Jesse Warren

YEARS ago, while traveling through Atlanta in the United States, I woke up early one morning and left my hotel in search of breakfast. Soon I encountered a long line of about 50 people wrapped around a building. What could they be waiting for so early? Rounding the corner and confronting a thick, sweet aroma in the air, the answer was clear: donuts and coffee.

Swimming through pools of oil, riding conveyor belts, and bathing in waterfalls of glaze, the donuts were the focus of rapt attention. The long line of people can be explained quite simply: donuts and coffee are addictive, at least in the U.S. And although Starbucks outlets abound in Shenzhen, the city has been without a dedicated donut source- until now.

Donut Kingdom first came to my attention several months ago as I was walking through the new Poly Cultural Center in Nanshan. It wasn't open yet but the manager gave me a free sample and I promised to return to a proper donut feast. That chance came recently as I found myself dying for food and caffeine after an assignment in Nanshan.

My first impression: what a variety of donuts! With names like rainbow poem, sunflower field, happy almond and mochazooka, I couldn¡¯t decide where to start. I ended up going with one plain glazed, one coco rice, and one hidden treasure.

Usually, biting into a fresh donut is a rapturously satisfying experience. Not this time. To put it simply, the donuts were dry. The sweet, sticky, warm moisture that represents an ideal donut was absent.

To my surprise, a bite into the hidden treasure donut revealed actual peanut butter. Add some jelly to mimic the classic sandwich, and they might have a hit.

Washing all of this down was a cup of Caffe Americano. Brewed on the spot, the cup was sizable, rich, and effective in clearing my early morning fog. Donut Kingdom boasts a wide variety of drinks, from the usual coffee and tea to ¡°freezes¡± and smoothies. Prices are comparable if not cheaper than other coffee houses. The best part: any drink comes with one free donut.

In conclusion, Donut Kingdom can be applauded as the first donut retailer in Shenzhen, but not for providing prize-winning donuts. But if you go for drinks and don¡¯t expect too much of the donuts, you¡¯ll be satisfied.