Buster Bluth, Homer Simpson, Liz Lemon, Dale Cooper, Ron Swanson, Tony Stark, Dexter Morgan and dozens of other fictional characters and non-fictional people, including me, have confessed their love for the holey greatness that is a doughnut.
The most delicious creation on this Earth even has a national holiday dedicated to it on the first Friday of every June because, well, America. And this year, I’d like to communally celebrate the pastry two months before its big day.
I’ve been keeping a local secret for a while now, and it’s time to share it with you all.
Stop taking your families to Voodoo Doughnut when they come to visit. Don’t fall for the irresistible dozen-deal at Safeway anymore. Forget that guy Dunkin the next time you’re on the East Coast. The donuts that have my heart, my health and my wallet are those from Master Donuts – a small-scale doughnut shop with two locations in Springfield and doughnuts in all four Eugene Market of Choice stores.
Master offers an assortment of café goods at reasonable prices. From house coffee, to Mexican mochas, to milks and juices, most beverages start at around $1.25.
As for pastries, there are three categories. The “Fancy” column includes Apple Fritters, Bear Claws and Chocolate Eclairs, at $1.50 each. The “Princess Flavor Donuts” list just about every traditional type that would satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth: Maple and Chocolate Bars, Twists, French Crullers and those with yummy fillings too. These start at $0.95 apiece and $9.50 for a mixed dozen. Lastly, there are “Cake Donuts” that so many call their favorites, priced at $0.80 each.
Owner Siam Chayasing works to make every pastry full of flavor and freshness.
“If you want to keep your product to be long-term and consistently liked, you don’t do all that crazy stuff,” Chaysing said when the name, Voodoo, was mentioned.
Over the last decade, the Portland-established doughnut shop has become a mega-hit and an Oregon staple for its unusual creations and quirky vibe. But one thing Chayasing and I agree on is that to make their eccentric products, a lot of the time, the quality of Voodoo’s donuts suffers. The creepy jelly-for-blood and vulgar phallic pastries at Voodoo have yet to convince me of their significance, yet, Master Donuts did the trick for me overnight.
Now, I’m not someone who restricts my consumption of doughnuts to only the morning, but most of Master’s clientele come in for a sweet treat before noon. Because of this, Chaysing decided to put his Thai food cooking skills to work and has added a savory option for his customers to enjoy throughout the day.
“There is no good Thai food on Gateway Street or in this area, and it gives me something to do after the morning rush for doughnuts,” Chaysing said.
Master’s Thai food menu is a solid list of 46 items, ranging from noodle soups, curries, rice and noodle dishes, and fried rice. Most plates start at $6.95 and include chicken, beef or tofu.
For work, Chaysing goes between the two Springfield locations of Master Donuts, which, according to him, are two different experiences.
On Gateway Street, a good amount of the customers are coming off Interstate-5, so consistency with who comes in is rare. And then there’s the Mohawk Street location that is deeper set in the city of Springfield, so more locals visit the shop.
One commonality between the two spots, though, is positive customer reviews: The people have spoken, and Master has earned itself four out of five Yelp stars. Here’s what the public is saying.
“I actually buy their doughnuts at the Market of Choice, but they are seriously the best donuts I’ve ever eaten!” Kathleen K. of Eugene raves. “They are so light and fluffy and excellent flavor! They beat out Voodoo by far!”
Kristy W. from Eugene also thinks the Master (of) Donuts is “legit:”
“This place is legit! When I go here it’s hard for me to figure out what I want because everything I have tried on the menu is great!” she reviews. “From the curries, drunken noodles, Cashew (Nut) Chicken and Pad Thai… The last curry ordered was the Panang and I would have to say I liked that one the best.”
Also from Eugene, R.W. says she “accidentally discovered” Master, and she has regretted it since because she hasn’t been able to stay away.
“Their chocolate bars are to die for!… Everyone I have ever shared them with say they are the best donuts they’ve ever had. Always fresh and seem to just melt in your mouth. Highly recommend Master Donuts over the other shops in town,” she says.
Master Donuts is open Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends at 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.