Some folks, New Yorkers especially, take their bagels seriously. Dead seriously. Follow that link to read a primer on what characteristics are required to even be in the conversation for the best bagel in New York, let alone anywhere else.

If you have more time on your hands read this amazingly exhaustive book on the fantastic bread product that is the bagel. Who knew?

The reason I mention all this is because of a recent store I ate at in Taikoo Place recently: Yo Bago. (As an aside, the working stiffs out in this part of town have an amazing array of eats to choose from in the immediate area, covering just about every continent and ethnic group.)

Yo Bago does a commendable job of representing the sandwich contingent by offering a large lunch at a low price point. They offer numerous types of bagels and cream cheese, but the real value is to be found in the nearly 20 bagel sandwiches.

I had the Rio Bauru, which consisted of mozzarella, pastrami and fresh veggies. I chose an onion bagel. For 36 bones it’s a great deal and better than your average plastic-wrapped sandwich.

I suppose I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on the actual bagel itself. It’s good but not great. It reminds me more of actual regular bread and is missing that yeasty flavour and outer crunch that leads to a soft interior. It’s fresh and care has been given to it, but it’s just missing that 'wow' factor, which is surprising because supposedly the bagels are boiled, the proper treatment for a purist.

The overall effect of the sandwich is that it is more than the sum of its parts -- and that sum is worth checking out of you’re in the hood. Also they serve Tim Horton’s coffee, and we know what that means to you crazy Canadians out there.

80 Pan Hoi St, 2561-7700.