malasada

The term "malasada" is universally used across Hawaii by locals, visitors, and bakeries to describe the iconic Portuguese deep-fried dough. It is entirely appropriate in any setting, from casual family gatherings to formal bakery menus. You will rarely hear anyone in Hawaii call them "Portuguese doughnuts" or "hole-less doughnuts"—they are simply malasadas.

Originally brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants from the Azores and Madeira who came to work on the sugar plantations in the late 19th century, the malasada was traditionally made to use up butter and sugar before Lent. Today, they are a staple of Hawaii's local food culture, famously sold at places like Leonard's Bakery on Oahu or T. Komoda Store on Maui. While the traditional version is simply coated in plain white sugar, modern variations are often rolled in cinnamon sugar or li hing mui powder, and stuffed with fillings like haupia (coconut), dobash (chocolate), or lilikoi (passion fruit) custard.

Palani leaned against the tailgate of his Tacoma in the Kahului Costco parking lot, trying way too hard to impress Marisol. He had just bought a fresh dozen from the bakery truck parked near the gas pumps, bragging loudly that he could easily polish off six of them before they even hit the highway back to Makawao. Kapono just rolled his eyes and grabbed a plain sugar one, knowing exactly what was about to happen.

"Watch this," Palani boasted, grabbing a massive, overstuffed custard malasada. He took a huge, aggressive bite to show off. The pastry collapsed under the pressure, and a geyser of scalding hot, bright yellow vanilla custard erupted from the side. It shot directly onto his nose, splattered across his brand-new black Maui Built shirt, and dripped onto his slippahs.

Marisol physically cringed, her face flushing with secondhand embarrassment as several aunties pushing shopping carts stopped to stare. Kapono doubled over laughing, slapping the truck bed. Palani stood there frozen, his face burning hotter than the custard slowly sliding down his chin, realizing he had just completely played himself over a Portuguese doughnut.