I'm Donut?

Yes it is called I'm Donut?  Yes, it opened in New York with a ton of hype, the first location outside of Japan (yes, it is from Japan and known around the world).  Oh, and they make not only sweet but also savory donuts, which of course garners even more attention (I'm talking scrambled eggs, honey, and tomato mayo in one, three cheese bechamel and anchovy in another ...).

I've had a lot of great donuts in my life (I have a label on my blog devoted to them after all), so I rolled my eyes at this place, and assumed I'd find it fairly boring.

I did not.

This is truly the most magical donut I've ever had.

"Get ready to try nama donuts - airy, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are soft and light. Our specialty dough and toppings are meticulously handmade on-site 
daily, for a donut you'll never forget."

Apparently "nama" means fresh or raw in Japanese, and they use it here to refer to the texture. Which sounds crazy, until you have it. I've never had anything like this before.  So fundamentally different than any other donut, yet clearly identifiable as a donut at the same time.  It confuses my brain to eat these, but I delight in every moment of it.

I'm Donut? Original. $3.98.

"Airy, melt-in-your-mouth nama donut."

Magic voodoo.  That is all that I can say after eating this donut.  They are doing magic voodoo with these donuts.  I don't understand how this texture is possible.  So fluffy.   So light.  So airy.  Not at all greasy or oily, but clearly fried not baked.  Not too sweet, even with the powdered sugar.  This is a donut that doesn't leave you feeling weighed down, and even makes you consider eating a second one with no regrets.

If you are curious, the answer has to do with their donut base that is a mix of Japanese flours, squash, and organic shortening.  And clearly some interesting technique.

I don't understand how a donut can be this good.  5/5.  Stunned.

Strawberry Chocolate Ring (Vegan). $6.98.

"Strawberry chocolate coated glazed donut, sprinkled with fruity strawberry flakes."

I was stunned by this donut.  A vegan one at that.  I originally took only half, but went back for the rest immediately.

The glaze on it was remarkable - so fruity, not too sweet, and somehow ... juicy.  Yes, this was a juicy donut. Like biting into a fresh juicy strawberry.  I don't know any other way to describe, as totally crazy as that sounds.  Fruity and juicy and delightful.  The donut underneath the glaze was light and fluffy, didn't taste like like oil, and certainly didn't have any strange vegan vibes.

Adored this.  4/5 or maybe higher.