Salem, Ore. – A delectable array of flower-shaped donuts, boasting hues of strawberry pink, matcha green, and various chocolate shades, now grace the racks of the newly established Bobadochi. Nestled within the Willamette Town Center, this fresh addition to Salem’s culinary landscape offers a tantalizing fusion of mochi donuts, Korean corndogs, and elevated boba beverages.
The brainchild of co-owner Sunny Burden, Bobadochi represents the realization of her vision for a comprehensive snack destination. Drawing inspiration from her time in Los Angeles, Burden sought to address a common frustration with snack shops’ inability to excel across their entire menu. Teaming up with long-time business partner Ramsey Zawideh, the duo brings to life a self-serve haven for snack enthusiasts.
The moniker “Bobadochi” is a clever amalgamation of “boba,” “mochi,” and “donut,” reflecting the shop’s diverse offerings. Burden and Zawideh, who initially crossed paths through the Baja Fresh franchisee network 15 years ago, have since collaborated on various culinary ventures across the state. Notably, Sunny’s Diner marked their first joint restaurant endeavor in 2016, with Burden’s penchant for creativity shining through in the menu curation.
Central to Bobadochi’s allure are its signature mochi donuts, a contemporary confection merging the soft texture of Japanese mochi with the familiarity of American donuts. Originating in Hawaii, these treats have surged in popularity across the mainland, with Bobadochi introducing an extensive lineup of flavors spanning from classic chocolate and glazed to Asian-inspired variants like matcha and black sesame.
Moreover, Bobadochi distinguishes itself as a self-service establishment, inviting patrons to partake in the delight of hand-selecting their treats upon entry. From meticulously crafted tapioca pearls to decadent toppings like chocolate stamps and dalgona candy, every element is meticulously prepared in-house to ensure an exceptional culinary experience.
Not content with merely satisfying sweet cravings, Bobadochi boasts an eclectic range of boba beverages, tailored to appeal to aficionados and newcomers alike. From traditional milk teas to innovative lava milk concoctions, each offering is meticulously crafted using premium ingredients, such as ceremonial grade matcha powder and real ube and taro.
A testament to Bobadochi’s commitment to culinary innovation is its selection of Korean corndogs. Eschewing conventional cornmeal batter, these savory delights feature a yeast-leavened dough comprising glutinous rice flour and all-purpose flour, resulting in a chewier, fluffier texture. With options ranging from classic potato and sweet potato dogs to adventurous creations like flaming hot Cheeto dogs, Bobadochi redefines the corndog experience.
As word of Bobadochi spread through social media channels, the shop experienced a surge in patronage, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm for its unique offerings. For Burden, the journey from conception to realization has been one of perseverance and gratitude, reflecting on her role as a single mother and entrepreneur.
With hours extending from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Bobadochi beckons patrons to indulge in its culinary delights. Located at 945 Lancaster Drive NE, Suite 150, the shop promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, celebrating diversity and culture within the heart of Salem.