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{USA} Malasadas, a Must Eat in Honolulu, Oahu.

Malasadas. Oh boy, just saying the word makes me drool.

malasadas

Malasadas. Just thinking of it makes us drool!

These egg-sized balls of yeast dough, deep-fried and coated with granulated sugar are probably the best doughnuts I have ever had! And no, it’s not just any regular doughnuts, oh no no no. They’re more like heavenly balls of deep fried goodness. They are lightly crispy on the outside and feathery soft and moist on the inside. Once you have it, I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

We love doughnuts and believe us, we’ve had our fair share of doughnuts. Malasadas just takes it to a whole ‘nother level.

Malasadas

These heavenly balls of deep fried goodness is a must eat while in Honolulu!

Malasadas originated from the region of Maderia from Portugal and was mainly served during Mardi Gras (fat tuesday). The way it came about? The people had to find a way to use all the lard and sugar in the house, in preparation of Lent where these ingredients were considered “luxuries” that are to be avoided during the period of Lent. Genius!

 

It was in Honolulu when we first stumbled upon these precious little treasures. Malasadas were introduced to Hawaii by Portugese laboreres from Madeira and Azores that came here in 1878.  In Hawaii, Mardi Gras is also known as Malasada Day. Portugese immigrants made them and shared it with friends and family. Soon enough, the entire island was hooked and now you can get them every day of the year!

 

If you are in Honolulu, you must give malasadas a try! Our favorite place is Leonard’s Bakery.
Malasadas

Our favorite place to get malasadas is Leonard’s Bakery.

Mark Dacascos, the man that plays the chairman in Iron Chef America claims Leonard’s malasadas with  haupia (coconut pudding) is one of the best thing he has ever eaten on a road trip. He’s Hawaiian. We personally like the “original”, but give the ones with fillings a try too to see which one you like best!
malasadas prices

The “original” is our favorite. Mark Dacascos (chairman in Iron Chef America) claims that the malasadas with haupia (coconut) is his favorite. You should try them all to find out which is your favorite.

Ordering just 1 is NOT going to be enough! The first time we went there, we were with our family. There were 6 of us. We walked in, bought half a dozen malasadas (one each) and started eating it on the way out of the store and before we made it back to the car, we’ve all finished our malasadas. We looked at each other and knew we had to go back to the store and get more. So, we went back and got another dozen! Yes, they are that good!
Leonard's Bakery

Leonard’s Bakery is our favorite place to get malasadas. It’s a must stop for us everytime we’re in Honolulu.

Bon Apetit!

~Jeremy

 

 
 

  1. Malasadas are like doughnuts but way better! They’re must eats while in Honolulu!
  2. Our favorite place to get malasadas is Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu.
  3. Leonard’s Bakery is located at: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
  4. They also have branches in Waimalu Shopping Center and a “wagon” located at Waikele Shopping Center. Check our their site for more details.
  5. Mark Dacascos, the man who plays the chairman in Iron Chef America loves Leonard’s malasadas with haupia (coconut).
  6. Our favorite is the “original” with just the sugar coating.
Have you had malasadas before? Did you like them? What are other “must eats” in Honolulu?
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Posted byJeremy & Shirlene
November 14, 2011
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55 Comments

  1. @kpkdotcom January 28, 2013 Reply

    {USA} Malasadas, a Must Eat in Honolulu, Oahu. http://t.co/v0HNg1v1 via @idelishTravel

  2. Lauren Heineck (@Jamon_y_Vino) May 22, 2012 Reply

    Mmmm now I’m drooling. {USA} Malasadas, a Must Eat in Honolulu, Oahu. http://t.co/BGlgeqHf via @idelishtravel

  3. Nathalie December 15, 2011 Reply

    Haupia Malasadas rock!
    Nathalie recently posted..Outdoor Wonderland: BC in picturesMy Profile

  4. Nomadic Samuel December 9, 2011 Reply

    MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Look delicious! 🙂
    Nomadic Samuel recently posted..India Is | Video CompetitionMy Profile

  5. Tawny- Captain and Clark
    Twitter:
    November 26, 2011 Reply

    Aww… you just made me so homesick… and hungry! Leonard’s is always the first stop when we get off the plane in Honolulu (Zippy’s immediately after). I’m a big fan of the haupia, but I’ll take any malasada any day of the week! 🙂
    Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..A Pacific Northwest Safari. Northwest Trek Eatonville, Washington.My Profile

  6. Amanda
    Twitter:
    November 18, 2011 Reply

    Malasadas are AMAZING! And I agree that you can’t go to Honolulu without having at least one… or two… or ten!

    I visited a friend of mine who was living in Honolulu this past February. The weekend I was there, the Punahou School was having their annual carnival, and my friend lived right across the street. So of course we went over to have some food! They had a whole tent just dedicated to malasadas, and there was a HUGE line for them! So worth the wait though… yum!
    Amanda recently posted..Photo of the Day: ColoradoMy Profile

  7. Arti
    Twitter:
    November 17, 2011 Reply

    They look Yummy:) The place too looks very neat and clean:) Thanks for sharing this:)
    Arti recently posted..Photographical Memories from the Himalayas: Faith…My Profile

  8. Cam November 16, 2011 Reply

    YUM! Looks delish!
    Cam recently posted..Our Greatest Adventure has Finally Started!My Profile

  9. Aussie on the Road
    Twitter:
    November 16, 2011 Reply

    I guess I really need to try them, because your description just makes them sound like the fantastic donuts we make here in Australia. But who knows? Maybe our recipe is derived from the Portuguese treat?

    Either way, I want one right now :-p
    Aussie on the Road recently posted..Escaping to TangaloomaMy Profile

  10. Craig November 15, 2011 Reply

    Oh man, I knew it had been too long since I had malasadas but I didn’t know I could get them with haupia! Time to book a trip.

    (love the website, by the way)
    Craig recently posted..Should You Join a Wine Club?My Profile

  11. Gladys | ByahengBarok.com
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2011 Reply

    looks super delicious for me… yum yum! 🙂
    Gladys recently posted..Picnic in Caliraya Lake on a Starry, Starry NightMy Profile

  12. wandering educators
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2011 Reply

    must.have.these.now.
    wandering educators recently posted..Antarctica Ask the Expert: Can you Travel with a Disability?My Profile

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