If you’re searching for the best doughnuts in New York City, the sheer number of options can feel daunting. We’ve narrowed it down for you with a curated list of the top 8 doughnuts, based on insights from food critics, chefs, and industry professionals using the 8it app. This guide helps you skip the guesswork and find exceptional bites across the city.
8it streamlines food discovery by focusing on recommendations from trusted experts instead of random online reviews or algorithms. Our selections draw from respected sources like Eater New York and The New York Times, paired with input from professional chefs familiar with NYC’s culinary landscape. What defines a great doughnut? It’s the balance of texture, whether chewy or crisp, and the creativity in flavors, from classic glazes to unique savory twists. With 8it’s map-based tool, locating these spots is simple, no more juggling notes or losing track of recommendations.
Ready to explore doughnuts from Midtown to Brooklyn? Below are eight standout picks endorsed by food professionals. Whether you want a nostalgic classic or a bold new flavor, this list covers every craving. Save your top choices in the 8it app and plan your own doughnut tour of NYC. Try 8it for free to uncover the city’s top food experiences.
Top 8 Doughnuts in NYC: Must-Try Picks
1. Shrimp Donuts at BKK New York
BKK New York offers a surprising take with a savory doughnut made from shrimp, chicken, and pork. This protein-rich creation redefines the doughnut, blending global flavors with NYC’s daring food style. 8it Review: Shrimp, chicken, pork, densely pressed into doughnut shape. Add it to your list on 8it
2. Original at I’m donut? Times Square
In the bustle of Times Square, this spot excels with a doughnut that merges mochi’s chewiness with funnel cake’s crispness. The unique texture combination makes it a standout, easy to find with 8it’s location tools. 8it Review: Chewiness of mochi, crisp exterior of funnel cake. Add it to your list on 8it
3. Plain Glazed at Kora
Kora proves simplicity can impress with their glazed doughnut. A rich vanilla bean glaze turns a basic idea into something special, showing mastery in classic techniques. 8it Review: Glaze isn’t actually plain, it’s vivid vanilla bean. Add it to your list on 8it
4. Apple Cider Doughnuts at Smithereens
Smithereens captures fall with their apple cider doughnut, featuring freeze-dried apple pieces in a cinnamon-sugar coating. The mix of tangy flavor and texture reflects seasonal creativity. 8it Review: Beautifully tangy with freeze-dried apple in the cinnamon-sugar. Add it to your list on 8it
5. Rainbow Cookie Crookie at Settepani Bakery
This doughnut celebrates Italian-American baking heritage, blending vibrant flavors and textures. It’s a unique tribute to NYC’s cultural diversity in food. 8it Review: This is: Sweet crunchy savory magical experience buonissimo! Add it to your list on 8it
6. Doughnuts at COPS
COPS focuses on the dough itself, achieving a fresh, resilient texture that shows careful craftsmanship. This attention to detail sets their doughnuts apart. 8it Review: The dough has a little bounce-back to it. Add it to your list on 8it
7. Sesame & Mochi XLB at DinTaiFung
DinTaiFung applies dumpling expertise to doughnuts, creating a fusion of Asian techniques and familiar shapes. Pair it with their sea-salt-cream dipper for a boosted flavor. 8it Review: Pro-tip: order these with a side sea-salt-cream dipper. Add it to your list on 8it
8. Toasted Coconut Doughnut at Bear Donut
Bear Donut uses rice or tapioca flour for a chewy mochi texture, distinct from classic yeast doughnuts. Toasted coconut adds depth, showcasing NYC’s blend of global influences. 8it Review: Mochi doughnuts made with rice or tapioca flour. Add it to your list on 8it
Discover Hidden Food Gems with 8it
Finding great food in NYC often involves hours of digging through mixed Yelp reviews, social media clips, or outdated online lists. This scattered approach turns food discovery into a chore, with notes and screenshots piling up across platforms.
8it changes that by gathering input solely from verified food professionals, like chefs and writers, who know quality. Instead of endless mixed opinions, 8it highlights only dishes endorsed by experts, ensuring every recommendation is worth trying.
Here’s how 8it stands out:
- Source Quality: Expert insights instead of random diner feedback for reliable picks.
- Organization: A centralized, map-based view to locate dishes easily.
- Focus: Specific dish recommendations, so you know exactly what to order.
- Limited-Time Offerings: Real-time updates on pop-ups and specials, so you never miss out.
8it also excels at catching short-term events, like chef collaborations or seasonal flavors, that traditional searches often overlook. When a unique doughnut drop happens, 8it’s network of critics ensures you’re notified right away with details to act fast.
Key Insights on NYC’s Best Doughnuts
Where to Find Top Doughnuts in NYC
NYC’s best doughnuts span all boroughs, from Times Square innovators to Brooklyn hideaways. Look for standout dishes at spots like Kora for refined classics or DinTaiFung for Asian-inspired takes. A curated tool like 8it pinpoints specific items worth ordering at each location, saving you time.
What Defines an Exceptional Doughnut
A great doughnut combines skillful preparation, creative ideas, and quality ingredients. Texture matters, whether it’s mochi’s chew or a crisp outer layer. Unique concepts, like BKK New York’s savory mix or Kora’s intense vanilla glaze, elevate the experience with careful execution.
Staying Updated on Limited-Time Doughnut Offerings
NYC’s doughnut scene thrives on short-lived specials and pop-ups that vanish quickly. Tracking these manually via social media or websites takes effort and often falls short. A platform like 8it, connected to industry insiders, delivers real-time alerts on these exclusive opportunities.
Evaluating Doughnut Recommendations Online
Online reviews vary widely in reliability. Casual feedback on platforms like Yelp may cover basics but often misses technical depth on dough quality or flavor balance. Input from food professionals, who understand craft and context, offers the most dependable guidance for standout choices.
Comparing Traditional and Mochi Doughnuts
Traditional doughnuts, made with wheat flour and yeast, have a light, soft bite. Mochi doughnuts, using rice or tapioca flour, deliver a chewy, stretchy texture. Spots like Bear Donut highlight mochi’s appeal, while others, like I’m donut ?, blend both styles for a dual-texture treat.
Explore NYC’s Diverse Doughnut Scene
NYC’s doughnut offerings reflect a mix of classic methods and fresh ideas. From BKK New York’s bold savory option to Bear Donut’s chewy mochi style, these eight picks showcase culinary skill and variety. Each comes from trusted critics on 8it, ensuring a worthwhile taste.
These selections are just a glimpse of the city’s food depth. With expert-backed guidance, you can explore confidently, trying new flavors or techniques. Want to sample these doughnuts and more of NYC’s best dishes? Download 8it for free today and build your personalized list of must-try eats.