Yes, the humble donut may have bid its heydays of mile-long queues goodbye, but as the increasing number of donut outlets can attest to, it’s still a mainstay here. We sacrifice our svelte figures to find out how major donut outlets fare against each other (for comparison’s sake, we sampled only the glazed or sugar donuts at each place). If you prefer fancier, new generation flavors, check out the other options available.

Dippin’ Donut#02-125 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk., 6376-8238.Tried: Original GlazeTaste: True to its name—no thrills, no frills, just the good ol’ original recipe with the plain dough taste.Texture: Soft and chewyTopping: Normal glazePrice: $1.10Overall verdict: *** No complaints at all, but it did not have that added “kick” that made us reach for another one.Also try: Wasabi for something different yet delectable.

Donut Empire (formerly known as Munchy Donut)226 Tanjong Katong Rd., 6344-0880.Tried: Munchy OriginalTaste: Like a good, wholesome donut.Texture: Extremely fluffy and soft.Topping: Even with powdered sugar instead of glaze, it had the right level of moist-ness to it.Price: $1 Overall verdict: *** Not bad at all, especially considering it’s the cheapest donut here.Also try: Silly-mon for cinnamon lovers.

The Donut Factory#B1-61 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6337-6268.Tried: Glazed donut.Taste: Lightly flavored with vanilla.Texture: We already know it’s great—but leave it out for half a day, and voila, it’s still yummy.Topping: The thin crust of glaze adds a nice crunch as you bite into it.Price: $1.20 per pieceOverall verdict: ***1/2 It almost sent us into donut orbit, and definitely makes for an infallible tea-break bite.Also try: Orange white chocolate for a zesty bite.

E-donuts#01-07 E/F Orchard Meridien Hotel, 100 Orchard Rd., 6733-4678.Tried: Glazed donutTaste: Like soft white bread.Texture: Fluffy and soft.Topping: Normal glaze.Price: $1.10Overall verdict: *** Not bad—the President next door has probably popped by once or twice himself.Also try: Tiramisu—heavier and creamier.

J.Co Donuts & Coffee#B1-44 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6333-4258.Tried: GlazzyTaste: Like freshly baked dough with a touch of milk and butter.Texture: Extremely chewy and light.Topping: Glaze made of American honey and sugar complements the taste of baked dough without being overwhelmingly sweet.Price: $1.20Overall verdict: **** Good. Very good.Also try: Al Capone—a heavenly combination of almond flakes and white chocolate.

Marcial Kobe#B1-40 The Central @ Clarke Quay, 6 Eu Tong Sen St., 6534-7726.Tried: Mini sugar donuts—an average-sized mouth can fit three at one time (or four, if you’re Julia Roberts) and still chew with ease.Taste: Has a pleasantly light, buttery taste.Texture: Slightly crispy on the outside—but then again it’s so small there’s not much of an inside to speak of.Topping: Very lightly sprinkled with sugar.Price: $4 for a dozen (assorted flavors)Overall verdict: **** Perfect for those who like their donuts with more bite and prefer to spread the calories over a variety of flavors.Also try: Maple Syrup—for those with a sweet tooth.

Missy Donut#B2-33 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 1-800-339-5677.Tried: Sugar donutTaste: Exactly like the traditional, old-school donuts with a slight, greasy smell you get at school canteens.Texture: Could be fluffier.Topping: The layer of white sugar coating makes it quite difficult to eat without sprinkling sugar everywhere.Price: $1.10Overall verdict: ** With much better choices available elsewhere, we won’t be one of the suitors after this missy.Also try: Kaya wonder—we have to admit it is better than the sugar one.

Pop’ doh#B2-08-6 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6738-8532.Tried: Cake donutTaste: Dough-y with a tinge of baking soda taste.Texture: Much denser and heavier than the usual donut, it is also very dry.Topping: The powdered sugar on top makes it messy to eat.Price: $1.35Overall verdict: * Pop’ doh has a cult following of its own, you’ll either love it or hate it. We, to be honest, belong to the latter group.Also try: Smiling Face with crusted cheese topping—hey if you like it dry, might as well go all the way.

Key

* Don’t bother.** Only if you absolutely must have one.*** Get one if there is no queue.**** Each bite is worth every calorie.