Malasadas and beignets get compared a lot. Both are pillowy fried dough, and both come covered in sugar. But they have different histories, shapes and textures.
The short answer
A malasada is a round Portuguese yeast doughnut, rolled in granulated sugar and made famous in Hawaii. A beignet is a square of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, best known from New Orleans and its French roots.
Where they come from
- Malasadas: from Portugal, especially Madeira and the Azores. Portuguese plantation workers brought them to Hawaii in the late 1800s.
- Beignets: a French fried-dough tradition that came to Louisiana with French settlers and became a New Orleans icon.
How they differ
- Shape: malasadas are round balls. Beignets are usually square or rectangular.
- Sugar: malasadas are rolled in granulated sugar. Beignets get a heavy dusting of powdered sugar.
- Dough: malasadas use a rich, eggy yeast dough. Beignets often puff up with a light, airy center.
- Fillings: malasadas are often filled with custards and creams. Classic beignets are served plain.
Which should you try?
Both, honestly. But if you are in Utah County, malasadas are the easier one to find fresh. At Onoh’s Malasada Co in Pleasant Grove, every malasada is fried to order. Try a sugared one first, then a filled one.
Curious how malasadas compare to regular doughnuts? Read What Is a Malasada?
FAQ
Is a malasada a beignet?
No. Both are fried dough with sugar, but malasadas are round Portuguese doughnuts rolled in granulated sugar, and beignets are square French-style fritters dusted with powdered sugar.
Where can I get malasadas in Utah?
Onoh’s Malasada Co in Pleasant Grove fries them to order.
Onoh’s Malasada Co is at 1043 S Valley Grove Way, Ste A, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062. Open 8am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, 8am to 9pm Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Order ahead online or see the full menu.