Tag Archives: Portuguese

Roadside Hawaiian Malasadas

The year of 1878 was important in Hawaiian history. Not because of battles, government, or natural events. Instead, 1878 is the year that Portuguese laborers introduced to the islands their perfection of confection–the Malasada.

Coming to Hawaii to work on plantations, the Portuguese traditionally made the delicious fried dough pastry Malasada (Portuguese for “light-roasted”) prior to Lent to use up the rest of their fat and sugar, which were forbidden during the season.

The culture of Hawaii knew a good thing when they saw it and Malasadas continue to be found throughout Hawaii. This picture shows a quintessential Hawaii roadside food establishment offering the traditional treat alongside BBQ chicken.