, and garlic flakes on top. Inside the bagel, there is a “Just Egg,” melted vegan cheddar cheese, and “Beyond Sausage.” The Just Egg is almost identical to a real egg in its golden color. The ingredients in JustEgg include “water, mung bean protein isolate, and canola oil, plus a variety of spices, natural flavors, and thickeners to yield an egg-like texture.” The Beyond Sausage, primarily made of water and pea protein, is shaped like any other meat-based patty. I couldn’t tell the difference between the Beyond Sausage and traditional sausage either.
Now, it was time for the taste test. As I bit into the vegan bagel, my initial skepticism was immediately dispelled. I couldn’t believe how similar Roland Park’s vegan bagel was to my favorite New York bagels. The texture of both the plant-based egg and vegan sausage surprised me the most since it captures the similar essence of a smoky piece of meat with a nice, hearty egg on top.
Roland Park’s vegan bagel exceeded my expectations, challenging any preconceived notions I may have had about the taste and appearance of vegan cuisine. This menu redefines the traditional concept of this beloved breakfast sandwich. Roland Park Bagel’s thoughtful flavor profile and innovative use of ingredients demonstrate their commitment to creating a fulfilling and delicious experience for all plant-based individuals.
This vegan bagel is more than just a simple breakfast food; it’s a statement about the changing landscape of vegan cuisine. Vegan food often gets a bad rap about its taste and texture, compared to traditional animal-based products. However, whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply like a delicious bagel, Roland Park’s vegan bagels dispel any notions regarding the quality of vegan alternatives. As our nation’s restaurants and cafés expand their plant-based alternatives, Roland Park Bagels vegan menu exemplifies how sustainable choices can coexist with excellent taste.
If you wish to learn more about veggie restaurant options throughout the USA and Canada, please refer to Vegetarian Resource Group’s (VRG) Restaurant Guide.