Various mochi donuts from Fat Straws. (Kathy Tran)
Mochi donuts are one of the hottest culinary trends of the moment. Texas has several delightful spots to try these tasty treats.
Mochi donuts are a fusion pastry that combines American-style donuts with Japanese mochi, a rice cake made of mochigome. The treats, also known as poi mochi, date back to the early 1990s and were popularized in Japan as “pon de ring” from the Mister Donut chain.
These pastries are trending across Texas, and it’s easy to see why. They’re visually appealing, for one, with vibrant colors and fun shapes. They often feature traditional Japanese flavors like matcha and ube and are typically light and airy. And they’re simply a joy to eat—you can pluck the little balls from the main donut and pop them into your mouth like donut holes. Even as adults, we can’t help playing with our food sometimes.
Texas has a strong collection of excellent mochi donuts. Here are nine of our favorite local places to grab one (or a dozen).
1. Fat Straws Boba & Mochi Donuts Co., DFW
In 2018, Fat Straws became the first establishment to bring mochi donuts to Texas. They’ve been perfecting the recipe ever since, and their Chewy Puff Mochi Donuts are a DFW-area delight. Fat Straws regularly launches new creations throughout their donut lineup; their Churro Mochi Bites came out around Christmas and are a delectable treat. Pair them with a Brown Sugar Boba for a sweet surrender.
Multiple locations in Arlington, Dallas, Plano, and Richardson
2. Golden Crown Cookies & Mochi Donuts, North Richland Hills
Cookies get the top billing in the Golden Crown name, but the mochi donuts are the ideal supporting act. With a variety of flavorful options like Coffee w/Biscoff, Cookies & Cream, and Strawberry Shortcake, you’ll have a happy belly. Even better, Golden Crown delivers, so you can munch on mochi donuts—and you really should get some cookies, too—without leaving the comfort of home.
8700 North Tarrant Pkwy, North Richland Hills, TX 76182
3. Momma’s Donuts, Fort Worth
Nearly 30 years ago, Boyz II Men dropped “A Song For Mama,” one of the sweetest songs out there. Meanwhile, in West Fort Worth, Momma’s Donuts continues to deliver another kind of mom-themed sweetness. Plenty of non-mochi donuts are on the menu (often with very cute designs), so grab an assorted collection and eat your heart out. And tell your momma you love her.
823 S Cherry Ln, White Settlement, TX 76108
4. Ninja Mochi Donut Dessert, Corpus Christi
The desserts from Ninja Mochi will make you squeal in delight—just look at this majestic Cookie Monster. (And if you don’t squeal, fine. I’ll do it on your behalf.) Though you can get a mochi donut on its own or in 3- or 6-packs, the Mochi Monster pairs a donut with ice cream. That’s a combination we can get behind. Ninja Mochi also features Korean Corndogs, mozzarella, and sausage treats rolled in ingredients like ramen and potato.
6181 Saratoga Blvd #107A, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
5. OMG Squee, Austin
If you want your mochi donuts to be full of character, OMG Squee is the place to go. The butter mochi donuts are a mix of regular and “character” donuts. So, you could grab a house favorite like the Black Sesame Churro and pair it with a Cherry Blossom Milk Tea designed like a snake. Or, you could try a Blood Orange Sweet Corn, which is just the cutest little pig donut you ever did see. Due to founder Sarah Lim’s food sensitivities, everything on the OMG Squee menu is gluten-free, a nice perk for other gluten-sensitive folks.
4607 Bolm Rd, Suite A, Austin, TX 78702
You might let out both an “OMG” and a “squee!” when you lay eyes on these precious mochi donuts. (Fearless Captivations)
6. Kokomo Dog, Midland/Odessa/Lubbock
Many people come to Kokomo Dog for the K-Dogs and boba tea. Both are delicious indulgences; Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on a corn dog is a brilliant, spicy idea. Yet you’d be remiss to skip out on the mochi donut selection while you visit. Flavors rotate weekly, so you may see Taro and Circus Animal one week and Tiramisu and Oreo Matcha the next. Just another reason to come back and check out the latest offerings.
3415 N. Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79707
4909 E. 42nd St, Odessa, TX 79762
5217 82nd St #106, Lubbock, TX 79424
7. Munch Munch Mochi Donut, Shenandoah
Despite what the headline may suggest, this story is not sponsored by Munch Munch. However, that’s precisely what you’ll be doing when you get a collection of these mochi donuts. As a bonus, many selections come with an extra treat. For instance, the Green Tea and Strawberry are topped with respective Pocky sticks, the S’more houses a few marshmallows, and the Panda rocks a dipped chocolate cookie. Munch Munch also offers entremets, a cake-mousse-ganache treat. The Milktea shaped like a precious little bunny is a must-order.
19189 I-45 Suite# M, Shenandoah, TX 77385
8. Mochi Ring, Edinburg
Nestled between a convenience store and a liquor store across the street from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Mochi Ring has all the essentials for a good time. You’ll find Korean rice dogs, boba tea, and, of course, mochi donuts. With nearly two dozen selections, including unique options like Dragon Fruit and Cheddar Cheese, there’s something for every palate. The interior is also charming and welcoming. If you attend UTRGV, bring back a dozen donuts, and you’ll be the coolest kid on campus.
1603 W University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539
9. Bom Bakeshop, Austin
Evolving from an Instagram bakery to a pop-up that travels around Austin, Bom Bakeshop “exists to spread joy.” And…well, mission accomplished. Being a pop-up allows Bom to be a bit more agile; as a result, their flavor game is highly impressive. You’d sample over 100 flavors if you tried everything within a year. And because Bom Bakeshop is often traveling around town, there are delightful partnerships with other local businesses, like a Pokemon Day collaboration with Austin Books & Comics.
Various locations around Austin
Bom Bakeshop isn’t consistently in the same place, but their mochi donuts are consistently amazing. (Fearless Captivations)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
