From Bánh Rán to Beignets: The Best Doughnuts in the World

Megan Nollet and Colin Lowther talk about a favorite snack for people all around the world.

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Welcome to Spotlight. I’m Megan Nollet.

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And I’m Colin Lowther. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.

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It is one of the most popular foods in the world. Every country has its own special version. It can be the perfect quick snack for a group of workers. Or it can be exactly what a tired student needs to keep studying late at night. It can be fried or baked. People sell them in packs of twelve or by themselves. It is usually sweet, but it can also be savory. It is a doughnut. And everyone has a favorite.

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On today’s Spotlight, we celebrate the doughnut. We will explore where and when the first doughnut was baked. We look at different kinds of doughnuts around the world. We also talk about people who have made important changes in their communities through their doughnuts.

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The Dutch made the first doughnuts in the 1800s. They called them olykoeks, or oil cakes. Olykoeks were balls of cake fried in pig fat. Sometimes bakers removed the middle because the center did not cook as fast. They put fruit or nuts in the middle.

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Hansen Gregory was an American ship’s captain. He made a hole in the center of the ball of dough before frying it. There was no center, so the dough cooked evenly. Today, many doughnuts have a hole in the center.

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People disagree about where the word “doughnut” came from. Some say the name began because of the nuts that the Dutch put inside their olykoeks. Others think it refers to the round shape of olykoeks that look like knots in a rope.

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In 1920 Adolph Levitt built the first doughnut machine. This machine allowed many doughnuts to be made in less time. This machine helped doughnuts become more popular around the world.

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Other countries also invented food similar to doughnuts. In Germany, bakers created Berliners. These pastries are filled with fruit jam and fried in oil. Bakers sprinkle white powdered sugar on top.

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In Vietnam, bánh rán are popular. These are fried rice flour balls filled with sweet red bean paste. They are rolled in sesame seeds. Another kind of bánh rán is egg-shaped. It is served with a special dipping sauce.

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In Greece, they make Loukoumades. These are round balls of fried dough. Greek cooks add warm cinnamon and a sweet orange liquid made by bees. Sometimes they also add powdered sugar.

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France created the beignet. It is puffy and round. It is often filled with jam or cream. Cooks fry these doughnuts and add powdered sugar. Beignets became very popular in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1986, Louisiana named the beignet its official state doughnut. In New Orleans, Beignets are cut into squares and fried. They are dusted with powdered sugar. Souhail, who writes for WikiTasty.com, said:

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“In France, beignets are a traditional treat. They are tied to celebrations. New Orleans beignets have become a symbol of the city. They are deeply celebrated as part of the city’s rich food history.”

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Mandazis are very popular in East Africa. They are usually shaped like triangles. They are light and sweet. They are very easy to make and perfect for breaks between meals.

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There are also doughnuts that are not sweet. These are called savory. One is the cheddar-jalapeño-green-onion doughnut. Another savory doughnut is the “mini” (small) cheese doughnut. Some doughnuts are cooked with ham or turkey. There is a grilled cheese doughnut. This doughnut is cut in half and cooked with cheese melting inside.

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Doughnuts can be more than just a tasty treat. They can bring people together. They can feed the hungry. They can even inspire people to find ways to help others.

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Major doughnut chain Krispy Kreme tries to encourage people by giving away doughnuts. Each November on World Kindness Day, Krispy Kreme gives its first 500 customers twelve free doughnuts. They also give away free doughnuts on National Doughnut Day. Krispy Kreme believes in building strong community connections. They want to encourage generosity and kindness. They hope it inspires others to do the same for those in need. Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Global Chief Brand Officer, said:

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“World Kindness Day is a reminder that we can all make positive changes in people’s lives. We can do this through small acts like sharing something sweet. We hope this inspires many more small acts of kindness.”

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In Utah, a non-profit organization called The Other Side uses their doughnut shop to help people who have no place to live. First, the homeless join The Other Side Academy. They learn many things, including how to work in the doughnut shop. When they finish the academy, they work in The Other Side Donut Shop. All the money the doughnut shop makes goes to The Other Side Village. This is a collection of small houses where the workers live. Here, doughnuts provide skills, jobs, and housing for people in need.

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Kale Batty is the manager of The Other Side Donut Shop. Batty is also a graduate of The Other Side Academy. Batty said:

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“The Other Side Donuts is where the homeless go to have purpose. It teaches them how to work and get up on time. It helps them show up for the people around them. How to feel love. How to show love.”

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What is your favorite kind of doughnut? Is it one of the ones mentioned in this program? Do you have a special shop where you like to get them? You can leave a comment on our website www.spotlightenglish.com. You can also find us on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. You can also get our programs delivered directly to your Android or Apple device through our free official Spotlight English app.

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The writer of this program was Peter Anderson. The producer was Michio Ozaki. The voices you heard were from the United States and the United Kingdom. All quotes were adapted for this program and voiced by Spotlight. No A.I. or artificial intelligence, was used in this program. Spotlight programs are written, voiced, and produced by real people for real people, no matter where in the world they live. This program is called, “From Bánh Rán to Beignets: The Best Doughnuts in the World.”