Malasadas - and also, Happy Second National Donut Day
Ooh, malasadas. Pillowy bites of heaven deep fried, dusted in sugar, and served hot. If you’ve stayed in Waikiki you’ve probably passed by Leonard’s, with its and oh-so-instagrammable retro neon sign.
My favorite places in Hawaii to get a hot malasada are (in no particular order):
Chef Mavro - this was the first place that we had tiny delicious malasadas
Merriman's Kauai - filled with vanilla cream and served with chocolate dipping sauce.
Tidepools (Grand Hyatt Kauai) - served piping hot in a brown paper bag. So good.
KS Ho'olaulea - they’re a different texture than Punahou’s - a little harder/crispier on the outside, and I can’t tell which one I like better.
Punahou carnival - they really are good - I eat at least two every year. Maybe three.
Leonard’s - but they are 100x better hot than served lukewarm in the office. (Not that I am too good for office malasadas, not at all!)
Am I missing out on any winners? Let me know in the comments.
Random fact: November 5 is actually the second “National Donut Day” of the year, which is a little silly. This Mental Floss article helps explains the confusing situation.