The Big O

Tired of waiting for Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts to open in Beijing? Time Out shows you where to get your donut fix right now

New York Doughnuts & Coffee

This popular shop with two branches in Wangjing is filled with people all hours of the day, all hankering after the circular pastry.

While there are more than 20 types on offer, the ones that are constantly replenished are the sugar-glazed and chocolate-topped donuts and the donut holes (1.5RMB each).

If Wangjing’s a bit too far for you, the good news for students is that a new branch at Xueyuan Lu in Haidian will be opening soon.From 5RMB to 8RMB.

First Floor, Wangjing Huacai Guoji Shangye Zhongxin, Chaoyang district (5978 0019; www.nynydonut.com). Open 7am-10pm daily. 朝阳区广顺北大街 16号华彩国际中心1楼

D.Lithe Doughnut & Coffee

Opened by a Singaporean duo, D.Lithe offers creative takes on the traditional donut at its vibrantly-lit premises in the Joy City Mall. Choose from 25 varieties, with names like Evergreen (green tea) and Kopi-O (coffee); all of them a sinful joy to munch into.

D.Lithe also offers some Southeast Asian flavours such as kaya (coconut jam) and bakkwa (dried pork) toppings, which might not be to everyone’s taste but are sure to be a hit with those from the region.

Prices are just a little more expensive than other shops – its higher rent might be the factor – but the unique creations are well worth the extra kuai or two. From 8RMB to 10RMB.

F6-07, Joy City Mall (Dayuecheng), 131 Xidan Bei Dajie, Xicheng district (5971 7723). Open 10am-10pm daily. 西城区西单 北大街131号大悦城6楼6-07号

Daylight Donuts

The latest addition to the donut scene is this 55-year-old chain from Oklahoma. This new Haidian concession has the largest variety of donuts we’ve seen in Beijing, with 36 kinds in the shop at any one time.

Daylight also claims that its donuts contain no cholesterol, thanks to their secret recipe. Our top pick is the simple sugar-glazed donut, which is light and fluffy, and better than the too-floury chocolate-coated offerings. From 6RMB to 9RMB.

Building 1, Courtyard 8, Weigongcun Lu (opposite the Beijing Institute of Technology), Haidian district (6845 8292; www.daylightdonuts.com.cn). Open 7am-10pm daily. 海淀区魏公村路8号 院1号楼(北理工南门对面)

Applegate’s Donuts

Owner Kurt Applegate says he imports all his ingredients, from flour to fruit, from the US ‘to make from scratch’ 14 types of American donuts. We recommend the cake mix donuts that come in fruity flavours and the ring donuts with pink icing.

For something a little more fun, look out for the mini donut skewers (8RMB). While its retail arm has recently closed, Applegate’s kitchens make and distribute the donuts to 11 grocers in town, including April Gourmet and Jenny Lou’s.

For the freshest picks, go in the morning – Applegate usually delivers and picks up the previous day’s unsold donuts by 8am. From 6RMB to 8RMB.