The Hunt for a Viral Sensation
When journalist Gabriella Estrada-Castillon discovered that a humble bagel from a shop she had never heard of was the most-ordered item on Deliveroo globally, she knew she had to investigate. The establishment in question was Papos Bagels, and its 'Classic' offering was topping the charts in November 2025.
Discovering a Hidden Culinary Haven
The journey to find Papos Bagels was an adventure in itself. Located roughly a 13-minute walk from Dalston Junction station, the route led away from bustling cafes and restaurants into quiet residential rows. Tucked away on a small side road, the shop's discreet location made its viral status even more surprising.
Arriving around 9:50 am on a Friday, Gabriella was relieved to find no queue. The shop itself was tiny and warm, filled with the irresistible aroma of baking bagels. Despite the lack of a customer line, business was clearly booming; within just five minutes, four Deliveroo riders arrived to collect orders, confirming the spot's online popularity.
The £9 Taste Test That Delivered
Opting for the famous 'Classic' bagel, priced at £9, Gabriella found the cost reasonable for London, especially given its top-tier status. The bagel was generously filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese, sliced red onion, tomatoes, and capers.
With minimal seating available—just three chairs inside and some stools outside—she took her neatly packaged order to a nearby park, a move mirrored by the couple behind her.
The first bite was declared perfection. The salmon was fresh, the cream cheese was smooth, and the bagel itself had an ideal soft-yet-chewy texture. The red onion was subtle, while the capers provided a salty kick reminiscent of olives. Discovering the tomatoes halfway through added a burst of freshness. The bagel was so substantial it could easily serve as both breakfast and lunch.
In conclusion, the Papos Bagels Classic absolutely lives up to its immense hype. It is a simple, fresh, and flavour-packed hidden gem in London, proving that sometimes the best things are not the flashiest, but the most perfectly executed.
