If you grew up in Utah, there is a good chance the first time you heard the word “malasada” was from a friend who served a mission in Hawaii or took a trip to Oahu. So what is it, exactly?
The short answer
A malasada is a Portuguese yeast doughnut. The dough is fried until the outside is golden and the inside is light and airy, then rolled in sugar. There is no hole in the middle. It is best eaten hot, within minutes of coming out of the fryer.
Where malasadas come from
Malasadas started in Portugal, especially the islands of Madeira and the Azores. They were traditionally made before Lent, as a way to use up sugar and fat before the fasting season began.
In the late 1800s, Portuguese workers came to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations, and they brought malasadas with them. Over time the malasada became a Hawaiian staple. In Hawaii, the Tuesday before Lent is often called Malasada Day.
How is a malasada different from a doughnut?
- No hole. Malasadas are round and solid, a bit like a ball.
- Lighter inside. The dough is rich with eggs and butter but fries up airy, not dense like a cake doughnut.
- Rolled, not glazed. The classic malasada is rolled in granulated sugar instead of dipped in glaze.
- Made to be eaten fresh. A malasada is at its best hot.
How to order one at Onoh’s
At Onoh’s Malasada Co, every malasada is fried to order and served hot. You choose your sugar, filling and drizzle. If you do not know where to start, get a sugared malasada first. Then try a filled one.
- 1 malasada: $2.45
- 3 malasadas: $7.25
- 6 malasadas: $14.00
- 12 malasadas: $26.00
- Founder’s Favorites (we pick for you): $19.00 for 6, $35.00 for 12
We also use the same dough for our malasada buns, which is what every sandwich and burger on our menu is served on. See the full menu.
Try one in Pleasant Grove
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.
Onoh’s started in Provo in 2021 and now fries malasadas to order in Pleasant Grove. Order ahead online or stop by.