Sesame Donuts

donuts with no real taste besides sweet. I was expecting more of a fruit flavor from my raspberry cheesecake donut. Maybe I’ll retry someday but it’s not looking like it any time soon.

Good donuts. Do not order a drink from here though, I ordered a chai latte which was made by pouring milk into a cup and adding chai tea from a box –I could have done that at home. To make it worse, the drink was warm so the young woman stuck it in the microwave and warmed it for me. Not worth the money. Buy your donuts and go to black rock or Starbucks or whatever coffee shop you frequent.

My husband and I have just moved to town and I, being from the midwest, have been missing Dunkin’ Donuts because I THOUGHT they had the best bagels. This place definitely tops my favorite bagel place… I guess that means I can never move now!
We got a half dozen donuts and one bagel, all of which were really great. I especially loved the asiago cheese bagel I got (and, when I mentioned to my husband as we were leaving that I forgot we didn’t have any cream cheese at home, the woman at the counter stopped us and gave me a small side of cream cheese to go! What a sweet thought!). My bagel was even fresh and soft the next day!
What impressed me the most was actually their apple cider donut. Again, being from the midwest, it is a yearly tradition that I go to a cider mill every Fall. However, since I moved to California for two years before moving here, I have been missing my cider and donuts. I tried the cider donut here on a whim– thinking that it could in no way match up to the donuts that I’m used to– and it was fantastic. It actually brought tears to my eyes because it tasted like home.
Lastly, I was really pleased that even though we went in there at like 5−6pm (I can’t remember but I know it was pretty late in the day), everything was still soft and fresh. I can’t wait to go back– I hear they make a mean breakfast sandwich ALL DAY!

In my origional draft of this review I called Sesame Donuts a «chain», which I was requested to change. Apparently there’s a stigma around that term. I just meant to keep your eyes out and you might see one. For giggles, I looked it up. There’s no official definition for the term «chain store», but New York City says 15 stores and the Independant Restaurants of America says it’s 10. So, this is a family owned store that has *only* 5 locations and is definately not a chain.
The donuts have never had a lasting impression and I actually thought they were purchased from a larger purveyor until I stopped in to this location recently. There’s something about the donuts that just seems very unremarkable. I also had origionally said that the donuts were fried in a sesame oil blend, hence the name. I was corrected. The donuts are fried in palm oil. Shame on me for taking hearsay as fact and perpetuating rumors!
So I walk into the place, after driving by a thousand times. The walls are riddled with multi-​colored confections. The dining room to the right is furnished with several booths intended to trick you into believing that this place has ever sat more than 5 people at a time. Not even KK manages to fill an ¹⁄₈^th of thier seating at a time! The counters are clean, but worn from age, topped with the latest IPad POS system that seems kind of out of place in a strip-​mall donut shop, like pearls on a hillbilly.
The service is a no frills exchange. Which I actually appreciate first thing in the morning. Let’s cut the theatrics and get straight to donuts? I like it.
The Old Fashioned is usually my litmus test to see if a donut shop can make good donuts. It’s a way to check their dough when it isn’t smothered in sugar. Well, traditionally the Old Fashioned has a glaze, but for whatever reason, Seaseme’s does not. Sadly. It should. The donut is dry, like a cake donut, and the glaze could have helped with this otherwise fairly bland donut. Edit: Because people seem to like to scrutinize over this review, they have multiple old fashioned donuts. But when I asked for one, they put a donut in my bag and passed up an excellent oportunity to tell me this. I googled «Old Fashioned donut» and all 4 images came up as glazed on the front page. I was given an un-​glazed. Uh… So yeah. That’s the one I would have assumed I was recieving.
Key Lime Pie was the «donut of the day»… Oddly enough it was the donut of the day both times I went. Not sure how that works. Do they rotate according to days of the week and I just happened to be there on the same day of the week both times? Anyway, this donut was their saving grace. They get an extra star because this donut is what brought me back. The key lime filling was tart, rather than sweet. With this recipie they allowed the key lime to carry the overall pastry without trying to weigh it down with absurd amounts of sugar. The frosting was light and minimal and the dough itself just served as a vehicle for the key lime cream inside. Hardly at all sweet which is a rare find and a welcome suprise in a donut. I came back because I wanted more of this… oddly enough, it was there when I returned. Seemingly, the permanent «donut of the day.»
Blueberry Fritter:
I asked to see it before I took one. Fritters can, at some places, be almost literally the size of a football. Sesame’s is equally as large, but much thinner. They could still cut back by 25% and it would be equally as satisfying for a stand-​alone 500 calorie meal for one. This one is fairly bland. More or less, it tastes like the heavy layer of sugar glaze that it’s coated with. It’s got dried blueberries in it, which can be tricky as dried fruit can very easily not even be the fruit that you think you’re buying. Like «cranberry», if you read the package, can be dried cherries rehydrated in cranberry juice, then re-​dehydrated. Which could lend to the problem of why the bluberry fritter doesn’t actually taste like bluberries, or if you get an actual note, it tastes of blueberry powder that the dried fruit was rolled in, rather than actual bluberries.
The coffee:
Not terrible. It’s Boyd’s Coffee, if you’re familiar. There’s two varieties. Dark and medium. Very non-​eccentric which may not be a bad thing. While some cheap coffees are overly bitter, or heavy on the tanins, this brew is pretty smooth. Goes down easy, but hardly a refined product. My suggestion, if you want a spectacular cup of coffe and have 10 minutes to kill, head to Black Rock Coffee, outside in the parking lot. Otherwise grab one of the Sesame house brews.
I’ll go back for another reluctant attempt, because it’s on my way to work. But there’s also 2 more donut shops also on my way to work, that just aren’t on my *favorite* way to work that are just as good or better. If I can’t find that diamond on the shelf, the key lime isn’t enough to keep me forever. This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve updated my review on a donut shop after several visits.

After moving from SFV in Los Angeles I’ve been looking for the perfect donut and sandwich place. Sesame donuts is both. I usually get the ham, cheese and croissant sandwich the croissant taste soo fresh! All there donuts look amazing. I feel like every time I go in they have a few new donuts. I never have. Problem with there pricing. The cashiers are always really nice too.
The donut holes are the bomb I’ve never seen jelly filled donut holes and there’s are superb. Everything taste fresh!

This is my family’s new favorite donut shop. The donuts are always fresh and tasty. They have a great variety and my daughter (3) loves the colored options. The lady at the counter is so nice and always chats with me. I love that she obviously loves her job and shows it in her donuts. I’ve bought a few dozen for co-​workers and they always ask me where this place is and rave about the freshness of the dough. It’s a very clean establishment, price seems about right for the quality and staff is super nice. We go every other Saturday for our family ritual. We used to go to different shops but I love this one so now it’s our donut spot. Plus, black rock is across the parking lot so I can grab my fav coffee at the same time.

Sesame donut? The name had me bypass it on Unilocal more than a few times and if it wasn’t for the fact that I couldn’t find the other locations I would have never showed up here. I mean, Sesame is a plant known for its rich oils or seeds so green donuts came to mind.
Upon entering the fresh donut smell gently perfumed my nose. Everything was labeled, separate and decorated so pretty. The store was clean and the woman behind the counter was very nice.
We ordered maple bars and cinnamon rolls, one regular and the other cinnamon roll covered in maple. They were the largest cinnamon rolls I had ever seen!
The maple bars were super fresh and the cinnamon rolls were just a few blocks behind them. In my opinion this is the second best donut place that I’ve been to in Portland. The other one is right on the corner of 28^th and Alberta in NE Portland.
Happy Unilocaling…

Really good tasting donuts and I think way better than Krispy Kreme! I’m not a big donut water cuz it usually always made me sick but decided to get some here and I did not feel sick after eating them lol they r not greasy and heavy feeling. It really is a good quality donut n I will be a returning customer! Btw they have a happy hour that’s every night from 8−10pm on dozen donuts for $ 8.

Had a birthday cake and some mini bars made for my daughters 5^th birthday. So freaking good!

I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, BUT my husband does. I’m almost forced to have donuts by proxy. Eh. Since he’s the craver, he usually the driver, sweet treat picker-​upper, etc. I was feeling generous or something and told him to stay home and I’d go pick up some donuts.
Out where we live, there’s not a huge choice. OK, there’s no Blue Star and that’s really all that matters. It’s either whatever they have at a grocery store, Krispy Kreme, or Sesame. I had never been here, so I chose this place.
I made it just a few minutes before they closed. Their happy hour starts at 8pm. From 8 – 10 they have a dozen donuts for $ 8. (Krispy Kreme happy hour starts at 10, btw). Even though I walked in at like 9:55, the girl working there was very nice about it. I asked about a couple of flavors and she apologized they were out. There really was no reason to apologize since I was the one that was there late, but it was nice of her to do so. I had tasted them before and I think my favorite one is the sesame covered one. Not too far a drive from home, inexpensive, and super friendly service = win.
The only odd thing was that there’s a little market next door and there were some guys just hanging out smoking squatting in front of Sesame. Remember on Breaking Bad when Jesse had a party for days and his house got all trashed? That’s how these guys looked. Like they would’ve fit right in at Jesse’s house. When I walked out, they were in the market and I did the olympic speed walker to my car. Still, I’m sure that was an isolated incident and will go back to Sesame, only maybe not alone or so late. (cue I’m Just A Girl)

you need to try the cherry fritter if they are still available. 8 $ after 8 pm, HAPPY HOUR ON DOUGHNUTS!!!
that’s all i have to say. Period.

Now I hear nothing but great things about the owners, however I haven’t been able to visit in person yet.
One of our bosses keeps bringing a huge selection from this wonderful place in to work. He raves about this shop like no other and I can see why. Everything we have had is fantastic. Nearly every style of donut has been represented (with what he brings in). Powder, cinnamon, glazed, twists, old fashion, you name it.
I don’t know how this shop does it, but even the cake style donuts taste light, not super dense. They don’t hit the pit of your stomach like a brick. Donut holes. Boy do they have em. And LOADS! Jelly filled, cram filled, powder, and a sesame covered version. Don’t be fooled, you will catch yourself popping one after another because «hey they aren’t a WHOLE donut right?» The prices are fair (I asked). The selection is impressive. And the service is top notch! If you need an early morning sugar rush, hit this place up, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget some milk :)

Thank all that is holy that a Sesame Donut moved in just up the street from my house. The pumpkin donut, I could eat for every meal and hope it’s my last. We get the kids a donut here every Sunday after church. I tell everyone (out of towners))looking to go to that «other donut shop» do not even bother!

I think the address is incorrect. …i just might have to go back to double check. And get another vanilla frosted piece of sugary heaven.
It was good… very good, as a donut should be.
Edit: went back, the vanilla crème was just as I remembered. So good.

My 9 year old did not want birthday cake… she wanted sesame donuts. Now three of her friends have also made the switch to from birthday cake to birthday donuts from sesame. It’s THAT good!
I recently had the buttermilk bar for the first time. It is Amazing! They have my vote for the best donuts in town. I work across the street from the origination sesame donuts on Beaverton Hillsdale and honestly I cannot tell the difference between the two shops quality. They have my vote for best donuts in town.

Let me start with this– I am a super fan of the original location in Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. When I think of donuts in the Portland area, I don’t think of VooDoo or Heavenly Donuts, I really want Sesame Donuts (from the original location).
Needless to say, I was very surprised to get a couple donuts at this location and find that not only do they nowhere near compare, I didn’t even want to finish either one. The two I had weren’t specials, but staples– Vanilla Crème and a Choco Coconut.
So disappointed. I would not return to this location.

I’ve had doughnuts, coffee, and Baskin-​Robbins ice cream at the Raleigh Hills venue, so I didn’t see why this newer Aloha outlet wouldn’t work out for me when Black Rock was crazy busy. I was right! Not that I don’t like Black Rock, but I needed caffeine right quick and then to work.
The coffee was excellent, deep and dark, and served up with a smile and conversation. I indulged in a breakfast sandwich of eggs, bacon, and cheese on a croissant which was tasty (and full of calories, etc), but I decided to live it up because it’s still 4^th of July, right? … Right! Freedom for all!
I’m going to get up on my soapbox for a moment. I recently went to a «high-​end» doughnut shop where the employees were severely lacking in customer service skills. The doughnuts are exquisite, but you know in the end ALL doughnuts are just delicious hunks of dough. The reason I won’t be returning to the «high-​end» store is because of their overly loud music and lack of customer service skill. The reason I will return to Sesame Doughnuts is the fine products and friendliness. Another reason I will return is when I started to bus my table, my cashier stopped me and insisted she do it. Impressive.
OK, off my soapbox and time to end the review. If you want great products served by nice people, come to Sesame Doughnuts. Over and out.

Because I really need better access to donuts. ;) Hmmm. This place just opened so conveniently on my commute to and from work. I tried and tried to resist, but eventually I had to stop in. Okay, twice.
Reasonable prices and good selection here. I’ve tried a few varieties, cake and raised and donut holes. I would say definitely good, especially with a coffee, but Gary S. was right in his review. Comparisons will be made to Donut Day since it’s just down the road, and honestly, Donut Day is just plain better. The chocolate donut holes I tried at Sesame Donuts were good, but lacked the denseness of flavor or slight crispiness of the crust that Donut Day has. Actually the texture was a little spongy, like biting into a marshmallow.
I’ll be back for sure to try a breakfast sandwich though! They have some basic sandwiches advertised, ham/​bacon/​sausage (?) with egg and cheese on a bagel or english muffin. They look awesome so I’ll definitely give one a shot. Good bagel selection here too.

A nice, simple stop for a couple donuts and a cup of coffee.
$ 2.99 for a coffee (probably 14 ounce) and two donuts. I chose a couple smaller, cake style donuts.
Quality was great. The facility was clean and the service was friendly. Grey and Pink trim as the décor. Lacked a little character overall. Restrooms were clean. Not too many customers.
I would return. Yummy coffee and very tasty donuts.

Update: Stopped to get a Boston Cream for my wife and decided to try a bear claw. Lots of dough with little apple filling. Dough was on the chewy side. I won’t be buying another bear claw here.
OK, I’ll admit it I’m a sucker for a good donut so I stopped by Saturday to grab a donut before meeting friends for breakfast and again today before lunch to try another pastry.
I’ve had a donut, a chocolate bar, basically a chocolate maple bar, and tastes of two custard filled things that I can’t remember the name of.
My assessment, their donuts are better than any grocery store donuts but not as good as Donut Day at 184^th & T.V. Hwy about two miles south.
The donut was good, crisp crust and not oily like they can be if fried in cold oil. It was good. I’d buy them again.
The chocolate bar was a bust. The dough had a slightly burnt flavor, obviously left in the fryer too long or at too high a temperature. The chocolate frosting was dry and not very thick. I’ve had better chocolate bars at a number of places.
I’m not big custard filled anything so my evaluation of their custard filled treats may be a little suspect. My wife and her friend liked the custard filled things and I thought they were ok so I’d say they were at least average.
One other thing, my wife brought me home a dozen powdered donut holes from Sesame and I didn’t think they were very good. I wasn’t sure why until I was writing this review and it occurred to me that they use the same dough for their donut holes as they do for their glazed raised donuts. They weren’t bad but I like my powdered donut holes made from regular donuts dough. So it’s a style issue for me.
Overall, Sesame is OK if you don’t have time to go to Donut Day.
One last caveat, this review was written on the second day that this branch of Sesame Donuts was open so they may still be sorting things out. But Sesame has been open at other locations for years so opening another one shouldn’t be too difficult.