Croissants are commonly eaten for breakfast, and tarts are usually indulged in as a treat during dessert. Doughnuts, however, are arguably fit to be enjoyed regardless of the time of day – which is perhaps one reason behind their meteoric rise in popularity over the past couple of years.
You’ll find many bakeries in Singapore – including long-standing institutions, fresh entrants and budding home-based outfits – churning out mouth-watering doughnuts in all manner of inventive variations and exciting flavours. From pockets stuffed with luscious passionfruit curd to kaya brioche bakes to sourdough offerings piped with vivid fillings, we’ve rounded up some stellar spots where you can get your next doughnut fix.
Milo Dinosaur doughnuts? Yes please. Burnt Ends Bakery – a offshoot of the lauded Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name – is known for its soft brioche doughnut with delightful fillings. There’s the star-of-the-show Milo Dinosaur, which is piped with velvety Milo cream and topped with a Milo biscuit shard and a sprinkle of Milo dust. Other fine options include Passionfruit Curd, Vanilla Cream, Nutella and Pandan. And not that you need any excuse to visit, but they’ve recently moved into a new gorgeous, sunlit location at Dempsey Hill that’s worth checking out.
7 Dempsey Road, #01-01, Singapore 249671, +65 9624 9534
For top-notch doughnuts in the CBD, make your way to Korio. The bakery is known for its brioche doughnuts that are crowned with a range of colourful and creative glazes. The menu rotates seasonally, but stalwarts include the Chocolate & Hazelnuts, which is coated in a rich chocolate sauce and a smattering of crunchy, crushed nuts; and the Honey & Smoked Sea Salt, where the subtle salty, smoky flavours complement the sweet notes beautifully. They also make some seriously good sandwiches if you happen to be in the mood for something savoury.
135 Amoy Street, #01-03, Singapore 049964, +65 9771 6491
Founded in 2020, The Fat Kid Bakery is one of the newer doughnut purveyors on the scene. It specialises in sourdough bomboloni that are crafted with a homegrown sourdough starter, which gives the dough a slight tang and works to balance out the sweetness of the fillings. The doughnuts come in boxes of four, eight, 10 and 12. To sample their full range, why not grab a box of 10 for your next gathering? Standouts include the earthy Earl Grey, zesty Calamansi, fruity Summerberries, traditional Chocolate and caramelly Sea Salt Maple.
7 Ang Mo Kio Street 66, #01-07, Singapore 567708, +65 8836 4833
This well-known operation – which has cafés at both Tanglin and Killiney – doles out doughnuts in just two flavours: chocolate and kaya. But what they lack in variety, they certainly make up for in quality. The brioche doughnuts are fluffy without being too airy, and the kaya version boasts made-from-scratch filling that’s redolent of aromatic pandan notes. Meanwhile, the chocolate doughnut has a thick, bittersweet custard that contrasts perfectly with the sweeter kaya confection (yes, we’re totally telling you to treat yourself and just get both).
56 Tanglin Road, #01-03, Singapore 247964, +65 6835 1128
1 Killiney Road, Level 2, Singapore 239518, +65 8339 5368
The former home-based bakery may now call a bright and airy space near the Orchard Road shopping belt home, but you’ll still find the same impressive selection of sourdough doughnuts that made them wildly popular when they first started out. Plus, it’s helmed by a former runner-up of MasterChef Singapore – so you know you’ll be getting some solid bakes. The line-up of inventive flavours changes from time to time, but we’re particularly fond of the Blueberry & Lemon Thyme, Lavender Lime Mascarpone and Hojicha Caramel Crunch.
9 Penang Road, #02-03, Singapore 238459, +65 9847 0203
If you live in the central region, you know to satisfy your cravings at Doughnut Shack. The bakery boasts long lines on weekends, and typically runs out of their in-demand flavours within a few hours of opening. They have a wider assortment than most other bakeries on this list, with options running the gamut from Pistachio Ganache and Ovomaltine Cream to Mango Pomelo and Chocolate Marmalade. Those who want a savoury bite can sample the unique Chilli Crab – which they claim to be Singapore’s first-ever chilli crab doughnut.
151 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208526, +65 9109 6287
Pillowy, cloud-like doughnuts are the name of the game at Puffs & Peaks, a humble bakery in the east that’s run by a friendly mother-daughter team. Fans head here to get their hands on the signature brioche doughnuts. Nab the cinnamon flavour, which comes coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar; or opt for a doughnut that’s been piped with some house-made custard. We suggest going for the Taro Coconut, which sports a smooth paste made by combining taro with coconut milk; the bittersweet Matcha; and the Blackcurrant Peanut Butter for a grown-up take on the classic childhood sandwich.
866A Tampines Street 83, #03-03, Singapore 521866
You’ll find scrumptious treats at this Muslim-owned, Halal-certified bakery in the Kampong Glam area. Formerly a home-based outfit, the owner decided to set up a brick-and-mortar store to cater to overwhelming demand – and once you taste their bakes, it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about. We like the fragrant Maple Cinnamon Toast Donut, as well as the 54% Dark Chocolate Donut that’s stuffed with a gooey custard and sprinkled with ample chocolate crumbs. Their well-reviewed cupcakes are worth a try, too.
795 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198763, +65 9144 7729
This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.