The brioche doughnut is having a moment—here are 6 bakeries across India to try out

Saying doughnuts usually conjures up an image of the fried dessert with a hot-pink glaze and colourful sprinkles on top, thanks to The Simpsons. Maybe even those dunked in chocolate or simply dusted with cinnamon. But no matter what the toppings, all doughnuts we know of have the characteristic hole in the middle, though that’s changing, with a cooler doughnut on the block—the brioche doughnut. Called bomboloni in Italy, and Berliner in Germany, it’s made with an egg and butter-enriched dough that makes it fluffier and softer. You’ll find the deep-fried dough enveloping a range of delicious fillings—from custards to ganache. 
Bookmark these bakeries across India serving irresistible filled doughnuts next time a sweet craving strikes. 

Toast Doughnut Shop, Mumbai 

What started during the pandemic as a pop-up by chef Devika Manjrekar, became so popular among the city’s clientele that it now has a brick-and-mortar café dedicated to it. Tucked in one of the bylanes of Lower Parel, Toast Doughnut Shop serves up a dazzling variety pillow-soft brioche doughnuts—from unique flavours like pumpkin spice (where the doughnuts are shaped like mini pumpkins) and sour punk apple (with green apple jam filling, sour glaze and sour punk) to more recognisable ones like caramel mocha and cookies and cream, take your pick. And if you’re a strawberry fan, don’t miss their seasonal strawberry tiramisu that has doughnuts filled with mascarpone and coffee custard, rum, and fresh strawberries. 
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
Dine-in at the café, takeaway, or order in via Thrive.  
Address: Shop no. 7, Kabir Ashram Building, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, opposite Bombay Dyeing, Lower Parel.

The Notting Hill Bakery, Mumbai 

Helmed by pastry chef Noor Mubarak, The Notting Hill Bakery is a Mumbai favourite, with its cakes, cookies, and pastries selling out quickly and getting thumbs up from celebs as well. The bakery that is located in Colaba does limited edits of special doughnut flavours like Ferrero Rocher and double trouble chocolate (a brioche doughnut filled with dark chocolate pastry cream and topped with an indulgent chocolate ganache glaze). This year, they also have a seasonal strawberry drop that has a Nutella strawberry version and a vanilla strawberry cream doughnut. 
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
Place your orders one day in advance through Whatsapp on 704554268, anytime between 10am to 5pm. 

Neighbour Baker, Delhi NCR

A home bakery started by Hridey Nanda that is based out of Gurugram and delivers across Delhi NCR, Neighbour Baker is one of the few places in the region that does brioche doughnuts. From seasonal flavours like mango curd and strawberries and cream, to all-time classics like dark chocolate ganache and custard, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
To place your order, simply message them on Instagram.

Trio La Pâtisserie, Hyderabad     

If you thought only cities like Mumbai and Delhi were bitten by the brioche doughnut bug, you’re wrong—the craze for the deep-fried treat has trickled to other places as well. The Hyderabad-based Trio La Pâtisserie does some of the best stuffed doughnuts in the city, with fillings like vanilla custard, dark chocolate ganache, and white chocolate hazelnut. Generously filled and deliciously soft, they are perfect for those with a sweet tooth. 
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
Whatsapp 9700023456 to place your orders. 

SAPA Sourdough & Pastry, Mysuru

Started by Dina Weber, the café and bakery churns out freshly-baked sourdough breads, pastries, and viennoiserie that have become so popular that they’ve sold out at pop-ups in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. The dough that they use for their brioche doughnuts goes through 24 hours of fermentation for added flavour. Each one is shaped by hand and deep-fried till golden before being filled with jams and custards like hazelnut chocolate ganache, strawberry compote, or vanilla crème patissiére.
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
Dine-in at 3037, 1st Main Road, Gokulam 1st Stage, Gokulam or order online.

Padaria Prazeres, Goa 

While the Goan bakery is most known for its cult pasteis de natas, their German-style Berliners, or stuffed brioche doughnuts, are just as delicious. Stuffed with a variety of fillings ranging from custard, dark chocolate, to Bailey’s ganache, they make for a decadent pick-me-up. 
How to get your hands on the doughnuts?
Dine-in at Celeste Plaza, Ground floor, opposite Models Celebrity, Caranzalem, Panaji or order online.

Lead image: Toast Doughnut Shop/Instagram