From BBQ to matcha

The creative evolution of doughnuts in the carnival season
ROBIN CONSULT Fellner
ROBIN CONSULT Fellner
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
2. March 2025 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
2. March 2025
|
Alexandra Gorsche

Carnival without doughnuts? Unimaginable! But alongside the classic version with jam, there are now innovative new interpretations that skillfully combine sweet and savoury. From smoky BBQ doughnut burgers to delicious matcha doughnuts – these variations show just how creative bakers and restaurateurs have become. What’s behind them? A look at the most exciting trends!

The renaissance of the doughnut: from baking tradition to culinary experimentation

The doughnut is not only a carnival classic, but also a culinary canvas for creative interpretations. Originally known as a yeast dough pastry filled with jam, the doughnut has become the object of culinary experimentation in recent years. In gastronomy in particular, there is a trend towards the fusion of different flavor components - sweet meets savory, traditional meets international.

Doughnut 2.0: the BBQ doughnut burger from Le Burger

A prime example of this development is provided by the Viennese family business Le Burger, which is once again coming up with an unusual creation for the carnival season: the doughnut BBQ burger. This specialty combines the smokiness of American BBQ culture with the sweetness of a freshly baked doughnut.

The ingredients? A fluffy doughnut with a maple-bacon glaze, fruity apricot jam, crispy bacon, a juicy beef patty and a smoky BBQ sauce – a veritable firework of flavors. The combination of sweet, salty, fruity and smoky makes the doughnut burger a taste sensation.

From social media sensation to culinary tradition

What began as an experiment has now developed into a highlight of the carnival season. The doughnut burger creation has been generating enthusiasm for three years – not least due to the high demand on social media. Fans agree: the doughnut BBQ burger is here to stay!

Matcha doughnuts: when Japanese tea culture meets Austrian baking tradition

Another example of the exciting evolution of the doughnut is provided by CHA NO MA Teehaus with its matcha doughnut. Here, the finest organic matcha meets fluffy yeast dough, which not only provides a visual highlight, but also adds a new level of flavor.

Why matcha? Matcha is not just a trend, but a symbol of mindfulness and high-quality enjoyment. The intense, slightly tart taste harmonizes perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the doughnut and makes this variant an elegant carnival treat.

Ayumi Kondo, who runs the CHA NO MA tea house, explains: “With our matcha doughnuts, we want to celebrate the connection between Japanese and Austrian tradition. Matcha stands for harmony and well-being – and that's exactly what we're expressing with this creation.” The green doughnut sensation is only available for a few days - so don't miss out!

Why do we love these new doughnut ideas?

The growing love of experimentation in gastronomy is no coincidence. It follows a general trend that combines indulgence with innovation. Three reasons why creative doughnut trends are so successful:

  1. Social media suitability: extravagant food creations go viral - and get people talking.
  2. Taste curiosity: Consumers love discovering new flavor combinations.
  3. Tradition meets modernity: Nostalgic foods are given a modern update and remain relevant.

From smoky BBQ doughnuts to fine matcha doughnuts - one thing is certain: the doughnut evolution is far from over. Who knows what creative ideas await us next year?

Our conclusion for the future

The doughnut trends show impressively that traditional recipes can be reinterpreted with creative approaches. Whether fusion cuisine or global influences – the culinary joy of experimentation knows no bounds. We can expect even more unusual doughnut variations to come onto the market in the future, opening up new taste horizons. We can look forward to it!

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
Copyright for the featured images used:
ROBIN CONSULT Fellner

The rise of sustainable & vegan cuisine

Why plant-based and eco-friendly concepts are the future

Sustainability is more than just a trend – it is fundamentally changing the restaurant industry. The winners of the Lieferando Awards 2024 show: Restaurants with sustainable and vegan concepts are gaining in importance. But what makes a restaurant truly sustainable? And can plant-based cuisine compete with classics like burgers and pizza?

Heritage cuisine reimagined

Why modern interpretations of traditional Austrian dishes are so successful

Austrian cuisine is synonymous with authenticity, flavor, and tradition. While classic dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn remain ever-popular, a fascinating trend is emerging: more and more restaurateurs are striking the perfect balance between tradition and innovation – and finding remarkable success.

This is evident in the winners of the 2024 Lieferando Awards: Wiener Genuss Knödel was crowned “most innovative restaurant,” while Heurigenrestaurant Wittmann won the title of best Austrian restaurant. But what makes modern takes on traditional dishes so appealing? And are we witnessing a true revival of Austrian Wirtshausküche (Hausmannskost)?

Pizza to go & stay

Food truck “Elvis Pizzazz” settles down in Amstetten

Elvis Parić bakes pizza that already enjoys cult status in Amstetten. He sells up to 100 pizzas a day from his food truck “Elvis Pizzazz” – but that’s just the beginning. Preparations for his own restaurant are underway and ideas for the sedentary concept are bubbling away. However, the mobile kitchen remains an integral part of the concept.

quick & dirty
Doughnut BBQ burger © ROBIN CONSULT Fellner
From BBQ to matcha

Carnival without doughnuts? Unimaginable! But alongside the classic version with jam, there are now innovative new interpretations that skillfully combine sweet and savoury. From smoky BBQ doughnut burgers to delicious matcha doughnuts – these variations show just how creative bakers and restaurateurs have become. What’s behind them? A look at the most exciting trends!