SnacksDuffin’s Donuts
[rating:3]
Duffin’s Donuts is one of those local curiosities — one that makes you wonder the mysterious source of their longevity. We’ve been to the previous Main Street incarnation prior to the shut down and were only mildly impressed with their Vietnamese version of the torta sub. Yeah, yeah, we should have known better. This is the first time we’ve set foot at the 41st and Knight location.
Now, instincts tell you that an East side dive that serves hot torta subs, noodle soup, chinese fast food, fried chicken, breakfast and donuts — all of it, 24 hours a day — instincts tell you to run. Run far away. But the bright red and yellow awning beckoned us — drawing us in with the irresistible promise of greasy Chinese food and sugary donuts.
(1. Duffin’s derives its colour scheme from the holy trinity of the restaurant rainbow: red, yellow and white. 2. This coffee sucks.)
If Tim Horton’s is the blue collar version of Starbucks, then the regular patrons of Duffin’s Donuts are of the decidedly bluer than blue collar variety. The standard issue dress appears to be more wife beater, track pants and flip flops. Nevertheless, Case and I were seeking both a refuge and a brief mid-day coffee break.
Perhaps a classic Boston Cream and sugar-dusted (that is sugar, is it not?) Lemon Jelly donut and two cups of Joe will tide us over until dinner time. As we wait for our counter-person to gather our order, we notice the interior decor appears to be an unholy union between a 7-11 on one side of the restaurant and a food court on the other.
Surprisingly, the donuts were actually quite tasty. The Boston Cream was decadent, creamy and perfectly sweet. The dough itself was soft and tasted extremely fresh. Case’s Lemon Jelly was equally tasty, although the dusted sugar didn’t do a thing to add to the flavour. The coffees were unsurprisingly bland. At under $5 for two donuts and two coffees, you get about what you expect. Perhaps next time, we’ll attempt the Chinese food. Any double dares?
Perfect for:Â an authentic, East side alternative to Timmy Ho’s.
The Details
1391 East 41st Avenue, Vancouver
604.325.5544
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