Chewy Junior BD

Chewy Junior is a foreign franchise that started its journey in Bangladesh not very long ago but it's already quite popular. Located in the building that also houses Fish & Co, it's a definite go-to for desserts after the lingering taste of fish and lime or just because you want to. They start serving at 4 pm. 

The Facebook page has put up a small description about the desserts available. "Crispy on the outside, soft, chewy & creamy on the inside. Chewy Junior has more than 50 flavours of sweet and savoury puffs & donut which will amaze you." With this, I completely agree. This cafe has given other donut shops a run for their money and the donuts are not like any other you have tasted. In fact, I was unsure whether they should be called "donuts" at all. 

To begin with, they aren't shaped like regular donuts (the "lifesaver" shape). They are more like cream puffs or profiteroles which are round and once you bite into them, you get a taste of the rich filling that has a light, mousse-like consistency. They can be quite messy to eat. The donuts also have a layer of cream or frosting on top and it's good too. There's a good variety of flavours, though most are chocolaty, and are priced between BDT 150 and 170 (without VAT). 

I went to this place twice and just had donuts. Almond Chocolate Crunch, Hazelnut Milk Caramel, Chocolate Madness, Cheese Lovers and Blueberry Cheesecake are the ones I tasted and don't have any complaints so far. If you just want to taste two, I would say pick one of the chocolaty ones and one of the two mentioned latter for the sake of variety. 

Coming home, I couldn't help wonder at the shape of the donuts and decided to Google (guess who needs a life?). Anyway, Chewy Junior treats can be best described as a combination of cream puff, donut, and oversized macaroon. What makes these puffs achieve that combo of crunch and spongy texture happens to be a trade secret of chain founder Kevin Ong, who opened the first Chewy Junior in Singapore in 2007. Ong made the Chewy Junior puff keeping in mind the popularity of donuts in the region but moving away from the fried dough in favour of a healthier baked treat.

Chewy Junior has more on its menu than just donuts. The coffee served is one of the finer brews and the mojitos and chillers are good too, I hear. There are cakes too on the menu and I'm planning to try them on my third visit. If you have already tried one of these and you think I should too, write to me. And oh, the cafe has a nice view. 

Address: 22 Gulshan South Avenue, Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chewyjunior.com.bd?fref=ts

Dyuty Auronee is an occasional fusspot who loves her tea and authori-tea. Reach her at dyuty.r@gmail.com