Dough Darlings opens first overseas store in Doha

Qatar’s growing appetite for handmade food made it an attractive entry point.

Bali-based artisanal donut brand Dough Darlings has expanded outside Indonesia for the first time, opening a store in Doha, Qatar on 28 May—coinciding with its 10th anniversary.

Its debut in Doha isn’t just about expansion but a strategic play to prove that handcrafted, Indonesian-made products can succeed on the global stage, according to founder and CEO Ivan Mario.

“Going international has always been our dream,” he told QSR Media. “We believe local products can compete globally. We waited for the right moment and took the leap when it came.”

The move was sparked not by market scouting, but by a Doha customer who discovered the brand in Bali and proposed a partnership. That chance encounter became the springboard for Dough Darlings’ first overseas location.

“It wasn’t just about opening a new location,” Mario said in an emailed reply to questions. “It was about sharing our story—handcrafted with love—with a market that values authentic experiences.”

Qatar’s growing appetite for high-quality, handmade food made it an attractive entry point. “It reminds us of Bali in the early days—full of energy and opportunity,” he said.

Founded in 2015 from a home kitchen, Dough Darlings opened its first store in the beach resort area of Seminyak a year later. Today, it operates stores across Bali and Jakarta, offering more than 150 flavours, many of which highlight traditional Indonesian tastes.

Among its top sellers are the Klepon Donut and Mozzarella Glaze. The company also offers vegan, gluten-free, and non-dairy options.

In 2023, Dough Darlings partnered with Koultoura Coffee for domestic distribution, though it continues to steer clear of franchising to maintain quality control.

“We’re selective about partnerships,” Mario said. “Every donut still follows the same principle—no preservatives, premium ingredients, and personal care. That’s why people trust us.”

He said the brand has no plans to stop at Doha. “We’re ready to bring Indonesian-crafted products to more countries soon.”