Eat This Now: Slow Rise doughnuts
Slow Rise doughnuts // Photo by Sarah Sipple
If you’ve heard anything about Slow Rise, I guarantee that two topics were discussed: how quickly they sell out with people lining up for them at 5 a.m. and—to explain the former—how incredible they are.
So, some of you may ask: 5 a.m., really? Are they worth it?
Slow Rise makes filled sourdough doughnuts and sells them at farmers’ markets and pop-up events. Co-owner Jessica Dunkel is a food scientist by day, baker by night. The meticulous attention to detail that science requires aptly translates into the baking world. Therefore, Dunkel’s San Francisco sourdough starter is fermented for up to 72 hours before the expertly-honed baking process begins. Eventually, the doughnuts are filled with unique, seasonal mousse, jams, and other fillings.
Slow Rise doughnuts // Photo by Sarah Sipple
The melt-in-your-mouth dough leads people to rave about them and line up at dawn, but the equally standout element is the creative flavor combinations. For example, the flavors pictured above are pandan coconut and Earl Grey chocolate. The doughnut base remains the same, but fillings are inspired by in-season ingredients that the Dunkel family often harvests themselves, as well as Southeast Asian nods to Dunkel’s home country of Indonesia.
The longest I have stood in line for Slow Rise is about 45 minutes. Yes, it was worth it, but that is a completely subjective consideration. I had the free time, I was curious, and it paid off. The anticipation didn’t inflate my experience–in fact, I would argue the opposite. I had a “these better have been worth it” attitude, and indeed they were.
If waiting in line or camping out at a farmers’ market isn’t realistic for you, Slow Rise occasionally has events with pre-order options. The best way to be in the know is to follow along on social media, specifically Instagram. The fast-growing popularity of this Slow Rise and the filled sourdough doughnut has inspired a few other bakers to follow suit, but I have not yet tried them to compare.
Slow Rise can be found at area farmers’ markets and events. Follow them on social media for the next opportunities.
