DOH - Daily Oven Heaven

If you're after a donut shop in Melbourne that does something a bit different, DOH - Daily Oven Heaven offers creative flavours and a friendly atmosphere. It's a small, cosy spot just around the corner from Queen Victoria Market, and the donuts are Korean-style: soft, fluffy, not greasy, and generously filled with cream.

The flavours are where it gets interesting. Black sesame is the one people rave about, with a rich, roasted nuttiness and sesame paste under the cream. The line-up goes well beyond it: earl grey, matcha, durian, Dubai chocolate, sweet corn, blueberry and cookies and cream, plus an Ang Butter donut with red bean paste for those who like it on the sweeter side. The donuts are known for their balance, flavours that come through without being overly sweet, paired with soft, fluffy texture. The fillings are creative and the sweetness is kept in check, so nothing feels heavy. One person who says they don't even like donuts that much came away converted.

Coffee is a real part of the draw too. There's a Korean-style specialty drinks menu, and we've heard plenty of love for the tofu latte, the hojicha latte, the sesame lattes and a matcha tiramisu latte. If you're ordering a mix of both, the donuts and a drink pair well for an afternoon treat.

The helpful staff and welcoming atmosphere are part of what keeps people coming back. Staff are friendly, service is quick, and the owner comes across as warm and passionate about what she does. You can dine in, grab a takeaway box, or pick up a few flavours to share, and there's a free car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and debit card payments, which makes things easy.

A tip from regulars: go early on a weekend if you want a quieter run at the full range before the best flavours thin out. The shop keeps its own schedule, so check the hours before you head in.