Where to find the best donuts in Hong Kong
From sugar-glazed to jam-filled, here are all the tried-and-tested spots to get your sugar fix in Hong KongWe were caught by surprise when Krispy Kreme closed all seven of its outlets in Hong Kong in 2008. For weeks following, we found ourselves mourning the loss of an institution. It wasn’t until 2017 when J.Co Donuts arrived in the city to fill the hole in our hearts. Now, twelve years after Krispy Kreme’s departure, a slew of bakeries are joining J.Co and bravely venturing into the territory that broke the American franchise. If you love donuts as much as us, here are all the tried-and-tested spots to get your sugar fix in Hong Kong.
Read more: Best bakeries in Hong Kong
Dough Bros
Dough Bros may be most known for its cheese-laden sourdough pizza, its donuts are not to be overlooked. These sugar-dusted, stuffed dough balls have stolen the spotlight with their dense, sweet fillings in three flavours – Nutella, custard and strawberry jam. Expect a 10 minute wait when ordering in store as the donuts are freshly fried to order. If you want to skip the wait, purchase the sweet treats in advance on Dough Bros’ website or have them delivered to your doorstep via Deliveroo and Foodpanda.
Dough Bros, G/F, 38-42 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, 2760 4555 and G/F, 68-70A Hollywood Road, Central, 2398 9042
Read more: Best pizza in Hong Kong
Bakehouse
Bakehouse is one of our favourite bakeries in the city. Opened by Gregoire Michaud, who has worked in some of the top hotels in the world (including an eight year stint as the executive pastry chef at Four Seasons Hong Kong), it serves up everything baked from danishes and tarts to quiches and cookies. Three donut flavours – chocolate hazelnut, vanilla custard and raspberry jam – are currently available and offered on a weekly rotation.
Bakehouse, 14 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai
Mamma Always Said
The lively all-day eatery on Peel Street has all your home-style favourites like grilled cheese toasties, fried chicken wings, and of course, donuts. Its fluffy brioche donuts are stuffed liberally with mixed berries jam. You can order the sweet treat from the restaurant or have it delivered to you via the restaurant’s delivery platform Meraki at Home.
Mamma Always Said, 42 Peel Street, Central, 2386 2216
The Mandarin Cake Shop
Donuts can be classy too, as proven at The Mandarin Cake Shop, but you’ll have to get them while they’re hot. Homemade donuts are only available on Wednesdays at the hotel café, with limited options such as the Boston cream and strawberry jam flavours. Luckily, they’re not too expensive at $30 apiece, so everyone can have a taste of royalty without breaking the bank.
The Mandarin Cake Shop, M/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4008
Cookie DPT
What started off as a pop-up store became a household name for gooey, oozy cookies in Hong Kong. Cookie DPT is known for its innovative cookie flavours, but this month it began offering donuts too. For now, the brand has launched an Original Glazed Donut, topped with a simple sugar glaze; and the Simpsons D’ohnut, which sports a bright pink coating with sprinkles modelled after Homer Simpson’s favourite snack. Follow Cookie DPT on Instagram to stay up to date with its next donut release.
Cookie DPT, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central
Flakes and Layers
Looking for something a little different? Flakes and Layers offers a hybrid of donuts and mille-feuille dubbed Ooonuts. Founded by Hong Kong actress and model Amanda Strang, its current pop-up is located at Teakha until August 25. On the first day of its launch, these flaky, buttery creations sold out within an hour of opening. A special collaboration flavour, Yin Yang, is currently available and can be ordered directly by WhatsApp at 9191 3301 or by email at enquiry@flakesandlayers.com.
Keep an eye on Flakes and Layers’ Instagram for updates on its pop-up locations
Dough by Design
This newly-launched donut shop was founded by Hong Kong-based personal trainer Dan Yeung, who believes that fitness is all about balance. Dough by Design’s creations combine the fluffy and light textures of Tokyo’s donuts with the size and amazing flavours found in the US. Each one of its golden fried rings are handmade by Yeung and his girlfriend, who perfected the craft of donut-making through hours watching Youtube videos during the pandemic. Its classic flavours will be available for preorder beginning in September and a pop-up space is also in the works further along the line – so watch this space.
Keep an eye on Dough by Design’s Instagram for updates
J.Co Donuts
Last but not least, J.Co Donuts needs no introduction. One of the first donut purveyors after Krispy Kreme’s departure, the Indonesian import has three locations Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Its donuts are affordable and satisfying, clocking in at just $15 each. You can choose from classic flavours such as the sugar-glazed and chocolate-dusted donuts, or go for something more adventurous like the Avocado DiCaprio, a trendy creation topped with avocado and chocolate crunch.
J.Co Donuts, Shop 1 & Shop 2, G/F, 55, Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 6982 8282
