BAGEL CHECK

These substantial bagels feel soft and springy in the hand, with a firm bite and a distinctly chewy texture. Rather than sandwiching fillings between two halves, many are made by rolling them into the dough. The flavours of the fillings and the dough come together in every bite.

For a savoury meal, choices include salmon and cheese in spinach dough, bacon and cheese, and mentaiko with mashed potato. There are also more unusual options, such as a bagel with whole prawns and potato, or one filled with a mixture reminiscent of the filling in a Chinese steamed bun.

Sweet flavours make good snacks or light meals. Alongside blueberry and cream cheese, options include matcha, azuki bean and cream cheese, and baked apple with cream cheese. Other choices include pistachio custard and chocolate banana. The shop sometimes has baked goods beyond bagels, such as wholemeal scones and cheese biscuits, making it tempting to fill your tray.

BAGEL CHECK is a compact takeout-only shop in Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City. Drop in to choose a sweet and a savoury bagel to suit your mood, or take home a few to keep on hand for breakfast and lunch.