New York and New Jersey are known for a number of things including iconic landmarks, movie scenes, beaches, and celebrities, but arguably the most notable treat to come out of New York and New Jersey are pizza and bagels. Each of these carb creations arrived in the Tri-State area with their own sets of history, and have become signature dishes of the region, attracting visitors from near and far. But when it comes to geographic location, not all pizza doughs and bagel doughs are created equal. In New York and New Jersey, they’re usually (dare we say) top tier, comparatively to other locations.
So, what makes New York and New Jersey dough so good — and stand out from all the rest? The bakers of these beloved meals may think it’s all in their skill set, but the longstanding tale says it all has to do with the tap water used in the process of making them. So, what’s the answer? Let’s go back a few centuries to attempt to uncover the story.
The History + Process
Over the years the flavors incorporated into both pizza and bagels have taken them from being a European staple to American classics in their own right. Pizza dough and bagel dough are very similar to make, and taste alike when served plain (though some might even find that to be insulting to hear in the NYC region). Both foods use a high gluten flour, like bread flour, as well as yeast to get the stretchy quality; each has a multi-step proofing process, a boiling step, and kneading. The dough is considered ‘lean’ — meaning it doesn’t use eggs or butter.
Read More: The History of Pork Roll vs Taylor Ham in New Jersey
The doughs’ origin stories each are as different as the products are similar. Bagels entered the NYC scene in the 1800s, according to Untapped New York, from Jewish refugees hailing from Eastern Europe. They adopted a new style of boiling the bread instead of steaming it like others from different areas of the country. NY-style pizza hit the city in 1905 with the opening of America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, located in what is now known as Little Italy.
It’s In the Water: True or False?
According to several different sources the short answer to the question, “Does the tap water in NY/NJ make the pizza and bagels so great?” is “No.” But, it’s not that simple.
Here’s why: Ninety percent of tap water in the two states come from The Catskills Mountains (PS: follow @thecatskillsgirl on Instagram) which is said to have softer water versus the average water. Scientifically, the low levels of calcium and magnesium in the water combined with the high levels of gluten increases the stretch in the dough. While every city’s water differs a bit, the one common factor is the water source throughout the region.
However, Food and Wine did a similar exposé, and beyond the origins of the water of our dough, described the production process as the most important aspect of the superior taste and quality of NY/NJ dough. Most importantly, the proofing of yeast and the boiling of the bagels prior to baking them is a standalone aspect of the region’s skills. It also noted, subjectively, that perhaps the advanced skill set of the NY metro area pizza and bagel shop owners also contributes to the stellar quality of the dough.
But there’s actually science behind it. The boiling process, along with high heat to bake, is what creates the signature crust outside and pillowy inside. According to the American Chemical Society, the levels of sodium in the water and the pipes used to transport the water add to the flavor everyone loves so much. Before getting to the millions of people who will either drink this water or use it to cook, it is disinfected with a cocktail of chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and phosphoric acid.
Over the years, many have conducted surveys and studies to see if this wives’ tale is true. Most notably, famous food critic Kenji Lopez-Alt set out in 2019 to ask people around the country if they could tell the difference. After asking dozens, the difference was not overly clear and many failed the test, leaving the old story unproven.
So, Why is NY/NJ Named ‘The Best’?
The argument and science behind the water in the area is one that can go on forever. But, others feel there are more ‘unproven’ reasons why pizza and bagels are just better in these states.
Lopez-Alt says ‘bad’ NJ pizzerias just don’t stay in business long, likely because of the high caliber expectations of its customers. Others say the Saturday and Sunday morning communities that are formed at local bagel joints is what really makes the taste so good.
On an anecdotal local level, a Hoboken pizza shop owner shared with The Hoboken Girl, “It’s absolutely the water. I wanted to open a [pizza] shop in Miami as a second location, but it just wasn’t gonna happen. It wouldn’t be the same. The water is not the same.”
See More: The North Jersey Guide to Central Jersey (Does It Exist?)
But truly, there’s just something about New York and New Jersey bagels — we can’t help but be biased. So whether other states try to claim pizza or bagels as their own or not, we know in our hearts who truly makes them the best.
13 DIY Activities to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hoboken and Jersey City have lots of possibilities when it comes to learning a new skill or creating a masterpiece of your own. DIY classes can be fun as a solo day, a date night or a group activity. Locally, there are several classes and events that will get the creative juices flowing and improve various skills. Read on to learn more about DIY classes and events in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Hoboken
ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street
View this post on Instagram
Turning into a painter for a night is not as hard as it may seem with the guidance of the skilled instructors at ArteVino. Located in the Monroe Center, ArteVino regularly hosts paint classes where guests are guided through how to recreate an artistic masterpiece. Or, for those who are more advanced and want to try painting on their own, the studio has open-access options. To check out the full schedule and book a class, click here.
Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414
View this post on Instagram
Blue Skies Pottery is one of the few one-time pottery locations in the area. It’s located inside the Monroe Center and allows guests to try their hand at a potters’ wheel during one-time classes or by signing up for a multi-week course. Individual events are also offered for various groups or to hone certain skills. Reservations are required and can be made on the site here.
Read More: 20 Groups + Clubs to Join in Hoboken and Jersey City
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street
Hudson Table is one of Hudson County’s most popular DIY class locations. At Hudson Table, guests can expect a highly interactive cooking class with renowned chef instructors. The hands-on classes have themed menus that cover a wide range of cuisines including Italian Bistro, Spanish Tapas, Texan Steakhouse, and more. The classes sell out quickly, but booking alerts can be made on the Hudson Table website. To book a class, click here.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street
View this post on Instagram
Ivy Mane Studio promises a ‘more creative you’ through its DIY concrete-pouring workshops. This Hoboken art studio has a variety of classes where participants can make items such as vases, ashtrays, table games, and more. Individual class pricing ranges from $75-$105 or private events can be hosted to celebrate any occasion. To learn more about upcoming classes and to register, click here.
Mosaic Art Studio | 50 Harrison Street
View this post on Instagram
Participants can learn the art of Turkish lamp-making right in Hoboken. Mosaic Art Studio, located inside the Mission 50 co-working space, provides both a history lesson and an opportunity to make a creative piece. Guests start with a briefing on the history of Turkish lamp-making before being guided through how to make their own. As the project dries, guests are treated to Turkish treats before getting a grout kit to complete the project at home. To pre-book tickets and to learn more, click here.
New Jersey Coffee School | 720 Monroe Center
View this post on Instagram
Coffee is a way of life and those who are really into it can try to develop the skill of coffee making at the New Jersey Coffee School. While this location focuses more on skill-building for professionals, there are some classes for amateurs as well. The art of latte making is a great way to learn more about creating beautiful drinks from the comfort of home. The New Jersey Coffee School is consistently providing new classes for all skill levels. To learn more and to book a class, click here.
Sushi Making Class at Saku Hoboken | 936 Park Avenue
Saku Hoboken provides a lesson in the art of sushi making without an expensive plane ticket to Japan. Its “Rolling with the Homies” sushi class is great for an individual activity, a date night, or for a group of friends. Each guest will learn how to make rice wine vinegar and three sushi rolls. Tickets are $75 and classes are provided on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM. To learn more, click here.
Tipsy Tie-Dye | 155 1st Street
View this post on Instagram
Partying with color is the vibe at Tipsy Tie-Dye. Guests can choose from any items for sale in the shop such as sweatshirts, pants, and t-shirts to dye or items can be brought in from home to dye. Tickets are open to guests of all ages until 5:30PM and then the venue turns to adults-only from 5:30PM-10:30PM. The classes are not formal, but Tipsy Tie-Dye team members are available to help guests with the process. To learn more about getting a reservation or booking a private event, click here.
Urban Arts | 720 Monroe Street
View this post on Instagram
Urban Arts is a children’s art studio located in the Monroe Center. In addition to the wide range of programs prvided for children, Urban Arts can be booked for a DIY class private event for guests of any age. Instructors are ready to assist with art mediums like pastels, acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, and more. To learn more and inquire about pricing, click here.
Jersey City
Academy Darkroom | 279 Pine Street
View this post on Instagram
Photography is a true art form and Academy Darkroom in Jersey City is a great place to learn. Students can learn how to shoot on a film camera and how to develop film. Classes are provided by the semester and sign-ups are available throughout the year. To learn more and to sign up for a course, click here.
Art Mango | Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
After a session at Art Mango, you’ll be asking “Picasso who?” Art Mango is a paint and sip studio that hosts painting parties with small businesses in Jersey City. Instructors will guide students through re-creating a beautiful painting regardless of skill level. To check out which paintings are coming up next and to book a spot, click here.
See More: Crystals + Candle: A New DIY Experience in Upper Montclair
Atacama Clay Studio | 533 Central Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Would-be artists can unleash their inner potter at Atacama Clay Studio in Jersey City. This pottery studio has a class type for everyone: those who are just looking to try their hand at the wheel in a one-time class or, those looking to master the art, there are semester-long classes and membership opportunities. Skilled instructors are available at each session to guide students through the art of pottery and answer questions. To learn more about the class types and to secure a spot, click here.
Betty’s Ceramic Club + Supply Co | 224 9th Street
Betty’s Ceramic Club is located on 9th Street in Jersey City. This pottery haven has opportunities for beginners and advanced potters alike through membership options, six-week sessions, four-week short classes and even one-time opportunities. Betty’s also invites those who want to share the art with family and friends to celebrate special occasions with the shop’s party and event packages. To learn more about offerings and to book a class, click here.
