Back in December of 2010, Eater LA asked a slew of the city’s food writers to predict a dining world headline for 2011. My prediction—”Gourmet Doughnuts Overtake Cupcakes and Macarons!”—wasn’t based on anything substantial, just a secret hope that I had been harboring since being introduced to the genre at New York’s Doughnut Plant and at Seattle’s Top Pot Doughnuts and Frost Doughnuts.
Needless to say, doughnuts did not dominate Los Angeles in 2011, or the year after that. We’re six months into 2013, and things are finally heating up on the local doughnut front. Hallelujah!
In honor of National Doughnut Day, and the exciting happenings in the L.A. doughnut scene, I present to you the 10 Best Deep-Fried Delights that I’ve encountered so far on my search for the ever-elusive doughnut high…
Bánh cam from a street vendor in Saigon, Vietnam
Maple Bacon “Big D” from Texas Donuts at the L.A. County Fair in Los Angeles, CA
Passion Fruit Bismarck from Dough in Brooklyn, NY
Dulce de Leche Churro from Mr. Churro in Los Angeles, CA
Smokey Bacon Maple Bar from Frost in Mill Creek, WA
Custard-Filled Doughnut from St. John Bakery in London, England
Dahlia’s “Famous Donuts” from Dahlia Restaurant and Dahlia Bakery in Seattle, WA
Green Tea Doughnut from Cafe Dulce in Los Angeles, CA
Crème Brûlée Doughnut from Doughnut Plant in New York, NY
The Kaya Doughnut from The Spice Table in Los Angeles, CA
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Honorable Mentions: Churros y Chocolate from Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid, Spain; Coffee & Donuts from Bestia in Los Angeles, CA; “Dip Sum” Doughnuts from Buddakan in Philadelphia, PA; and Sugar and Spice Beignets with Venezuelan Chocolate Fondue from Hatfield’s in Los Angeles, CA.
May I recommend the sincerely unhealthy apple fritter from Bob’s Coffee and Donuts in Farmer’s Market? When fresh, it is one of the most pleasant ways to slowly hurry death.
Al – Thanks for the Bob’s tip! I’ve only had the maple bar and raised glaze thus far…will pick up a fritter the next time I’m at the Farmers Market.
All of these doughnuts look amazing! Right now my current fave is the maple bacon doughnut at Sidecar Doughnuts in Costa Mesa. It’s pretty close to perfection.
I’m a huge fan of the raised glazed at Bob’s. Can’t wait to have one next month!
My donut experience is very limited, but so far I think Stan’s Donuts are my favorites. I do want to try the Seattle places next time I’m up that way, as well as Mr. Churro and the green tea donut 🙂
That’s a sweet countdown! Sadly, I haven’t had ANY of these, but I’d vote the milk cereal donut at ICDC as one of my top ten now! Mmmm carbssss.