Dirty Bagels

For those working in the City for a number of years, Spitalfields market is beyond recognition in it’s current form. Even as a relative newbie (less than half a decade) to the City, the market has a knack of seemingly seamless metamorphosis. History — financial and the more exciting kind, is baked in to the fabric of the City of London. As an outsider, it is equal parts refreshing and enthralling. The market lies right on the edge of the Ripper Trail and moments away from the latest archeological find — the former Bedlam burial ground; Moorfields marsh; a Roman road and the Walbrook, one of London’s lost rivers — right next to Liverpool Street Station. Today, the market offers an impressive range merchandise ranging from the rather confusing (for some) to the super cool (for some). The food and drink on offer — my main interest in life in general — is at times priced at a level designed to remind you of your surroundings. It can get a bit dull for someone looking for a less curated experience.
However, there are some very inviting culinary delights on offer. One such place I ‘discovered’ this past week was the Dirty Bagel cart. The menu is simple, which instantly inspires trust.
Toasted Bagel, with a choice of 1) Salmon 2) Pulled Pork 3) Triple Cheese. The simplicity of the menu also comes through in the final product which is great, because simplicity is the most endearing quality of this humble sandwich. Bagels are Polish and most probably Jewish in origin while pulled pork is found around the world in a variety of forms but probably the most famous rendition would be American barbecue style pork shoulder. The sandwich captures the essence of everything that is good and wholesome about its components. Toasted bagel — crisp on the outside, chewy and sweet on the inside. I tried the pulled pork (since the cart had a Giant Pulled Pork House banner). The pork was very juicy and tender — first taste is nirvana. However, it did lack a bit of zing to it. The best part of pulled pork for me is burnt ends, they would have gone nicely in here.
The stall has been around for four months now and I’ve been meaning to try it for a while. They have a very neat party trick, you see. The slice of cheese that goes on top of the meat is torched up right in front of you. It gives the Cheddar that excellent burnt cheese flavour. Walking by the stall a few times, watching the guy lighting up the sandwich, I have been meaning to give it a try for a while. I wasn’t disappointed. I wonder if they will be around over the Winter months because this would go down really well on a cold and damp typical London December Friday.
The first bite into the bagel is the best — the juices from the meat hit you along with the creamy texture of the cheese. The toastiness of the bagel perfectly compliments these two flavours. A generous sprinkling of pepper and the lettuce base to round it off. My sole complaint would be that it lacks a bit of depth and the overall impact is a bit one dimensional — maybe a bit more mature Cheddar? Having said that, the one dimension is pitched in a rather precise and endearing fashion. If price is a concern, this is a definite winner at £4.50. If you could afford yourself the luxury, I can’t see how a swig of fine bourbon would not go with this.

During a work lunch I went to their stand in Spitalfields Market and my friend and I got their pulled pork bagel. INCREDIBLE. Succulent, juicy, delicious, and only £5.50! If you want to not spend a lot of money and get something yummy, this is the place to go. It does it dirty though, so bring some wet napkins to clean your hands after!