I used to have a serious obsession with doughnuts. Krispy Kreme’s premium doughnuts were my favourite, and I could finish a whole box in one sitting without giving it a second thought.
During the lockdown, I remember buying doughnuts almost every other day, finishing all six pieces in no time, then doing it all over again a couple of days later. Looking back, I wouldn’t be surprised if that habit contributed to the weight I gained during that period. Eventually, I started cutting down on doughnuts until I barely craved them anymore.
I still love doughnuts, though. I may not go out of my way to buy them like I used to, but if someone offers me a good doughnut, it’s hard to say no.
My partner knows this all too well. Since I hadn’t had doughnuts in a while, he recently surprised me with a box from DOPA, a Malaysian doughnut brand that has gained quite a following. I had never heard of the brand before, so I was curious to see what it was like.
As it turned out, I might have found a new favourite.
✅ About DOPA (Donut Panas)
DOPA is a Malaysian doughnut brand that started during the pandemic under the name Donut Panas Shah Alam. The brand gained a reputation in the Klang Valley for its hot, fluffy, jumbo-sized doughnuts.
As the business grew in popularity, Donut Panas Shah Alam eventually rebranded itself as DOPA, a shorter name with a meaning behind it that’s easier to remember.
The name DOPA is derived from dopamine, a chemical associated with the brain’s reward system. The brand uses it as a metaphor for the enjoyable feeling that comes with eating good food.
DOPA is a Muslim-owned doughnut brand that uses halal ingredients. The brand maintains pork-free and alcohol-free kitchen environments across its outlets, with Muslim staff handling the preparation of its doughnuts.
The ingredients used to make its signature fluffy doughnuts include flour, milk powder, sugar and cooking oil, all of which are common ingredients in doughnut making.
✅ Our Doughnut Choices at DOPA
There were quite a few doughnuts on display when we arrived, with different colours and toppings to choose from. I spotted other pastries and treats, including brownies, croissants, cheesecake and soft cookies.
Everything looked tempting, but since we came specifically for doughnuts, we decided to stick to our original plan and get a box of three assorted doughnuts.
Our choices were Milk Doughnut, Chocolate Doughnut and Red Velvet Doughnut.
The Milk Doughnut came with a milk powder topping, while the chocolate doughnut was generously dusted with chocolate powder for a more chocolatey taste. Red Velvet gave us a third flavour to try, with a sugar topping that added some variety to our box instead of buying three doughnuts with similar toppings.
We had to wait about 10 minutes for the staff to prepare our doughnuts. When we finally got our box, the doughnuts were still warm. I liked that they weren’t served cold, although I couldn’t tell if they had been made to order or were already prepared earlier.
I was already happy with our choices, but the real test began when we got home and finally had a chance to enjoy them.
✅ My Thoughts on DOPA’s Doughnuts
The first thing I noticed was the size. These were not the small doughnuts you could finish in two or three bites. DOPA’s doughnuts were much bigger, with each piece being quite filling on its own.
The texture was what made me like them even more. They were soft and fluffy, just the way I like my doughnuts. What stood out most was that they remained soft even after sitting in the box for a few hours. I appreciated that because I don’t enjoy doughnuts as much when they become dry or lose their softness.
They didn’t hold back on the toppings either, generously covering almost the entire surface of the doughnuts. This is something I have to praise, especially after having so many disappointing experiences with sellers who skimp on the toppings.
As for the flavours, all three gave us a little variety, although I won’t pretend to be an expert at describing every topping. The Milk Doughnut surprised me the most. My partner chose that flavour, and as someone who doesn’t drink milk, I was glad that it had such a subtle taste. It didn’t taste strongly of milk at all. Instead, it was like eating a soft, fluffy doughnut with just a hint of milk.
My favourite was the Chocolate doughnut, although the Red Velvet was just as good. I kept reaching for another bite. 😂
I honestly didn’t expect to be this impressed. I had gone from buying doughnuts almost every other day to barely thinking about them, yet here I was, enjoying them so much that I was already thinking about trying other flavours.
✅ Is DOPA Worth the Price?
I liked how the prices were clearly displayed at the counter, making it easy to check how much each doughnut cost before ordering. I always prefer seeing prices upfront rather than having to ask about every item.
DOPA offers two doughnut options: Classic and Red Velvet. You can choose between milk or sugar toppings, with prices ranging from RM3.50 to RM5.00 per piece, depending on your selection. You can buy individual doughnuts or opt for a set. If you prefer smaller bites, the Classic doughnuts are also available in a box of 12 baby doughnuts.
Of course, whether the doughnuts are worth the price depends on your preferences and budget. Personally, I find them affordable, especially considering their size and the generous toppings.
Based on the three doughnuts we tried, I was happy with our purchase.
✅ The Staff and the Vibes
There were two staff members behind the counter during our visit. One was frying the doughnuts while the other added their toppings. It was nice to see them being prepared in front of us.
The outlet looked clean, and both staff members wore gloves while handling the doughnuts. They were helpful and friendly whenever we interacted with them.
I did have one funny moment, though.
I was taking photos of the doughnuts with my camera when I noticed one of the staff members repeatedly glancing at me. I started wondering if he was trying to figure out whether I was an influencer. Haha!
The more I noticed him looking, the more self-conscious I became. I wasn’t there to film a fancy food review or pretend to be a famous influencer. I was simply taking photos for my blog, as I usually do when visiting a place I plan to write about.
It’s funny how taking photos can make you feel awkward when you think someone is watching. I carried on with my little photography session, and we eventually left with our box of doughnuts.
Apart from that slightly awkward moment, the visit was pleasant, and I had no complaints about the service.
✅ DOPA Location and Opening Hours
DOPA has two outlets in Selangor:
- DOPA HQ Shah Alam, 17, Jalan Ceongsam 10/11, Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.
-
DOPA Cawangan Bangi, No. 183, Jalan 8/1, Seksyen 8, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Bangi, Selangor.
We visited the Bangi outlet, where I was surprised to find that it was more than just the small doughnut shop I had initially imagined. The outlet has a café-style setup, with doughnuts displayed near the entrance for customers who want to grab a box to take home. Those who prefer to sit down can head inside to enjoy a drink or explore the rest of the menu.
We decided to take our doughnuts home instead, as we were only stopping by for a quick treat.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM to 7 PM
✅ Would I Buy DOPA Again?
Absolutely!
I’d happily return to try other flavours, especially since there are more options I haven’t tried yet.
What made this visit special was the thought behind the surprise. My partner remembered how much I used to love doughnuts and decided to get me something he knew I’d enjoy. He introduced me to a brand I might not have tried otherwise, and I ended up finding a new favourite.
DOPA is worth checking out if you’re around Bangi or Shah Alam. My experience was limited to the three doughnuts we took home, so I can only share my thoughts on those flavours. Based on what we tried, though, I was happy with the size, soft texture and generous toppings. I’d recommend giving them a try.
DOPA also makes appearances at food events and pop-ups, so you might come across the brand outside its outlets. Keep an eye on its social media pages for updates on upcoming events and locations.
For someone who once bought six Krispy Kreme doughnuts and finished the whole box in one sitting, perhaps I haven’t outgrown my love for doughnuts after all. DOPA has certainly given me another reason to indulge in them again.
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Love,
Auri Duham 🌻
