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Japan Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Mister Donut's New Home Cut doughnuts take nostalgia to extremes with barely any sweetness
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Mister Donut is known for its limited-edition collaborations with famous big names like Gion Tsujiri, Pokémon, and Disney, but recently it's been wowing customers with completely new types of doughnuts. Now, following on from the explosive popularity of the ultra-soft 'Mocchurin' series released this past June, the chain is giving us another original doughnut developed in-house, and it's called the 'New Home Cut.' According to Mister Donut, this new series is reminiscent of the 'Home Cut' doughnut sold in Japan when the company first opened its doors here 55 years ago. The 'New Home Cut' is an evolution of that doughnut from the founding era, and there are six varieties to choose from. ▼ Original (Takeout 183 yen/Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Honey (Takeout 183 yen /Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Cinnamon (Takeout 183 yen /Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Maple (Takeout 194 yen /Eat-in 198 yen) ▼ Butter Crunch (Takeout 205 yen /Eat-in 209 yen) As for the sixth doughnut, the An Butter (Takeout 226 yen /Eat-in 231 yen), unfortunately that had sold out when we visited to try the series, suggesting that might just be the most popular flavor of them all. Still, with the focus being on texture — the mouthfeel is said to centre around a fluffy, moist dough with the aroma of egg and vanilla — we didn't feel like we were missing out, and when we ripped into the doughnuts, we could see what made them so special. Our immediate impression was of an old-timey classic doughnut, but when we bit into them, our surprise grew. Not only did they have a light yet chewy texture that was different to what we're used to getting at the chain, but they were barely sweet. In fact, we'd go so far as to say they weren't sweet at all — if you were to rate the chain's regular Old Fashioned doughnut as a 10 on sweetness, the New Home Cut would barely make a blip at 1 or 2 on that scale. This barely sweet base meant that even the cinnamon and glazed varieties felt subdued in sweetness, yet there was something innately appealing about their understated charms. Each bite took us back to the days when our taste buds were able to ease into a flavor like an adventure that slowly revealed itself, instead of being assaulted from the get-go by overly sweet and salty ingredients. Our taste buds loved taking this journey back in time to a simpler, quieter period, and although the plainness of the range might lead some customers to liken these to soft breads instead of doughnuts, we like to see it as the embodiment of decades of experience, where one can learn from the old to create the new. The range is familiar yet surprising, which is what we like in a sweet treat, and they'll be on the menu for roughly six months, until late February 2026, so you'll have plenty of time to try them. Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Donuts beyond mochi mochi: Mister Donut's new donuts are so soft they're almost drinkable -- Mister Donut releases new Uji Matcha doughnut with Gion Tsujiri -- Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with Diglett as the star! External Link © SoraNews24
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Smash hit NYC burger joint named one of the 10 best gas station restaurants in the US
While gas stations are few and far between in New York City, amazing food is not. New York has always been known as one of the food capitals of the world — bagels, pizza, pastrami, halal — you name it. But now, we've got another title to brag about: having one of the best gas station restaurants in the entire United States, that's right here in the heart of Manhattan. Smacking Burger was listed as No. 7 on Yelp's list of top 10 gas station eateries across the country. 6 Smacking Burger was listed as No. 7 on Yelp's list. Stephen Yang The viral smash burger is tucked inside a Mobil station on Eighth Avenue and Horatio, right in the heart of Greenwich Village — one of the last remaining gas stations below 14th Street. According to Yelp, the Big Smack is the most popular menu item cooked on the flat top. The $10.99 — which is reasonably prices for an NYC burger — sandwich is served with two crispy-edged smashed patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, house-made Butter Crunch pickles, shredded lettuce and a 'top-secret' Smack Sauce — a riff on a pink burger sauce, elevated with dill — on a Martin's sesame potato roll, according to Time Out. There's also 'The Truff,' a single smashed patty topped with grilled mushrooms, Swiss cheese and truffle-infused mayonnaise for $9.99 and 'The World Famous Fries,' loaded with a smashed patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, chopped pickles, hot chimichurri and more 'Smack Sauce' for $9.49. Talk about a steal! 6 The viral smash burger is tucked inside a Mobil station on Eighth Avenue and Horatio, right in the heart of Greenwich Village — one of the last remaining gas stations below 14th Street. Stephen Yang The small spot even offers vegetarian and pet-friendly servings. And if that wasn't enough, they recently added milkshakes to their menu, making it the perfect fuel stop to set out from Manhattan. The options have 'plenty of flavor,' with 'the perfect combo between classic and unique,' according to fans on Yelp. 6 According to Yelp, the Big Smack burger is the most popular menu item cooked on the flat top. Stephen Yang The grill was opened by native Brooklynite Tommy Hondros and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Torres, just last year. The four-pump station has a small wedge of a convenience mart and a flat top grill in a tight triangle. 6 The options have 'plenty of flavor,' with 'the perfect combo between classic and unique,' according to fans on Yelp. Stephen Yang Hondros grew up in the gas station game — he's been pumping gas since he was nine years old, following in his father's footsteps. Now he owns several stations in Brooklyn. He fondly recalls how fuel stops used to house unique burger joints and wanted to recreate that experience. 'I wanted to get that old-school feeling. There's nothing but Burger King now,' Hondros previously told The Post. 6 The grill was opened by native Brooklynite Tommy Hondros and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Torres, just last year. Stephen Yang But it was Torres, a second-generation restaurateur, who had the vision for Smacking Burger. 'She's very passionate about food,' Hondros told Yelp. 'She created the whole menu.' When the shop launched in spring 2024, it went viral on social media. But unlike other viral food trends that fizzle out, Smacking Burger has stayed fired up. Yelp's national recognition just seals the deal. Smacking Burger now shares the spotlight with places serving lobster taquitos in Yosemite and Hawaiian loco moco in Washington. It's the only New York establishment on the list — not to be confused with No. 8 Brooklyn New York Pizza & Wings in Mesa, Arizona. 6 When the shop launched in spring 2024, it went viral on social media. But unlike other viral food trends that fizzle out, Smacking Burger has stayed fired up. Stephen Yang Top 10 best gas station restaurants of 2025 1. Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli, Lee Vining, California 2. Hillbilly Hideout, Ozark, Arkansas 3. Unko's Kitchen, Silverdale, Washington 4. El Carajo International Tapas & Wines, Miami, Florida 5. 3 Bay BBQ & Bakery, Chesterfield, Missouri 6. Caffé REL, Franklin, North Carolina 7. Smacking Burger, New York, New York 8. Brooklyn New York Pizza & Wings, Mesa, Arizona 9. Taco Bar El Guero, Gaithersburg, Maryland 10. Bing's Burger Station, Cottonwood, Arizona
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
Smacking Burger was named one of the best gas station restaurants in America
Back in the day, it wasn't uncommon that the same gas station that would fill up your tank could also fill up your belly. As car manufacturing ramped up in the U.S. in the 1920s and 1930s, a budding travel industry formed around it that spoke to the freedom of the all-American road trip. And so, family-owned gas stations became a part of the journey, feeding weary travelers on the way to their final destination (and even served as a means of survival). Nowadays, many of these small-town operations have all been phased out in lieu of massive corporations that merely hawk spinning hot dogs and scorching hot (but barely palatable) coffee. Yet several roadside gems remain, serving burgers, tacos and even full pans of paella, becoming a stop-worthy destination in their own right. And one of the best in the country resides right here in New York City. RECOMMENDED: Why my Texas road trips always include a detour to Buc-ee's Yelp curated a selection of the best gas station restaurants across America, from lobster taquitos found at a reststop in Yosemite National Park to Loco Moco, Katsu curry and other Hawaiian eats at a gas station in Silverdale, Washington. Only one New York restaurant made the list (not to be confused with Brooklyn New York Pizza & Wings in Mesa, Arizona, which also made the ranking), a notable stop for its smash burgers hidden inside the last operating gas station under 14th Street. Of course, we are talking about the viral hit that is Smacking Burger. Run by Elizabeth Torres and Tommy Hondros, the burger restaurant commands just a small corner inside Mobil Mart, the last gas station to exist in lower Manhattan. With such quaint digs, the couple opted to keep things simple but fun, grilling up seven smashed burgers that sport caramelized onions and truffle mayo next to perfectly crispy fries. Maybe it was the location or maybe it's because they serve a good burger, but the counter-service shop caused a bit of a frenzy on social media when they turned on the grill in 2024. But more than just a flash in the pan, Smacking Burger has proven they have this staying power, as Yelp ranked the corner stop for its 'very affordable' burgers, including The Big Smack ($10.99), a two-patty smash burger with 'caramelized onions, Butter Crunch pickles, American cheese, and top-secret 'Smack Sauce' on a Martin's Sesame Potato Roll.' Nodding to Torres's culinary know-how, including making 'all the sauces from scratch,' the user generated ranking website also called out new menu items such as the milkshakes and even a pup burger for your four-legged friend. So, should you add this gas station dine to your must-try list of restaurants? Check out our take below and plan your road trip (or really, trip on the train) to this gas station hot spot. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out New York (@timeoutnewyork)
SoraNews24
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Mister Donut's New Home Cut doughnuts take nostalgia to extremes with barely any sweetness
New take on a '70s classic will have you questioning the line between plain bread and doughnut. Mister Donut is known for its limited-edition collaborations with famous big names like Gion Tsujiri, Pokémon, and Disney, but recently it's been wowing customers with completely new types of doughnuts. Now, following on from the explosive popularity of the ultra-soft 'Mocchurin' series released this past June, the chain is giving us another original doughnut developed in-house, and it's called the 'New Home Cut'. According to Mister Donut, this new series is reminiscent of the 'Home Cut' doughnut sold in Japan when the company first opened its doors here 55 years ago. The 'New Home Cut' is an evolution of that doughnut from the founding era, and there are six varieties to choose from. ▼ Original (Takeout 183 yen [US$1.24]/Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Honey (Takeout 183 yen /Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Cinnamon (Takeout 183 yen /Eat-in 187 yen) ▼ Maple (Takeout 194 yen /Eat-in 198 yen) ▼ Butter Crunch (Takeout 205 yen /Eat-in 209 yen) As for the sixth doughnut, the An Butter (Takeout 226 yen /Eat-in 231 yen), unfortunately that had sold out when we visited to try the series, suggesting that might just be the most popular flavour of them all. Still, with the focus being on texture — the mouthfeel is said to centre around a fluffy, moist dough with the aroma of egg and vanilla — we didn't feel like we were missing out, and when we ripped into the doughnuts, we could see what made them so special. Our immediate impression was of an old-timey classic doughnut, but when we bit into them, our surprise grew. Not only did they have a light yet chewy texture that was different to what we're used to getting at the chain, but they were barely sweet. In fact, we'd go so far as to say they weren't sweet at all — if you were to rate the chain's regular Old Fashioned doughnut as a 10 on sweetness, the New Home Cut would barely make a blip at 1 or 2 on that scale. This barely sweet base meant that even the cinnamon and glazed varieties felt subdued in sweetness, yet there was something innately appealing about their understated charms. Each bite took us back to the days when our taste buds were able to ease into a flavour like an adventure that slowly revealed itself, instead of being assaulted from the get-go by overly sweet and salty ingredients. Our taste buds loved taking this journey back in time to a simpler, quieter period, and although the plainness of the range might lead some customers to liken these to soft breads instead of doughnuts, we like to see it as the embodiment of decades of experience, where one can learn from the old to create the new. The range is familiar yet surprising, which is what we like in a sweet treat, and they'll be on the menu for roughly six months, until late February 2026, so you'll have plenty of time to try them. Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
