NEW IN THE WOO: MOCHI DOH JENNIFER RUSSO Who doesn’t love a good donut? In recent years, donuts have taken on a new cult following, with Instagram and other social platforms becoming a confetti of photos from around the world featuring…you guessed it, donuts – with every topping imaginable. But among the sweet treats plastering our pages, is a style of donut that stands out as something unique and a bit different – the Japanese-style mochi donut. But what is it and where can you get one around here? Mochi donuts typically use rice or tapioca flour which lends to a consistency that’s quite different from your average donut. This is then shaped into small donut-hole like balls and then joined together in a wreath pattern (also known as Pon de Ring) before they are fried. The result is a very light, chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more. The shape of these donuts is perfect for pulling apart and taking your time to enjoy, or, if you are so inclined to share – it makes it easier to do that too. What’s awesome is that you don’t need to travel across the ocean to dry these delectable bites. Mochi Doh is located right here in Worcester’s Kelley Square! We admit, the West coast has been in the “know” longer than us when it comes to mochi donuts. In fact, owners Toan Lam and Annemarie Dang were inspired by trying the unique breakfast confection on a trip to Seattle, and loved them so much that they really wanted to share their discovery with Worcester. Though we certainly wish we knew about these earlier, we are excited to now be a part of the cool crowd. After a couple years of planning and preparing, Lam and Dang had their grand opening in late July and welcomed the first 15 customers to cross their doors with a free donut. The monumental day for their business also included music and lion dance performers, and there was a line of eager customers ready to try something new.
36 SEPTEMB E R 20 22
The shop offers many different rotating flavors. Favorites include matcha green tea, cookies n’ cream, churro and their latest creation, the Bischoff cookie donut. There’s even a mochi donut topped with Fruity Pebbles cereal. We are anxious to see what else they come up with. Mochi Doh also offers several flavors of mochi ice cream, small ice cream scoops wrapped in sweet and chewy mochi dough, and delicious drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee with vanilla or ube (sweet purple yam) foam, and various iced and milk teas. Mochi Doh is located at 209 Harding Street – you can’t miss the bright red door and giant donut mural painted on the storefront. They are currently open Thursday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More information can be found on their Instagram at @mochidoh_worcester