Classic doughnuts are great. These 3 unusual twists are better. Here's where to try them
Doughnuts have been a popular treat in America since Dutch immigrants introduced olykoeks or oily cakes to New Amsterdam in the early colonial period, around the 17th century.
Doughnuts gained even greater popularity during World War I when volunteer women with The Salvation Army, called "Doughnut Lassies", made them for the homesick soldiers. Without access to kitchen supplies, the women improvised, using wine bottles and shell casings as rolling pins, and baking soda tins as cutters. Legend has it, doughnuts were even fried in soldiers’ helmets.
National Doughnut Day was created in 1938 to honor these women. But we don't need a holiday as an excuse to enjoy sugary fried dough. Though the Valley is home to tons of classic doughnut shops, these three unique doughnut variations are worth seeking out any time of year.
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Mochinut's Vietnamese Doughnut
The mochi doughnut or mochinut was born in Hawaii. It’s a cross between the Japanese mochi and American doughnut that's made by connecting eight rice flour doughballs into a circle, frying them and then dipping them in a glaze or sugar.
The rice flour makes for a chewy but light consistency. Another plus with these confections is they are not overly sweet. So, you can have more than one without feeling uncomfortably full.
The Mochinut store is a chain from California that opened its first location in Tempe, Arizona. Upon arrival, the colorful, flower-shaped treats will no doubt stop you in your tracks. Now that they have your attention, they invite, no, demand, your taste buds to give them a try. Go for it. Pick up one, or two or a half a dozen. Just make sure that the Vietnamese Coffee flavor is one of them.
Details: 117 E. Southern Ave, Tempe. 213-425-4888, Mochinut.
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Little O’s Bacon me Crazy
Little O’s is a new market run by O.H.S.O brewery in Arcadia. The new café serves breakfast and lunch, and one of its regular offerings are mini, fried cakey doughnuts.
Little O’s bakers get creative with the toppings, which include sprinkles, cereal bits, marshmallows, gummy worms and, best of all, bacon.
Try the Dirt, which comes topped with a gummy worm, or Nap time, made with a potato chips topping, or the aptly named Bacon Me Crazy.
In general, Little O’s donuts are sweet with a capital “s.” But the maple glaze of the Bacon Me Crazy is balanced by the salty bacon bits sprinkled on top.
Details: 4910 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-535-0939, Little O's Arcadia Market.
Rollover Doughnuts’ Orange Glazed and Pistachio Doughnut
This is a regular-sized doughnut, but one worth seeking out for the unusual yeast-leavened, enriched brioche dough. The higher fat content of this dough makes the doughnut more tender, but the real draw is the orange icing that's bejeweled with pistachios.
The soft texture is balanced by the staccato of the salty nuts, which compliment the sweet and tart flavors of the orange frosting that offers a lingering brightness with every bite.
On National Donut Day, Rollover will open at 7 a.m. on June 3 and will offer doughnut and beer flights. The tasting includes four doughnut minis paired with four beers from Wren House. There will be live music and giveaways from 6 to 8 p.m.
Details: 4221 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-795-2193, Short Leash Hotdogs + Rollover Doughnuts.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: National Donut Day 2022: Try mochinuts, minidonuts in the Valley
