Bagels first originated in the Jewish communities of Poland. The first written mention of them comes from Krakow in 1610, and a similar bread known as obwarzenak is mentioned in written form as early as 1394. They were brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants, but didn't become popular until the 1970s. New York bagels are perhaps the most popular in the United States and are known for their shiny crust, and chewy center.