I found the Puffs to be similar to, but better than, Tim Hortons' Timbits, another Canadian favorite.
In 2020, Uber Eats revealed Quebec's most-ordered comfort foods. Shared with MTL Blog, the data showed that residents were really digging desserts — specifically the little fried doughnuts from a local chain, Mr. Puffs.
Mr. Puffs specializes in loukoumades, a Greek fried dough that most closely resembles a doughnut hole. Uber Eats' data showed that the company's Puffs even outstripped poutine, a Canadian staple.
Founded in Montreal in 2004, Mr. Puffs has expanded to 19 locations throughout Quebec, and most recently opened a shop in Orlando, Florida.
Having heard fervor surrounding the dessert bar, I stopped by Mr. Puffs on a recent visit to Montreal. The brand's perfectly crispy take on doughnut holes surpassed my expectations and even beat out Tim Hortons' popular Timbits in my unofficial taste test.
On a Tuesday night, Mr. Puffs was fairly busy with adults and kids alike in line to get their treats.
A Mr. Puffs location in Old Montreal.
Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
When I arrived around 8:45 p.m. on a Tuesday in May, Mr. Puffs appeared to be one bustling spot in an otherwise sleepy area.
Shops had already shut down and the streets were mostly empty, but there was a short line of people inside the dessert bar, as well as a few others sitting and eating their sweets.
The Old Montreal location had a cute and playful vibe, but after a long train ride to the city, I was ready to get my snack to go.
I ordered two kinds of Puffs: cinnamon sugar and chocolate hazelnut.
An employee said chocolate hazelnut is one of the most popular flavors.
Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
Naturally indecisive, I couldn't pick one of Mr. Puffs' flavors. After choosing what seemed to be a neutral option — cinnamon sugar — I went for a wild card and let the employee select a second flavor for me.
She opted for the chocolate hazelnut, telling me it's one of the most popular flavors. A hazelnut fan, I was delighted. I waited a few minutes for my order, which I watched an employee make.
Both of the Puffs were delicious, but I found the chocolate hazelnut bites were overwhelmingly sweet.
The chocolate hazelnut Puff.
Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
Despite taking my treats on a 10-minute walk back to my Airbnb, they were still warm and tasted fresh when I got them home. The fried Puffs had a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy middle, reminding me of a treat I'd find at a fair or amusement park.
The chocolate hazelnut Puffs were plain doughnuts with a gooey, chocolatey sauce drizzled on top. Delicious but overwhelmingly sweet, I could only eat one or two of the Nutella-tasting doughnuts in a sitting.
On the other hand, the cinnamon Puffs were slightly less sweet, and I could have easily scarfed down an entire box.
I also tried Tim Hortons on my trip to Montreal. I thought Mr. Puffs had the Canadian chain's doughnut holes beat by a long shot.
The Timbits, little doughnut holes, were too dry.
Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
Canadians, I apologize for what you're about to read.
I did not think Tim Hortons' Timbits were that good. The glazed doughnut holes I received were bordering on stale and didn't hold a flame to Mr. Puffs' crispy, fried dough balls.
If I only got to eat one variety of doughnuts for the rest of my life, my choice would be simple: Mr. Puffs, without hesitation.
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