TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Japan's popular donut specialist, I'm donut?, is opening its first Taipei store on Friday, bringing its unique "raw donut" texture and innovative flavors to Taiwan.
I'm donut? founder and chef Hirako Ryota stumbled upon a culinary marvel while deep-frying brioche dough from his Fukuoka bakery, Amam Dacotan. The result was an unexpectedly soft, airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, a "raw donut" so fluffy and subtly sweet, it's like biting into a cloud.
This accidental delight, coupled with a genuine desire to share it with more people, led to the creation of I'm donut？
The question mark in its name perfectly captures that initial moment of surprise.
Customers often exclaim, "Is this really a donut?" after their first bite. Each donut is handcrafted on-site, ensuring maximum freshness, perfect texture, and nuanced flavors, ranging from classic strawberry, matcha, and chocolate to various savory options.
The Taipei flagship store will feature 12 of Tokyo's beloved classic flavors, including original, matcha, and custard.
I'm donut? has also crafted three exclusive Taiwan flavors, blending local elements with their artisanal touch. These include banana milk tea inspired by Taiwan's iconic bubble tea culture and a fruit parfait.
After a year of meticulous preparation, I'm donut?'s first Taiwanese shop is subtly nestled on Dunhua South Road. The space itself embodies the brand's understated elegance, featuring textured stainless steel and raw concrete walls that honor the building's original character, creating a pure and contemporary aesthetic.
The store's centerpiece is a stunning, 9-meter-long, custom-made wooden counter. This warm, fluid structure, crafted over six months, flows through the minimalist space, adding a futuristic touch and a sense of warmth.
The counter also integrates an open kitchen, allowing customers to witness the mesmerizing donut-making process firsthand. This transparency transforms the selection process into an engaging, almost ceremonial, interactive experience.
