Sweet Circle

Hello Donut is bringing international buzz to Elmhurst | Eater Chicago

"In Elmhurst, I found a new doughnut shop drawing long lines with 45 cake and yeast flavors—Bismark to old-fashioneds—that lean heavily on international influences. Notable chefs have already partnered with the shop: Dudley Nieto created a sweet mole doughnut built on an Oaxacan base with dark chocolate, cloves, and star anise (kept simple so as not to intimidate DuPage County customers), and Hiran Patel of Naansense developed a rasmali doughnut flavored with milk and cardamom. Management aims to be welcoming to all by using halal ingredients when possible (since common doughnut ingredients like lard would exclude practicing Muslims), and they also offer vegan and gluten-free options; chef specials rotate and specialty doughnuts often sell out by 2 p.m. Investors include Jose Escobedo, and ownership is planning expansion—including a Chicago location (eyeing Bucktown or West Loop) and a Hello Donut paletas line." - Ashok Selvam