Seasonal Inspiration
Gigi's Doughnuts is exactly what you'd want Gigi's Doughnuts to be.
At the heart of East Harlem, there’s a quiet revolution happening—one vegan donut at a time. Stepping into Gigi’s Doughnuts feels less like entering a bakery and more like entering someone’s creative kitchen. The aroma is warm, the vibes are intentional, and the flavors are entirely unexpected. “You’re in Gigi’s Doughnuts,” Gigi announces proudly, “a very unique woman-owned donut shop in East Harlem. We make vegan doughnuts here—handmade freshly every day. And they’re made by me.”
Gigi isn’t just a name on the sign—she’s the creative force behind every flavor and every batch. Her current lineup is a vibrant spectrum: mojito, classic vanilla, strawberry matcha “thingies,” blueberry cheesecake filled with housemade jam, and even a square-shaped chai glaze with a black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger glaze. “We don’t use any artificial colors,” she says. “Everything is made with fresh herbs and seasonal produce. That’s where the inspiration comes from.”
Her philosophy is simple: let nature lead. “I’m really big on seasonal things,” Gigi explains. “Fresh fruit, fresh herbs—you don’t need anything artificial if you focus on that.” It’s this approach that gives Gigi’s doughnuts their signature flavor and flair. They’re as much a treat for the eye as they are for the palate, with naturally vibrant hues and unexpected twists on tradition.
But why doughnuts? “They were always my favorite pastry,” Gigi says. “They’re fried, which makes them stand out from other baked goods. And they’re perfect for New Yorkers. You don’t need a plate or a fork—you can eat them on the go.” More than that, she believes the donut is one of the most democratic treats around. “Even a higher-end handmade donut can be within reach for anyone in New York, no matter your background.”
Originally from Queens and raised mostly in New Jersey, Gigi has deep roots in the region. But her journey to owning a donut shop wasn’t a straight path. Before launching her brick-and-mortar space, she was active in New York’s vibrant market scene. “Pre-pandemic, I did events and markets around the city,” she recalls. “But I had a horrible work experience that left me really traumatized. This—starting the shop—was a trauma response. It was about not wanting to be in another toxic work situation.”
In that moment of personal reckoning, Gigi turned to creativity and independence. The result is not only a business, but a deeply personal and empowering space. “I just wanted to make something beautiful and meaningful,” she says. Her shop quietly turned one on July 1st—a milestone filled with pride and reflection. “It’s been one year already.”
And the community has shown up for her. Weekdays bring regulars from the neighborhood, while weekends draw tourists and sweet-seekers from across the city. Gigi’s Doughnuts has become a destination not just for the vegan or the food-curious, but for anyone who appreciates craft, flavor, and heart. “There’s no typical customer,” Gigi says. “It’s really diverse. And that’s what I love.”
In a city known for fast trends and fast food, Gigi is making something slower, fresher, and full of soul. You can taste it in every donut. You can see it in every detail of the space. And you can feel it in every word she shares. Gigi’s Doughnuts isn’t just a donut shop—it’s a statement. And this is just the beginning.