AKA the best day of the year.
AKA the best day of the year.
Finally, a day dedicated to eating the best food on earth. It’s International Doughnut Day on Friday, 6th June, and can we get a hallelujah?!
The day was created by The Salvation Army during the Great Depression in 1938 to honour the women (also known as Dough Lassies) who volunteered to serve doughnuts to soldiers in World War I and to help raise funds for those in need.
Since then, the sugary treats have come a long way and are one of the best around to this day. Here are the best spots to stock up on the Gold Coast:
Serving coffee, cookies, sandwiches and the most dangerously good doughnuts you will ever lay your lips on. Guys, they have Churro Doughnuts and Fairy Bread Doughnuts?! Like, what kind of heaven on earth is this?! It’s healthy if you chase it with a matcha, right? Good, because their signature Iced Strawberry Matcha is gorgeous.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
Their tagline is ‘baking things better’; let us tell you, they ain’t lyin’! Their every baked good is as delish as the next, and they’ve got all your classics baked to perfection. However, we are here for doughnuts today, and yes, we have favourites. The Vanilla Slice Doughnut and the Biscoff Doughnut are chef’s kiss.
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
Here to prove that foods are better when they’re round is Burg World with cookies, pizza, burgers and doughnuts (all round!) and in tip-top taste. Let’s focus on just their round varieties with holes in them for a moment, just wait till you see their doughnut cabinet! They’ve got Creme Brulee, Unicorn, Apple Crumble, Banana Split – you name it! A+ for Gold Coast’s most creative doughnut flavours!
Where: 20 Siganto Drive, Helensvale
Combined under one roof is great coffee and a doughlicious array of deep-fried treats, including doughnuts! As discussed, crullers are doughnuts, so let us introduce their Strawberry Cream Cheese & Pistachio Mini Cruller Cake?! It looks even better than it sounds. They even do a Chicken Doughnut Sandwich. You’ll have to trust us on that one- Janus Deli knows what they’re doing.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
It’s safe to say that anyone who loves doughnuts has dabbled in a Krispy Kreme. After all, they are the top dogs amongst the doughnuts. To celebrate International Doughnut Day, Krispy Kreme is known for launching limited edition flavours, and sometimes even giving away free (yes, FREE) doughnuts for the occasion. What a dream come true! Get ’em while they’re sugary.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach and Shop 13/2 Cavill Avenue, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise
When you think of Paddock Bakery, doughnuts will definitely cross your mind. They often create themed doughnuts for special occasions (which, presumably, is now) and are always absolute bangers. Current favs are the creme brulee and nutella doughnuts! We’re not drooling, you are! Their brew is also 10/10 – a perfect doughnut pairing.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
The makers of some of the fluffiest doughnuts on the Gold Coast are Currumbin and Burleigh (and Cabarita) legends- Fuel Bakehouse. They come in changing flavours and we’re big fans of everything, but in particular the Bueno, Nutella and Choc Custard for obvious reasons. You can pop in for one or pre-order a whole bunch for the doughnut party you’re no doubt having. Perfect.
Where: 44 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin, Shop 1/23 James St, Burleigh Heads and 39-45 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita
It’s time to get something straight (or twisted)- crullers are technically doughnuts, people! If not twins, the doughnut and cruller are brother and sister. Both are deep-fried to perfection, circular, and dusted with sugar or glazed to finish. Tarte does THE best crullers on the Gold Coast- another non-negotiable, sorry.
Where: Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin and 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Neptune’s doughnuts are the real deal, hot, fresh and made to order, just the way the cinnamon gods intended. These golden rings of joy are simple, classic, and absolutely irresistible. No OTT toppings or wild fillings—just that perfect crisp edge, fluffy centre and cinnamon sugar coating that hits the spot every single time. Pro tip: eat one immediately, then go back for another. It’s basically self-care.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Sure, it might be crossed with a croissant, but deep down, it’s still a doughnut. The cronut at Paris Brest is flaky, buttery and just the right amount of cheeky, with layers that melt in your mouth and a crisp edge that means business. It’s handmade with love (and a scandalous amount of French butter), by a pastry wizard who trained in France, so you know it’s legit. Get there early, because these babies disappear faster than you can say ooh la la.
Where: 1073-1077 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
These folks know how to make a doughnut. These local legends are well-versed in all things baked with dough, and boy, is it a delicious affair! In terms of doughnuts, they’ve got your classic Cinnamon Doughnut and filled varieties too! We highly recommend grabbing a selection.
Where: 12 Bay St, Tweed Heads and 2 Queensbury Ave, Currumbin Waters
George’s Deli might be slinging hefty New York-style sammies, but they’re also dishing out some serious doughnut energy. Their handmade Ube Donut is soft, fluffy and filled with purple yam goodness that gives it a pop of colour and a whole lotta flavour. It’s where New York deli vibes meet Filipino flair, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. It’s part deli, part bakery, all delicious. By George, it’s a flavour bomb you won’t forget.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Pde, Kingscliff
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Carb lovers rejoice! The Gold Coast’s food scene has risen to new heights with the arrival of Banjo’s Bakery Cafe in Helensvale. Tasmania’s most loved bakery has officially opened its oven doors, and trust us, it’s worth getting up at the crack of dawn for a slice of their freshly baked goodness. With cheeky takes on classic flavours like the Chicken Parmi Pie, Double Cheeseburger Pie and the famous Tasmanian Curried Scallop Pie, Banjo’s is here to bring a whole loaf of excitement to your daily bread needs.
This might be Banjo’s first location on the Gold Coast, but if you’re a fan of hot, crusty creations, you’ll be delighted to hear that the brand has been kneading its way into hearts for over 30 years.
In a rush? Banjo’s Bakery Helensvale has you covered with their drive-thru service. Yep, you read that right. Drive-thru donuts… and pies… and their famous vanilla slices are now on the table (or on our laps). No need to leave the car to get your hands on freshly baked goodies. Swing by anytime between 5 am to 6 pm, seven days a week, and watch their expert bakers in action while you wait. You can pick up a whole feast from the comfort of your driver’s seat. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too — literally!
Sure, their pies are legendary (we’re still dreaming about that Double Cheeseburger one), but Banjo’s offers so much more. The bakery caters to all your mealtime needs whether it’s a breakfast toastie, a hearty egg and bacon roll, or a flaky croissant. For lunch, try one of their salad sandwiches or the aforementioned pie masterpieces, with flavour explosion that are anything but half-baked!
Don’t forget to save room for dessert — the loaded donuts and classic treats like the vanilla slice are not to be missed.
Banjo’s Helensvale isn’t just about the tasty treats – franchisees Anthony and Donna Bosworth want to create a true community hub where locals can come together, share a pastry, and enjoy the great atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee break or a loaf-ly chat with friends, Banjo’s promises to make every visit a warm and welcoming one. The dining area is as inviting as the aroma of fresh bread, so don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than expected.
Banjo’s may be new to the Gold Coast, but with over 45 stores nationwide, this bakery is no stranger to success. Having been serving dough-lightful treats since 1984, Banjo’s has risen to iconic status in Tasmania, and now, the Gold Coast is ready for a slice of the action.
So, if you’re in the mood for bready-to-go goodies and some serious pastry perfection, head Banjo’s. Whether you’re grabbing a sneaky donut or stocking up on the weekend essentials, Banjo’s Bakery will keep you coming back for more – because let’s face it, who can resist baked goods?
Where: 104 Helensvale Road, Helensvale
When: 5am – 6pm daily
Words by Belinda Symons
Images by Mathilde Bouby
If a bakehouse café is your jam (doughnut), then go to Doughed, go directly to Doughed. Do not collect $200….and if you’ve never played Monopoly, you’re hearing crickets right now. This Hope Island newcomer is literal heaven, serving up cracking good coffee (and mind-blowingly good matchas), taste-bud-titillating toasted focaccia sangas, and the holy grail of sweetness, doughnuts.
And if you’re thinking ‘oh but my waistline…’, stress not because the centre is 100% fat free #EatMoreHoleFoods. They also specialise in choice chunky NYC style cookies, fresh outta the oven and straight into your belly.
This gastronomic Graceland is the brainchild of prior café owners and smart cookies Alannah Bell, Kyle Davidson, Yuki Soga, Jay Jeon, who wanted to revolutionize the GC dining experience with a one-stop-shop satisfying every craving. Recognising the immense potential of Hope Island and its promising trajectory for growth, they landed on northern Gold Coast fave, Hope Island Marketplace to set up shop. On behalf of all northerns, we salute you.
Opening to a frenzy of food lovers in mid March, locals were instantly wooed by the vibrancy and vitality Doughed brought to their ‘hood. Providing both indoor and outdoor seating options, it’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s the perfect spot for friends and fam to come together and share their passion for doughlicious food.
Inside, they’ve crafted a clean, minimalist vibe with just the right splash of color courtesy of their bright blue logo and eye-catching packaging. It’s a space that’s both calming and invigorating, setting the perfect backdrop for your Doughed experience.
Everything on the menu will evoke your inner foodie, but let’s take a moment to shout out their signature dishes. The Early Riser Focaccia Sandwich is available all day and rises to any occasion. The slice of life we all need features maple bacon, a fried egg, hash brown, American cheddar, tomato relish, and everyone’s fave; aioli. If you’re keen to grab another, their other focaccias are just as smashing including Chicken Schnitzel, The Doughed Reuben, The Benny, Mortadella Medley, and The Vego.
Back to the sweet stuff, their signature dish Chunky NYC Cookies race out the door faster than Jono hooking up with Ellie post MAFS, including Hot Cocoa, Ferrero, Biscoff, Salted Caramel Pretzel, Red Velvet to name a few. For the doughnut devotees, have a go of Vanilla Glazed, Crème Brulee, Tirimisu, Apple Crumble, Gaytime, Strawberries and Cream and more. Apologies in advance to your dentist.
A visit to Doughed isn’t complete without a beverage and our vote goes to their signature Iced Strawberry Matcha. Using the highest possible qualiTEA, we dare you find a better drop.
Coffee lovers are in for a treat too with their already-famous coffee brews, or if you’d like to cool off with something fruity, grab an Allie’s Cold Pressed Juice, available in flavours like Watermelon, Daily Greens, Sublime Pine, or Valencia Orange. They also serve frappes, standard teas, and sparkling iced tea.
So, dough’nt delay! Pop in and say hi (and nom) to this new kid on the block, where focaccia fantasies, doughnut dreams, matcha memories, and cookie castles-in-the-sky are made.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
When: 7am- until sold out (due to high demand), Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
