Donuts are one of the most popular fried pastries in the world.
They come in many shapes. Some are round with a hole in the center, while others are long and ridged. Each country has its own version of the donut with distinct characteristics.
Indonesia also has several types of donuts that are deeply rooted in everyday snacking culture.
This article covers various types of donuts from around the world and from Indonesia.
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Popular Types of Donuts from Around the World
Donuts have been around for hundreds of years. Each region developed donuts with different ingredients, shapes, and techniques.
Here are the most well-known types of donuts from across the globe.
1. Ring Donut
The ring donut is the most classic donut shape with a hole in the center. This type is widespread in the United States and sets the standard at nearly every donut shop.
Ring donuts have two basic dough variations. Yeast donuts use yeast, so the texture is light and airy. Cake donuts use baking powder, so the result is denser and crunchier.
Both types can be topped with sugar glaze, sprinkles, or chocolate frosting.
2. Bomboloni
Bomboloni is an Italian donut that is round with no hole in the center. The inside is filled with cream, custard, or fruit jam. When you bite into it, the filling bursts out and delivers a full flavor sensation.
Bomboloni has become extremely popular and easy to find in Indonesia. Many local bakeries sell bomboloni with chocolate, matcha, and cheese fillings.
3. Mochi Donut
Mochi donut originates from Japan and is known for its Pon de Ring shape. This unique donut is made from glutinous rice flour, so the texture is chewy and springy.
Unlike regular donuts, mochi donuts do not have air pockets inside them.
This chewy texture is what makes mochi donuts a favorite among many people. Matcha, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar are the most common flavor variations.
4. Churros
Churros originate from Spain and have a long, ridged shape. Choux pastry dough is fried until crispy, then dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Churros are usually served alongside chocolate sauce for dipping.
In South Korea, they developed a churros donut version in a ring shape. The outer texture stays crispy, while the inside is softer.
5. Beignet
Beignet is a French donut with a square shape and no hole. When you bite into one, you will taste a light, airy, and very soft texture inside.
Beignets are always served hot with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Although they come from France, beignets are also very famous in New Orleans, United States. Some places even serve them with fruit or chocolate fillings.
Types of Donuts Unique to Indonesia
Indonesia has several types of donuts that have become part of local snacking culture.
The ingredients and serving style are tailored to Indonesian tastes. These range from potato donuts and sugar donuts to milk powder donuts.
Here is a look at the types of donuts found in Indonesia.
1. Potato Donut
Potato donuts use mashed potato mixed into the dough. Because of this added potato, the texture becomes softer, fluffier, and longer lasting.
Potato donuts are most often served with powdered sugar or sprinkles. You can find this type of donut at nearly every bakery in Indonesia.
2. Traditional Sugar-Dusted Donut
The traditional sugar donut is a classic ring donut with a thick layer of granulated sugar. The texture is slightly firm on the outside and soft on the inside.
This donut is typically sold from street carts or at traditional markets. The flavor is simple, with no additional toppings or fillings.
This simplicity is what keeps it beloved across generations in Indonesia.
3. Milk Powder Donut
The milk powder donut has a thick coating of milk powder across its entire surface. The sweet and savory taste from the milk powder defines this donut type.
Milk powder donuts are commonly found at local donut shops and small bakeries. This variation is especially popular among children and teenagers.
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Explore Special Desserts and Pastries Only at KNOTS
From classic ring donuts, bomboloni, mochi donuts, churros, to Indonesian potato donuts, every type of donut has its own uniqueness. Each one differs in base ingredients, texture, and serving method.
If you enjoy fried pastries like donuts, baked pastries also hold plenty of delicious surprises.
KNOTS in Kemang and Senopati serves handmade viennoiserie crafted over three days, made specially for you.
Every layer uses Isigny Sainte-Mère butter from Normandy, France. The signature menu, The Knots, features hazelnut custard inside a ribbon-shaped croissant.
KNOTS also serves Basque Cheesecake in five flavor variations, Tiramisu, and Ugly Chocolate Cake. Visit KNOTS and discover your favorite pastry and dessert here.
