Nomad Donuts

Yay Donut Day! To add to what I’m sure is already a sizable avalanche of fried dough concoctions coming your way – hopefully figuratively (the inter webs) and literally (your mouth) – some donuts from my favorite donut shop in town – Nomad Donuts in University Heights.

I’ve been wanting to try Nomad Donuts ever since seeing their ‘Opening Soon’ sign go up next to Chris’ Ono Grinds (< –yummy Hawaiian food btw). However it took me ages to finally make the trip there. I think I partly wanted to wait because after standing in line,at 8 am, IN THE RAIN for Donut Bar I was both disappointed and 40 bajillion dollars poorer.

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Luckily Nomad Donuts, don’t front like that and after seeing tantalizing pictures of ube and taro (!!) donuts and positive reviews from Kitchen Konfidence, gastronomy blog, and Kirbie’s Cravings – it was a go. So after getting to the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market too late (urgh it closes at 2 pm not 3 pm) and finding myself with no time to look around for something to eat I called Nomad and despite the somewhat late-ish time for donut consumption (they close at 4 pm!) they said they still had plenty of donuts in almost all the flavours.

And they did! Except for the taro ube one I realllyyy wanted to try. But its ok. There’s always next time.

The haul:

Chocolate Glazed with Mint Goat Cheese Filling

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Sounds odd no. I must have subconsciously wrinkled my nose looking at it because the cashier chimed in and assured me it wasn’t too “weird” or “intensely goat cheese”. And although it wasn’t “intensely goat cheese” it definitely still tasted of goat cheese so if you are not a fan stay clear. I think I realized I’m not a huge mint in cakes/donuts person (cookies ok tho) I really appreciated how much filling there was in this. And that it tasted of what they said it would taste. They definitely do not skimp on flavoring or filling. This will be a common thread throughout.

Chocolate Cake Donut with Basil Glaze

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Cake donuts are my kryptonite. I adore them. Have never met one I didn’t like. Whether its 2 day old Krispy Kreme sitting neglected in the break room or the good stuff fresh from Doughnut Plant (which FYI still #1 donut place on Earth for me, despite the owner being so awk on Bobby Flay’s Throwdown thing-y). So this was no different. Very good chocolate flavor and just a hint of basil from the glaze. I would have liked for the entire donut to be dipped in glaze (moar glaze alwayzzz) instead of just the glaze stripes + would have died if it had been thyme or rosemary instead (soooo good with chocolate). But would definitely order this again.

Rhubarb Meringue Donut

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I REALLY WISH I DIDN’T SMUSH YOU. This was the most beautiful donut for sure with pretty toasted meringue peaks and filled with a rose-y pink rhubarb jam. The tangy jam paired nicely with all the sweet meringue which had some nutmeg in it as well. I imagine they switch up the filling and the rhubarb was a nice seasonal touch. Three thumbs up.

Coconut, Passionfruit and Lychee Donut

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This guy was our favorite. Although it had a cornucopia of tropical fruits (coconut, passionfruit, lychee and I think mango?) the prominent flavors were the coconut in the glaze and the passionfruit in the custard. Anything with passionfruit will always get a resounding yes in my book and paired with a sweet glaze and flecks of lightly toasted coconut in donut form = yesyesyes.

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We will definitely be back! Pros: We went Sunday afternoon and there was no line, a ton of flavors were still available late in the day, the employees are super friendly (and put up with my requesting their personal evaluation of every type of donut), the coffee is good, and they serve BEER. And prices are fair. And you can sit at one of their cute tables outside and there is a bowl for dogs to drink water out of. And you can get a fresh coconut from Chris’ Ono Grinds next door and have donuts and coconut water. Cons: They are not immediately adjacent to my apartment.

Seriously just all good things all around. Glad someone is finally doing creative donuts in San Diego the right way. Happy National Donut Day!

P.S. I will be back for you taro ube donut, you evasive little minx.