Golden donut sparkles at Filipino food festival in Logan Square

Sunday, October 2, 2016
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Cristal Golden Ube Donut came in a fancy black gift box tied with a bow.

This decadent $100 donut is made out of 24-carat gold leaf, purple yams imported from the Philippines and jelly comprised of Cristal champagne. It was available in Chicago on Sunday for one day for Kultura, a Filipino American food and arts festival in Logan Square.
[Ads /]
"For each donut, it takes a fourth of a cup of 2007 Cristal champagne, it takes 8-10 sheets of pure 24 carat gold leaf," said golden donut creator Chef Bjorn DelaCruz.

Cristal Golden Ube Donut

WLS



Delacruz developed the fantasy treat as a thank you for his cooks and waitstaff at his Brooklyn-based restaurant, the Manila Social Club.

"It was a celebratory dessert. I made it for New Years for the staff. I didn't think it would catch fire like this," DelaCruz said.
[Ads /]
People took pictures of the decadent dessert.



Those who could afford the splurge said it was worth the hefty price tag.

"It was amazing. The jelly inside has a delicate sweetness, the dough is light and fluffy. And I can't believe I'm eating this right now," said Sarahlynn Pablo.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.