I’ve been a loyal customer of Matthew Bagels since its early days near Supermaxi Las Americas, where they started off humbly with just bread and cheese. Now, they’ve flourished into a full-fledged bakery and deli in their new location on Las Alamos, a mere block from the Ordonez Lasso Tranvía stop. It’s impressive to think they made this move just a week before the COVID shutdown, and yet today, they thrive.
At Matthew Bagels, you’ll find an incredible assortment of baked delights—fresh bagels, cakes, cookies, and more. But what really sets them apart is their deli, serving what many would argue are the best sandwiches in Cuenca. From chicken and salmon salad to tuna, pastrami, corned beef, and my personal favorite, turkey, this might be the only place in town where you can savor a real turkey sandwich. They also cater to dietary needs, offering a wide variety of gluten-free products and sugar-free desserts. For those seeking convenience, their ready-to-heat takeout meals—think chicken pot pie, meatloaf, meatballs, and delicious soups—are perfect for a quick and hearty meal at home.
The heart of Matthew Bagels is the family behind it: Jeniffer, her husband Juan, and their 15-year-old son Matthew. In Jewish-American culture, it’s common for children to be actively involved in family businesses from an early age, and Matthew is no exception. This close-knit family is dedicated to offering high-quality products that reflect the authenticity and flavors of a traditional bagel store in the USA.
Jeniffer, born in Ecuador, spent 15 years traveling between here and New York City, preparing for this venture. After years of hands-on experience and further specialization through university studies, Jeniffer firmly believes that the best lessons are learned in the day-to-day grind, not in a classroom. With 15 years of bagel-making experience in New York, including operating a small bagel store in partnership, they’ve brought that expertise here to Cuenca.
What sets a Jewish bakery apart? Jewish bakeries follow unique traditions and methods, especially when it comes to ingredient quality, precise combinations, and often adhering to kosher standards. These distinctions are felt in every bite at Matthew Bagels.
With expats making up 75% of their customer base, Matthew Bagels remains committed to delivering authentic flavors that transport you back to your favorite bagel shop in the U.S. Whether you’re craving a morning coffee with freshly baked goods or a satisfying deli sandwich for lunch, Matthew Bagels offers a few cozy tables to sit and savor your meal.
If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and visit Matthew Bagels—you’ll taste the love and tradition in every bite.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Operation Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm / Saturday 9:00 to 6:00 pm / Sundays closed. Address: Miguel Cordero / Pasaje Miguel Cordero Crespo, Cuenca, Ecuador. Phone: 096 342 5740. Facebook: @Matthew bagels & Bakery. Emailmatthewbogelstore@gmail.com