Bagel Brigade Puts Hyderabad On World Food Map With Historic New York BagelFest 2026 Selection

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Bagel Brigade, a young, popular food company based out of Hyderabad, continues to set an example as one of India’s first potential global food companies. With news that the company has been accepted to the prestigious New York BagelFest 2026, the company is continuing to set a precedent, while the startup world catches up to the vision of Indian food with global aspirations.

Founded in Hyderabad in 2024, Bagel Brigade has secured a place among a carefully selected international lineup of more than 25 prominent bagel brands that will gather in New York on November 15, 2026. The achievement comes after the event’s most competitive selection process so far, with less than 9% of applicants earning a spot in the final showcase.

The recognition carries special significance as Bagel Brigade is the only India-origin brand and the only announced participant representing Asia in the 2026 lineup. The Hyderabad-born company will now showcase its food innovation alongside established global names at one of the most influential celebrations of bagel culture.

Organised with support from King Arthur Baking Company, New York BagelFest takes place in New York, a city widely recognised as the global centre of bagel heritage and innovation. For Bagel Brigade, the selection represents more than an international appearance. It highlights Hyderabad’s growing potential to create food brands with global ambitions.

From Hyderabad’s Food Scene to New York’s Global Bagel Stage

Bagel Brigade began its journey in Hyderabad with the aim of creating a new “Morning Fuel” category focused on delivering a fresh, nutritious and convenient first meal experience for modern consumers.

The company has developed its menu around kettle-boiled sourdough bagels, handcrafted cultured cream cheese, protein-rich fillings and a dedicated beverage selection. Its approach combines the freshness and quality of a bakery concept with the speed, consistency and scalability expected from a modern QSR business.

For Bagel Brigade, the bagel represents more than a single food product. The company views it as the foundation of a scalable food platform built around portability, flexibility and everyday consumption habits.

The brand follows a specialised preparation process, producing bagels with sourdough starters and creating its cream cheese in-house through a three-day culturing process without the use of gums or preservatives. This focus on craftsmanship and ingredient quality has helped the company differentiate itself in the growing premium fast-food segment.

Building an India-Born Global Consumer Brand

Since launching in Hyderabad, Bagel Brigade has expanded beyond India and established a presence in Austin, Texas, strengthening its international footprint. The company is also preparing to enter Singapore as its next overseas market, reflecting its broader ambition to develop an India-born food brand with global appeal.

The company’s participation at New York BagelFest 2026 places Hyderabad’s emerging food innovation ecosystem on an international stage. It demonstrates how Indian startups are increasingly moving beyond traditional categories and creating specialised consumer brands capable of competing in global markets.

With its focus on quality ingredients, scalable operations and a modern breakfast experience, Bagel Brigade aims to introduce a fresh perspective on how bagels can fit into everyday eating habits across different markets.

The upcoming New York showcase will provide the Hyderabad-founded brand with an opportunity to connect with international food audiences, industry leaders and fellow innovators while representing India’s growing presence in the global food entrepreneurship landscape.

A Proud Moment for Hyderabad

“New York is where bagel culture has set the global benchmark for generations. To be selected in a year where fewer than 9% of applicants made the cut is a proud moment for our team and for a brand born in India,” said Sharath Chandra Reddy Gattu and Dr. Navya Chambalon, Co-Founders, Bagel Brigade.

“We chose the bagel because it gives us the ability to bring quality, satiety, portability and speed together in one system. This recognition validates our belief that an India-built QSR can protect the product, design for scale and compete on a global stage. We are not going to New York simply to participate. We are going to compete.”

The New York BagelFest selection highlights the rise of an India-developed bagel, India-crafted cultured cream cheese and an India-built QSR business model on an international stage alongside some of the world’s leading bagel brands.

For Bagel Brigade, the recognition marks more than a global appearance. It reflects a broader vision of creating Indian consumer brands that are born locally, expand internationally and compete confidently with the finest names worldwide. The Hyderabad-founded startup’s journey showcases India’s growing ability to innovate, build and deliver products with global appeal.