TAMPA, FL \u2014 The doughnut has been part of American culture since Dutch settlers introduced \u201colykoeks\u201d \u2014 oily cakes \u2014 in the 17th century, but not all are created equally in Florida.<\/p>\n
For the best doughnut in the state, you\u2019ll want to head to The Salty Donut, which has locations in Tampa, Orlando, Miami and West Palm Beach.. That\u2019s according to the digital food and drink news site TastingTable, which put together a list that highlights The Best Donut Shop In Each State<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here is what the food editors said about The Salty Donut: “This family-owned chain with locations in Florida and Texas runs a tight ship with small-batch donuts where quality control is a top priority. The shop \u2026 was originally founded in Miami alongside Max Santiago \u2014 a local chef known to some as the donut king of Miami (and previous winner of “Best Baker in America” on the Food Network). Santiago no longer consults with the donut shop, but its products remain top notch, especially the popular guava cheese donut with puff pastry streusel.”<\/p>\n According to The Salty Donut website<\/a>, you can find the Tampa locations in Hyde Park Village at 1519 W. Swann Ave., and in Seminole Heights at 5808 N. Florida Ave.<\/p>\n To arrive at its choices, TastingTable said it reviewed Reddit posts, local and national publications discussing doughnuts, and first-hand reviews regarding the taste of different pastries.<\/p>\n Doughnuts have come a long way since olykoeks, which were essentially solid balls of fried dough, often filled with nuts or fruit. Captain Hanson Gregory<\/a> is credited with introducing the iconic ring shape after punching a hole in the center of the dough, which made for even cooking.<\/p>\n