This has been hot in conversation for some time now and I can see why. Hot jam doughnuts in Melbourne are like Pretzels in New York. It’s a local tradition and is part of our culture to queue up at a local jam doughnut van (especially at Olympic Doughnuts) for a bag filled with sugary coated balls of sweet fury. This post comes as part of my Melbourne’s Hotspots under $20 series. Speaking of which, I’m still contemplating on buying a deep fryer I saw on ebay for a mere twenty buckeroons. Someone stop me!
Details: Olympic Doughnuts, 51 Irving St, Footscray VIC 3011 Google Map
Graffitied cat using chopsticks – one hot piece of art. Totally captures what Footscray is all about.
There are a number of hot jam doughnut vans in Melbourne, many of whom have been serving up these goodies for over a decade. It seems that many people are split between the jam doughnuts at Queen Victoria Market, Preston Market and Olympic Doughnuts in Footscray. Personally, since I had arrived in Australia twenty five years ago – shoving these delights down my throat before I could even speak a word of English – the most addictive jam doughnuts are the ones found at the humble van sitting across the road from Footscray Market, next to the train station.
Olympic Doughnuts, owned by the same lovely couple, has been a long standing local icon for over 30 years. I still remember eagerly lining up when I was in high school, barely tall enough to even make the order for my three with jam and three without. The marvelous hot jam is injected into the dough ball using a dolphin steel dispenser and doused amongst the sugary dessert.
Some Controversy
Upsetting news is that it was close to being demolished as part of the redevelopment of the train station. I was mortified! Good news is that after much uproar from the community, it is now here to stay. People power! Don’t mess with sugar addicts!
Is it me or does the doughnut look like it’s sticking its toungue out?!
I don’t think I need to go into detail about how good these are. To give you an idea, during the past month, I have managed to gobble down more than two dozens worth with some to spare that my friends have intentionally hidden somewhere in the kitchen. I guess this is the reason why I called my blog- Food Rehab…
Food Rehab now on Facebook…Finally!
After years of being asked why I wasn’t on Facebook, I’m very excited to announce that I have finally created a Facebook page for my humble dee blog. In there, you will get to see more frequent ramblings about what’s happening in the kicthen from one disaster after the next, photos of eateries as I visit them and other super things that is happening food wise.
There are many instances where I don’t post about certain events/restaurants/recipes/experiences so I will use Facebook to log these memories in conjunction with my blog and Twitter.
So what are you waiting for, click here to visit the page and click “LIKE” or simply click on the LIKE button on the top right hand-side of this page underneath the Breakfast Indigestion logo. I promise to post the most delectable items that will surely send you to Food Rehab! Join me?
Where else can I find some jam worthy doughnuts in Melbourne?
If you’re not already signed up for updates from Food Rehab, get on the list and I’ll do my best to keep us learning about none-other than glorious, GLORIOUS food! Also, follow me on Facebook (NEW!) or Twitter if you have either of those addictive things.
Keep eating,
Adrian
You may also like
-
…Surprise! I have a new cookbook project out: THE NEW FILIPINO KITCHEN
-
Melon Noodle Cooler with Sago and Condensed Milk aka The Perfect Summer Drink
-
A Deliciously Slow Sunday Lunch at 2 Macs Farms
-
3 Reasons why you need Sopas this summer (creamy chicken + macaroni soup)
-
CARNIVORE’S PARADISE: An evening with Pastuso and San Telmo
we had these last time we were in Footscray and you are so right, it’s delish.. wouldn’t have known it from the humble exterior!
They’re so addictive right?! Holla next time you’re down
In victoria market? They are famous
I do like the Vic Market one’s as well, but the Footscray one’s kick ass
Yes, that’s clearly a very, very rude doughnut! Definitely deserves to be eaten up quicksmart for that 😉
It was rude of it huh? But no worries, I ate it to teach it a lesson.
i remember those when i used to live on the west side. havent had them since like 15yrs or so now… sigh sigh
Go back! Go back!
Oh wow.. I’ve never had these before… as a matter of fact I think I’ve only ventured into this domain three times in the last 8 years? You must show me how to get here 🙂
OMG, let me know when you’re ready to taste this mega treat!
I am definitely happy that it is still around. We still head there for our donut fix.
soooo good!
People power!!!
A dangerous move, trying to come between people and their jammy doughnuts. That’s one way to get more than a squirt of jam in the eye.
People power indeed! Yes, but I will not waste my jam on anyone 🙁
It’s like the emperor custard puffs here in Sydney… such a small bakery but with some really delicious puffs and a long ass queue to match it. Ahhh Melbourne, a city I used to dislike so much but has grown on me recently and now I want to keep coming back. All that jam sticking out is just so luscious!
Jam is so good. Yes, I’ve been past that custard tart place in Syd…always packed!
I love the doughnuts from Footscray. I’ve been enjoying their sugary goodness since arriving in Australia many many moons ago.
They’re good right! So glad you share my passion for sugar dusted goodness
I still haven’t been here and I went to uni just around the corner!
WOW those jam donuts do look amazing. usually when I’m in Melbourne i head straight to Vic Markets for churros but maybe I should get me some of these 🙂
Indeed they are! OMG, when you’re down next, holla and I’ll take you for a tour
Haha it does look like it is sticking its tongue out! And my mum just got a deep fat fryer but she finds that it uses a lot of oil and I think a part of her is worried about eating too much deep fried food 😉
Hehe, it does! I might actually get that air fryer everyone’s on about!
I used to say I carried a bit of ‘Puppy Fat’ in high school. But I too used to line up at ‘Olympic Doughnuts’ after school (sometimes before school, ssssshh dont tell anyone) I think it was too much Doughnut love.
I promise to keep you’re secret 🙂 Doughnuts here are too good to keep away from
I’ve only been to Melbourne for a business trip and didn’t have any time to explore the city! This place sure sounds like it has a lot of character! 😉
OMG, holla when you’re down next and I’ll take you here!
Always about the tongue isn’t it
I hate it how your city always ends up being the cooler one. And easier to navigate. Didn’t know jam doughnuts were a MEL tradition, will have to test this next time 😀
Ha! WE are cooler aren’t we 😉 They are indeed a BIG tradition
Jam donuts, ahoy! And yay for people power.
Hope you’re having a great Easter but, um, pace yourself with the sugar, yeah? =p
People power! NO stopping sugar filled people!
Thanks, you too. 🙂
oh yummmyyy look at that jam! hehehe
and congrats on the facebook thing!
aaaw thanks! I heart jam
These doughnuts are bloody on the spot! Never mess with the locals, indeed! ;p (that’s a tongue sticking out, fyi)
True indeed! Never mess with the locals when it comes to food!
I often visit the Vic Market and the donuts will always come home with us. Actually scrap that, they never last that long. But the Footscray ones really are number one. They’re much lighter and less oily than the market van donuts (even though the latter are still delish). And the dolphin squirter thingy is just too divine!
I agree and they don’t have that slightly pungent after taste as the vic market ones do.
Dude, it never occurred to me that I could ask for no jam – genius!!
LOVE this place, there would be a riot if they closed it down.
Ha! Thanks Tan. I would get a mixed bag of with and without Jam
Ah, this and the one at Laverton market. Brings back memories…