We hit the streets of Shanghai to find the best donuts in town. Here are our top three picks.

Russian | Ponchiki

This tiny pierogi stand has the best homestyle donuts in town and, at RMB3 a pop, they’re cheaper than the other options on this list. They have a great, chewy bite to them and are available plain or dressed to your liking. You can get them covered in powdered sugar and your choice of one or more of the “gooey sweet” condensed milk, chocolate syrup and honey sauces upon request. We’re suckers for the condensed milk topping, but you can’t really go wrong here. Bonus: the early morning deliveries just improved your 8am meetings tenfold.

DETAILS

Where: 612 Changle Lu, Tel: 137-0173-1700

American | Krispy Kreme

The American staple made its way to Shanghai last year and, though the donuts here aren’t quite as fatteningly decadent as they are in America, they’ve still got 16 melt-in-your-mouth, diabetes-welcoming flavors made in the shop’s glass walled “donut theater.” The regular glazed (RMB7) is more than enough for us, but gluttons can go for the New York cheesecake (RMB9) or Hershey’s Kookies & Kreme (RMB8) options. Best of all? The store regularly hands out free samples and it’s right next to a Metro entrance.

DETAILS

Where:Krispy Kreme, 169 Wujiang Lu, Tel: 5228-9727

Cafés | Baker & Spice

The donut selection here is infinitesimal but delectable. Head over for two to three flavors of berliner, a German and Central European treat filled with vanilla custard or raspberry marmalade (both RMB12) and coated in sugar that’ll come off on your finger and leave you licking them. We love the way the rich fillings ooze out as your teeth tear into the soft, fleshy, fried dough, but neat freaks may not, so for them we recommend using your index finger to poke a hole in the top and sucking out every last bit of the creamy goodness that’s inside.

DETAILS

Where:Baker & Spice, 195 Anfu Lu

Did we miss your favorite place for donuts? Where do you go for your donut fix in Shanghai?

Words by Geoff Ng and Sophie Friedman