It was an early weekday morning when we pulled up into the parking lot of the designated park. It was quiet, except for the growling of our stomachs.
We had a mission: to taste our way to the best malasadas in Oahu.
The contenders?
Leonard's Bakery, which boasts a "malasadamobile," the Portuguese doughnut equivalent of the ice cream man, the
unnerving malasada baby mascot, and years of deliciously backed claims (at least in my family) the classic example of a satisfying malasada.
Agnes's Bakery, a well rounded bakery in its own right, serves savory lunches as well as baked goods. A more modest presentation than Leonard's, but still claims to be the best.
Champion's Bakery, the bakery where this entire journey began. We visited Champion's multiple times during this particular visit, just for their malasadas. A versatile and well known bakery that showcases its malasadas.
and last, but not least,
Liliha Bakery. We always make a stop at Liliha Bakery when we visit Hawaii, out of customer loyalty and the fact that they have
the best coco puffs. But that's another story entirely.
Malasada Madness!So, with the four different bakeries in mind, we met with family friends and dug into the dozens and dozens of malasadas!
I'm not sure I've ever eaten that much fried dough and I'm not sure I will again. But it was so totally worth it.
We discovered that Leonard's were pretty much the same old classic that we expected.
From Leonard's Bakery.
Agnes's had a crisp, crunchy texture.
From Agnes's Bakery.Champions were yeasty.
From Champion's Bakery.And Liliha's were the most creative, with different fillings.
Chocolate dobash filling.Overall, the final verdict was that the crunch of
Agnes's malasadas set them apart from the rest. I don't remember much else, mostly because I immediately fell into a deep food coma of deliciousness. But if you're ever in Oahu and find yourself craving malasadas, try any one of these bakeries. They're all wonderful, make their pastries with care, and produce stomach bursting levels of deliciousness!
What's the best kind of malasada you've ever encountered? And where?
Thanks to my dad for some of these photos! :)
From Leonard's Bakery.
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Comments (2)
I have never had such a thing, but it looks like a delicious doughnut, so I am willing to try
I think the tangy, sour dough, like flavor of the Champion malasada is the most unique. They also have the best fillings of all the competition. But for the purist, Agnes's is authentically Portuguese. Leonard's is the classic standard, available at the bakery and in mobile trucks throughout Oahu. Look for a fair or a carnival and the Leonard's truck is there.