By Allain Dumon Fonte
Photos by: Ephraim Basbas
The doughnut is a universal treat that everyone enjoys; they come in different shapes and are called by different names all over the world. In Mexico, they are called churros, beavertail in Canada, pets de nonnes in France, and the Germans call them berliner pfannkuchen; but they are all the same…fried dough. The oldest known fried dough is the Dutch olykoeks or in English “oily cakes”; but my favourite fried dough is found in Xiamen, China and they are called Youtiao. Although the youtiao is very similar to Peru’s picaronnes, the youtiao has a distinct softness and an unforgettable taste.
Of all the many shapes, names, and sizes of doughnuts, the modern-day doughnut is probably the most popular of all – the circular fried dough with a hole in the middle. Even though the mode of preparation is the same with all types of doughnuts, the coating and dips make the modern-day doughnut look colorfully charming and enticing. I have tried a lot of modern-day doughnuts from the sweetest chocolate-filled doughnuts to the most adventurous wasabi-flavoured doughnut; however, nothings beats the Brits when it comes to making them.
From London to Manchester, the modern-day doughnuts in England never failed to amaze me. My top choices are Crosstown Doughnuts in London, the Doughnut Kitchen in York, and the Manchester Doughnut Company. But because of travel restrictions, I have been missing my favourite doughnuts. The closest English-style doughnut I can get in Cebu is the Krispy Kreme. Not until I discovered BRICK LANE Doughnuts!
Brick Lane doughnuts are heaven in my mouth. The dough is perfectly soft, and the variety of flavours are more than enough for a doughnut-lover to choose. My personal favourite is the ube¬¬-filled doughnut; and I fear that 2 ube-filled doughnuts are not enough to satisfy my cravings. Brick Lane doughnuts have two cozy shops in Cebu; one is at the AXIS on Escario Street, and the other shop is at OAKRIDGE Pavillion on A.S. Fortuna Street. I guess I do not need to fly back to England sooner and visit my favourite doughnut shops. Brick Lane doughnuts have brought London to Cebu!
CEO of Brick Lane Doughnuts, Allen Andre Suarez, spent some time in London learning how to perfect these delightful London-style doughnuts.
Doughnut lovers gather and enjoy the specially-crafted Brick Lane doughnuts.
Choose one or choose all! From Choco Pops to John Lemon, every flavour is a must try.
Brick Lane Doughnuts at the Oakridge Pavillon on A.S.Fortuna Street.