Dough Darlings Bali Review: A Worthy Vegan Donut Stop in Canggu
- Corey Jones
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
In a place as culinarily dynamic as Bali, the quest for a simple, perfectly executed classic can be its own adventure. The modern donut, a food of comforting simplicity, has found a global stage with Dough Darlings, an establishment with roots in the Middle East that has since expanded to the island. We visited their Canggu location to investigate their donut offerings, specifically focusing on the vegan options, a welcome and relatively rare find in Bali’s burgeoning cafe scene.
The experience began with a delivery order, placed as soon as the shop opened to ensure maximum freshness. The attention to detail in the packaging was immediately apparent; the box was so securely and thoughtfully wrapped that the donuts arrived still warm, a small but significant touch for those who believe a donut is best enjoyed fresh from the fryer. While inquiries about adapting other glazes for the vegan base were politely declined, the existence of a dedicated vegan line-up is a commendable starting point.
The Foundation: The Dough
Before delving into the specific toppings, the quality of the base donut itself deserves recognition. It is here that Dough Darlings truly excels. The kitchen demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes a superior fried dough, resulting in a product that is both technically sound and deeply satisfying.
Texture: The donuts strike an impressive balance between being exceptionally airy and light while retaining a pleasant, substantial bite. This is not a pastry that dissolves into nothingness; it has presence.
Fry Quality: Fried to a perfect golden-brown, the exterior is immaculate. Critically, there is not a hint of residual grease, a common pitfall that Dough Darlings deftly avoids.
Dough Flavor: The dough is marvelously executed. Its most notable characteristic is its restraint. In a world of overly sweetened pastries, these donuts are refreshingly subdued, allowing the quality of the dough to shine through. This makes them suitable not just as an indulgence, but as a legitimate breakfast pastry.
A Tasting of the Vegan Flavors
With a stellar foundation, the success of each donut then rests on its topping. We sampled the three vegan varieties available.
The clear standout was the Cinnamon Sugar. This option takes the fundamental strengths of the plain Ice Sugar donut and elevates it with a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar. The warm spice beautifully complements the clean flavor of the dough, creating a timeless and impeccably executed classic. It is a simple concept, done perfectly.
The Choco Peanut, however, was a less successful composition. The chocolate element, presented as sprinkles, offered a one-dimensional, potent flavor and a texture that felt out of sync with the delicate donut beneath it. The peanut butter was applied sparingly and lacked the rich, nutty depth of a high-quality spread. While not entirely unpleasant, it did not live up to the promise of its components.
The Verdict
Ultimately, should our cravings lead us back, we would exclusively order the Cinnamon Sugar donut. The Ice Sugar, while a fine base, is eclipsed by its spiced counterpart, and the Choco Peanut proved to be an acquired taste we did not acquire. Nevertheless, for those seeking well-crafted vegan donuts in Bali, Dough Darlings is a destination worth noting. It may not be a life-altering pilgrimage, but for a moment of warm, comforting, and skillfully made pastry, it certainly delivers. We remain hopeful that their creative team will one day expand their vegan offerings, applying their other inventive glazes to what is already a truly excellent donut.
+62 811-1255-785
Jl. Raya Semat No.1D, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
