Best of Cleveland 2017: Vegan Doughnuts

It’s hip to be square — especially if you’re a vegan. Kyra and Kharisma Mayo started Vegan Doughnut Co. two years ago after committing to a vegan diet and searching for an alternative to the sugary, yeasty treats they used to eat almost daily. Their arsenal of around 30 flavors ($3) in the signature square shape (created to prevent wasted dough) have vegans and nonvegans alike waiting in long lines at pop-ups and markets such as the Cleveland Flea and Shop Cleveland Market to get their hands on one. “It’s a better, fresher taste,” says Kharisma. “We blend up fruit and put it in our icing. We try to make all our own toppings.” Choose from signature flavors such as lemon lavender, and cookies and cream along with more adventurous options such as maple bacon with shredded coconut toasted in a soy-seasoned marinade to replicate the smoky meat. “Me and Kyra are very spontaneous,” she says. “So we don’t really test anything until the day of the event. But we really go out there and take a gamble.” thevegandoughnutco.com