What to Get (and Avoid) at NYC’s Newest Japanese Doughnut Shop
Okay, so I finally made it over to that new Japanese doughnut shop everyone’s been talking about in New York City. And let me tell you right now: it’s got some hits, and it’s got some total misses.
I went in super excited because I’d been seeing all these pretty photos online—mochi rings, matcha glazes, sakura pink everything. It looked magical. But you know how it goes: not everything that looks cute actually tastes good.
So here’s the honest, real-person guide. No fluff. No weird foodie language. Just what’s tasty and what’s not worth your time (or your money).
First: What’s the Big Deal With Japanese Doughnuts?
Alright, if you’ve never had a Japanese-style doughnut before, here’s the quick version.
- They’re often made with mochi, so they’re super chewy, kind of bouncy.
- Way less sweet than American doughnuts.
- Lots of unique flavors—matcha, black sesame, yuzu, that kind of thing.
- And they’re usually just… adorable.
They’re not like your typical Krispy Kreme sugar bombs. These are more delicate. Sometimes too delicate. But we’ll get to that.
The Ones You NEED to Try (Like, Definitely)
1. Matcha Cream Doughnut
Okay, this was my personal favorite. I’m a sucker for matcha, and this one just nailed it.
- Not too sweet, which I loved.
- The green tea flavor is strong in a good way.
- The cream inside is smooth, not too heavy.
- Honestly, it just felt… balanced? Like everything worked together.
If you’re only getting one, make it this one. No regrets.
2. Yuzu Glazed Ring
This was such a surprise hit. Yuzu is like a Japanese citrus—kinda like lemon but with a twist.
- The glaze was tangy and bright.
- The doughnut itself was soft but had that chewy mochi pull.
- Super refreshing. Not your usual flavor but SO good.
It’s one of those where after one bite, you’re like “Oh wow, okay, I didn’t see that coming.”
3. Black Sesame Doughnut
This one’s a little more grown-up, flavor-wise. If you’re into nuttier, roasted tastes, you’ll love it.
- It almost reminded me of peanut butter but less sweet and more earthy.
- The glaze is deep gray—don’t let that throw you off.
- Really rich, in a good way.
I would totally get this again with a black coffee. Fancy afternoon vibes.
4. Kinako Sugar Doughnut
Kinako is roasted soybean flour. Yeah, I know it sounds weird. But hear me out.
- It’s got this nutty, toasty flavor that’s kinda addictive.
- The sugar on top is light—not too much.
- Simple, no-fuss, but delicious.
It’s like the plain doughnut’s cooler cousin who studied abroad in Tokyo.
5. Sakura Glaze Doughnut
This one’s all about the look—but the taste isn’t bad either.
- Light pink glaze that actually tastes a little floral.
- Not overly sweet, kinda delicate.
- It’s the kind of thing you’d eat at a cherry blossom picnic. If we had cherry blossom picnics.
Would I get it every time? Maybe not. But it’s worth trying once for sure.
The Ones You Can Skip (Seriously, Don’t Bother)
1. Strawberry Crunch Thing
This one looked great on the shelf. Pink glaze, little crunchy toppings, super cute. But…
- Way too sweet.
- The crunch stuff turns soggy real fast.
- Kinda fake strawberry flavor.
One bite in and I was like, “Why did I fall for this?”
2. Rainbow Mochi Ring
You’ve seen this on Instagram. It looks like a necklace made of doughnut balls in different colors.
- It’s all for the photo, really.
- Tastes like air with sugar on it.
- Colors don’t equal flavor. Learned that the hard way.
If you’re buying it for the aesthetic, go ahead. If you want actual flavor, hard pass.
3. Taro Cream Doughnut
I wanted to love this one. I usually like taro. But this just didn’t hit.
- The cream was bland.
- Texture was kind of wet? Not creamy, not mochi-like. Just weird.
- Felt like they tried, but it didn’t work out.
Save your $4.
4. Coffee Jelly Doughnut
Okay, now this one just confused me.
- Has coffee jelly bits inside—like the kind in bubble tea.
- But in a doughnut? It doesn’t make sense.
- The textures don’t match at all. Jelly plus fried dough = no thanks.
Even if you’re a coffee lover, just get the drink instead.
Bonus: What to Sip With Your Doughnut
The shop’s got drinks too. And some of them are actually perfect with these doughnuts.
Good Picks:
- Iced Matcha Latte – Goes great with just about everything.
- Yuzu Fizz – Tart, bubbly, and cuts through the doughy stuff.
- Hojicha Tea – A bit toasty, very cozy.
Ones to Skip:
- Rose Milk Tea – Sounds nice, but it’s too floral and heavy with these.
- Brown Sugar Boba – Just way too much sugar with an already-sweet treat.
Keep it simple. A light drink makes the doughnuts taste better.
Little Extras Worth Grabbing
Before you leave, check out the shelves near the register. They’ve got cute stuff like:
- Mini boxes of assorted mochi doughnuts (super fun to share).
- Packs of matcha or sakura tea.
- Tiny mochi-making kits. Not even joking.
I didn’t buy anything extra, but I kinda wish I did.
Quick Tips Before You Go
Here’s what I wish I knew before I went:
- Go early. The good stuff sells out fast—like, by noon.
- Weekdays are chill. Weekends = long lines.
- Eat right away. These are best fresh. Mochi doughnuts get hard if you wait too long.
- Ask questions! The staff was super friendly and happy to explain flavors.
Final Word
All in all, it’s a fun spot. Not perfect, but worth checking out. Especially if you’re into trying new flavors and taking cute food pics.
Just remember: not all doughnuts are created equal. Stick with the matcha, the yuzu, and maybe the black sesame. Leave the overly sweet pink ones behind.
And hey—if you go, try something weird and let me know how it was. I’m always down to go back for round two.
