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The Unbelievable Fried Chicken Bagel: A Jersey Classic Takes a Wild Turn
Bagels are the stuff of breakfast dreams. Whether you’re into the classic everything bagel bursting with pork roll, egg, and cheese, or prefer a simple plain bagel slathered in cream cheese, bagels have a special place in our hearts and stomachs. But hold onto your taste buds because Tiam Tiam in Harrison, New Jersey, is giving this beloved breakfast staple a thrilling makeover that's bound to blow your mind.
Enter Jesse and Jennifer Kim, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Tiam Tiam, who have reimagined the bagel in ways you never thought possible. Every Sunday brunch at their shop now features an array of Asian-inspired bagel creations that are anything but ordinary. Think bagels stuffed with flavors you’d typically find in street food stalls across Asia, but with a Jersey twist.
First up, the Triple Taro Bagel. For just $8, you can enjoy a bagel that’s a taro lover’s dream. It’s not just any taro spread; it’s a three-tiered taro extravaganza featuring taro cream cheese and a sprinkle of taro balls on top. The result is a nutty, subtly sweet bagel with delicate vanilla undertones that’s sure to transport you to flavor heaven.
Then there’s the Taiwanese Popcorn Fried Chicken Bagel, affectionately dubbed the T.F.C. Bagel ($9). This masterpiece is stuffed with basil cream cheese, fresh basil, and crispy Taiwanese popcorn fried chicken. The chicken is tender, juicy, and brimming with savory goodness, while the basil adds a refreshing herbal twist. This bagel has quickly become a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why!
Craving something sweeter? The Brown Sugar Milk Tea Boba Bagel is your ticket to bubble tea bliss in bagel form. At $7, this bagel features milk tea-infused cream cheese topped with chewy brown sugar boba pearls. It’s a delightful transformation of bubble tea flavors into a breakfast treat.
And don’t miss the Longanisa Bagel ($8.50), which is still a work in progress but already impressive. Packed with longanisa (Filipino-style sausage), a fried egg, melted cheese, and a smear of garlic aioli, this bagel is bursting with flavor.
Currently, these bagels make their debut exclusively during Sunday brunch, with one savory and one sweet option rotating each week. While Tiam Tiam hopes to eventually offer them as regular breakfast items, their popularity means you'll want to make an early pilgrimage to get your hands on these bagel creations.
Trust me, once you’ve tried these inventive bagels, you'll be making Sunday brunch plans that revolve around Tiam Tiam. This is not just a bagel; it’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss!
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