Have you ever tried the "Greek doughnut," a dessert originating from ancient Ottoman times?

Text & Photos /Mite

Working and holidaying in Australia isn’t just about earning money and experiencing different cultures — it’s also a chance to try the local food, don’t you think!!??
This time, our Palmerston Night Market special kicks off with the Honey Puffs from 【the Honey Puff King】.

The Greek doughnut looks a lot like an oversized, puffed-up version of Taiwan’s popular QQ balls, but its texture and taste are surprisingly unique. And I’d never even heard of a Greek doughnut until I grew up!!


▲ Northern Territory · Darwin · Palmerston Friday Night Market

Mite’s first stop in Australia was Darwin in the Northern Territory — a rather remote and somewhat dull place. To be honest, apart from hanging out with friends, cooking, and having fun, there wasn’t much to do. Just being able to stroll around a night market felt like a treat XD

So every Friday, I’d head to the night market near the shopping mall (Palmaston Shopping Centre) to have some fun. It usually starts around 3 or 4 pm and goes until about 10 pm (not entirely sure), but more stalls show up in the evening along with small live music performances. You can enjoy snacks while sitting on the grass, soaking in a relaxing Friday night~

I went there for several weeks in a row. Each week, it would get packed with people. Though compared to the crowds and scale of Thursday and Sunday at Mindil Beach, it’s pretty small-time.

▲ The Honey Puff King

Exit through the NAB-side door near COLES, walk straight ahead, take the first left at the intersection, go to the end, and the third-last shop on your left is The Honey Puff King.

Its tall food cart makes it hard not to notice, and the oddly shaped Greek dessert even draws in adults!!

▲ The Honey Puff King MENU

Honey Puffs $6.5 AUD (approx. 182 TWD) — resembles a brioche | Greek doughnut

Vanilla Slice (Galatobouriko) $4.5 AUD (approx. 126 TWD) — reminds me of Taiwan’s cheesecake

Coconut Cake $4.00 AUD (approx. 112 TWD) — coconut cake

Baklava $4.00 AUD (approx. 112 TWD) — nut-filled layered pastry

Rice Pudding $4.5 AUD (approx. 126 TWD) — rice pudding | originates from Turkey

Combo (Large Honey Puff + one piece of Baklava or Coconut Cake) $10 AUD (approx. 126 TWD)

These desserts come from the ancient Ottoman regions around Greece. Although I’ve seen or tried some before, their flavors might be quite different from what you’d find in Taiwan.

▲ Freshly fried, hot, soft, and fluffy puffs are calling your name

▲ The Honey Puffs, drizzled with honey and cinnamon powder, definitely look more impressive than QQ balls!!

Honey Puffs have a golden, round, and adorable appearance, resembling the very common QQ balls (sweet potato balls) found in Taiwan’s night markets, except they’re twice the size.

The Greek doughnuts are honestly so big — trying to fit one whole in your mouth is pretty unflattering Orz, but I don’t really care about looking good anyway XD

At 6.5 AUD per serving, the Honey Puffs aren’t super cheap, but the portion size doesn’t disappoint. By the end, they can get a bit rich, so they’re best shared between two or three people. A smaller box option would be even better!!

When you bite into the Greek honey puffs, it’s surprisingly delightful. Coming from someone used to Taiwan’s QQ balls, I expected them to be a bit hollow inside — but the Honey Puffs are actually quite dense, giving off a sensation almost like frozen tofu, yet still chewy and bouncy.

It reminded me of Japan’s Mr. Donut honey brioche — I miss that so much!!!! It’s also my mum’s favorite. Oh no, now I’m getting homesick Orz

The Honey Puffs themselves don’t have much flavor on their own — it’s all about the texture. But once you add the cinnamon and honey, it transforms into something akin to an apple pie with a twist!?
But because the honey isn’t drizzled evenly, sometimes it feels like there’s too little, other times way too much and overly sweet. Maybe a bit more sugar would help balance it out too!!

Our eldest, Lewis, isn’t really into sweets like these, so he’s pretty indifferent toward the Honey Puffs as well. But they’re alright. His grumpy face isn’t because they taste bad XD
It’s still nice to try something new, though 😊

Mite also really loves the honey puffs king’s Greek doughnuts – those honey-filled cream puffs are amazing too！
But actually, there were still several desserts I didn’t get to try. I hope to gradually get closer and would love to quickly try every single stall at the Friday night market in Parmaston, and share them all with you guys back in Taiwan！

But whether it’s tasty or not isn’t really the point – trying new things is a very real way of experiencing life :) And if you want to eat something but don’t want to spend money buying it, I know you guys in Australia love making things yourselves the most.

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>>>This article was originally published on:Mite, Weiwanshangxu blog