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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. Kris Koeller
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2011 Reply

    Yum, definitely on the list!
    Kris Koeller recently posted..Madison Square Park via an iPhone 4SMy Profile

  2. Stephanie - The Travel Chica November 15, 2011 Reply

    Looks like something I should stay away from, or I’d eat a whole box!
    Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Buena Birra in Buenos AiresMy Profile

  3. Christy @ Technosyncratic
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2011 Reply

    How have I never heard of these before?! I could probably eat a half dozen of these myself in one sitting (if past experience w/ donuts is any indication).
    Christy recently posted..Prague, Grog, and Gorgeous ViewsMy Profile

  4. Sherry
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2011 Reply

    I love me a hot, fresh-of-the-fryer malasada. I grew up in Hawaii and even though I no longer live there, I always get some when I visit since there is a Leonard’s mobile truck stationed near my family’s house. In recent years they started adding the stuffing, but I prefer the original version without the stuffing; the one that’s crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. I’ll be back there in a few weeks and now I know what I want for breakfast my first day back.
    Sherry recently posted..“Crocodile Hunting in Mexico”My Profile

  5. Mark Wiens November 14, 2011 Reply

    Looks amazing and I want to try a malasada with haupia in the middle! I should be on my way to visit Hawaii in a few months and I’ll be sure to head to Leonard’s Bakery.
    Mark Wiens recently posted..Photo Favorite: Steering the Boat on the Turquoise Waters of Palawan IslandMy Profile

  6. adventureswithben
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    They had these where I was growing up in Massachusetts. DELICIOUS!
    adventureswithben recently posted..Two Photos of South Africa in Two SeasonsMy Profile

  7. Courtney Mroch
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    I have no idea if I’ll ever get to Honolulu, but if I do…I am for sure seeking this place out. Those look YUMMY!!!!!!!
    Courtney Mroch recently posted..Ghost Tours – Not Just for HalloweenMy Profile

  8. inka
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    Nice to learn the story behind them,
    inka recently posted..Mud slinging at the Dead Sea/JordanMy Profile

  9. Emme Rogers
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    Not so much of a doughnut fan, but I must say your post has me wanting to try a Malasadas.

    Also have to say, you take absolutely beautiful pictures.

    ~ Emme
    Emme Rogers recently posted..#CrossCanada Playlist ~ Ross Neilsen & the Suffering BastardsMy Profile

  10. Laurel
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    I’ve never heard of malsadas before, but they look delicious!
    Laurel recently posted..Schloss Ludwigsburg: My Favorite Castle Tour in GermanyMy Profile

  11. Kent
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    Hmm… I guess we WILL have to plan that trip back to Honolulu 🙂
    Kent recently posted..What Will You Do for $20My Profile

  12. Jan Ross
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    Oh, those look wonderful!! Have to try them the next time I am there.
    Jan Ross recently posted..Just One More StoryMy Profile

  13. jenjenk
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    leonard’s is the BEST. I’m with you – i like the original better than the filled. I don’t think that malasadas that are brought home hold up well. those things need to be eaten on site. 🙂
    jenjenk recently posted..Cappadocia, Turkey: Butterfly Balloons Hot Air Balloon FlightMy Profile

  14. NLM
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    Oh, yum…ANOTHER reason to return to Hawaii!
    NLM recently posted..Sunday Haiku VIIMy Profile

  15. Bret @ Green Global Travel
    Twitter:
    November 14, 2011 Reply

    We had these in Hawaii as well. Soooo good! Now I’m hungry.

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