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I love Leonards! It is one of those buildings that still reminds you of old-school Hawaii in the Waikiki area.
Depending on time and day, Kapahulu may be backed up, which affects your experience. I guess if you're craving for Malasadas, no amount of traffic can hold you. What's cool is that Leonard's actually have smaller stands: one in the parking lot at the Waikele Shopping Center, and another one [I believe] is at the parking lot at the Windward Shopping Center.
I stick to my favorites - the plain and the chocolate filling. I believe they have 'flavors of the month'; they're a hit or miss. Try one if you're feeling adventurous (hey, it's only 70-90 cents each).
Be nice to the staff and tip accordingly! It's a great place, awesome old-school atmosphere, and definitely satisfies the craving for sweets!
I had a chance to stop here during my stay in Hawaii and was hoping for a bit more... Leonards is a nice little bakery that specializes in Malasadas or Portugeuse donuts. The donuts were alright. I got to try the Custard filled as well as the chocolate filled. I ended up liking the chocolate ones better as they weren't super sweet like most other fillings I've had.
The service was nice, but the workers weren't too enthusiastic. They're appearance does give you a pleasant welcoming feeling only let down by the workers. The pastries are presented clearly as they're very organized, so at a glance it's really easy to decide what you want to get.
I'm giving this place a 3 because of maybe the lack of service, but other than that this is still a fine place to pick up some really good malasadas!
We made the 2 mile or so trek from our hotel to Leonard's in search of this fabled tale of the most delicious donuts in the world.
Leonard's did not disappoint. The malasadas were fresh and warm - having told the cashier our order and a second person would come out of the back with your items. The texture of the malasada is quite thick and doughy. I don't think we could eat more than 2, but heck I might be willing to try.
We decided to 3 malasadas: Original, Li Hing Powder, and Custard filled:
The Not-So-Good: I tend to love anything with Custard, but I must say - the Custard Filled is a DON'T. Besides the fact there's really no where to sit, once you take a bite into the custard filled - you get a whole glop of custard all around your face/mouth. The custard/donut ratio is just too much. It'd be plenty if they cut the filling by even a half.
Onto the GOOD: The original! mmm - very yummy indeed. This "plainer" Malasada was reserved for DH.
The BETTER: Li Hing Powdered. Oh! I LOVED this! If you are a mainlander such as myself and not sure what the heck Li Hing is - it's the same taste as the Chinese preserved plums - sour, sweet, and tangy all at the same time. Although Leonard's was not too sweet nor too sour. Very delicate in taste. I was soooo sad when I dropped this malasada after eating about half. I tried to go back to get another one, but the line was insane and no one felt enough sympathy to let me go back to the cashier in front of them. Oh well - the memory of it will need to suffice.
We'll definitely come back to Leonard's when we're on the island. It's definite must-try!
Malasadas!!! I want some Malasadas!!! Okay what is malasadas u asked? It's a Portugese donut, just like regular donut without the holes. It came in 3 flavors, original white sugar, Li Hing powder or Cinnamon. You could also have some filling if you want, they have chocolate, custard, coconut.
They're pretty cheap too, about 70cents each and the one with the filling is 90cents each.The texture is just perfect, not so thick like Dunkin Donuts, yet not so thin like Krispy Kreme! I really like the regular white sugar powder, so good!!! and you gotta eat them while it's HOT!!! If you bring home and reheat, it's okay, but not as delicious as when it's out of pot!
I got the ones from the truck in Waikele, it's called Leonard Jr's, the lady inside was so friendly and nice. I got these while it's drizzling and it tasted so good in the cold weather. Just the right food to eat. Tried the Lihing, not liking it at all, but definitely will come back for the original white sugar!
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP and good good good.
The malasadas are delicious as well as the bread pudding and everything else!
Definitely a great place to stop for a quick and cheap treat.
620+ reviews can't be wrong!
How can I review badly a thing of my childhood that has evolved into a frequent spur-of-the-moment I WANT A MALASADA NOW SWERVE OVER AND I'LL HOP OUT OF THE CAR AND I'LL EVEN BUY YOU ONE TOO indulgence?
Leonard's malasadas used to fly with my father back from business trips on Oahu. Then we moved, and they used to drive with my father on weekend mornings back home for breakfast by the dozens. I could eat five for breakfast. Whoa...
Now everytime I drive down Kapahulu I get a craving, hop in, hop out, and make a mess of sugary crumblies in the car. I haven't tried anything but the malasadas here, but why venture further when you know you're getting something good?
A few years ago they came out with the pudding fillings, the cinnamon sugar, and now the li hing. I was never a fan of the puddings, which are too gloppy, wet, dense, and take out all the beautiful puffy airy sweetness of the original malasada. I try them every once in awhile only to be disappointed by them.
I can occasionally enjoy the cinnamon sugar, and when I'm eating more than one I can sometimes get on board the li hing, but the original is so good, why adulterate it with weird concoctions? Same with tart frozen yogurt. And chocolate bars. Get the original, unadulterated, and you'll be smiling.
Malasadas, what more do I need to say.
The malasadas are warm, fresh every day, and excellent on flavor. The outside is nicely browned in the oil with a soft and spongy interior with an even sugar coating. The dough is not undercooked and gooey like some other places. Nor is it dense and overly heavy like your more common malasada.
Leonard's is a standard for evaluating the malasada.
First let me qualify this with: I've never really had anything else from Leonard's besides their malasadas. Now on to the review...
Oh, deep fried Portugese bread of sugary wonderous goodness, I love thee. Just the sugared please. Right from the friar where they're semi-doughy still. I don't need the box, just dump'em in a bag please. Jeez, my mouth is watering right now just typing this.
You can get them here or any of their smaller shops and trailers throughout the island. If you've never tried and are staying in Waikiki, you gotta... GOTTA go and try these. Leonard's malasadas are the measure for all others.
Oh man, with a slush float from Rainbows. Awe yeah!
You can call it touristy or overrated.
I call it heavenly.
I'm not a huge doughnut fan but these are not mere doughnuts. They are fried balls of pure goodness. We went in the morning and although there was line it didn't take too long. I'm really bummed that we didn't try the custard filled ones. We only had the original ones with the sugar. They were fresh and warm...and melted in our mouths. Weeks after our vacation I can still taste its perfect sugary doughyness in mouth...
Hubby also tried the pao doce (the one with spam and the one with hot dog). The spam one didn't really taste like the spam we know and love and neither did the hot dog one. Next time we'll probably pass on the pao doces and double up on our order of malasadas.
Definitely a MUST-DO when in Oahu.
Definitely a must try if you are in the Waikiki area. We came here in the morning and the line was already out the door. I highly recommend the cinnamon covered as well as the haupia (coconut) filled malasadas. Just make sure to eat them as soon as you get them or very soon thereafter. They don't keep very well, and they taste better fresh anyway.
I've also tried the pao doce. It's like pigs in a blanket but with sweet bread. They only tasted ok to me.
How can you say no to any fried, sugared dough-ball? And how could you possibly say no to a fried, sugared dough-ball filled with goodness?
That's like being offered $1,000,000 and saying "Oh no thanks. Looks good though!"
That's how I feel about these malasadas. I love each and every flavor they have. And I could sit there and stuff my face all day. The only thing that prevents that is the fact that I have other yummy things on my "got-to-eat" list.
I can't say anything other than this shiz is TASTY. It's probably even more tasty because I can't go here very easily from the Midwest...and well, you know how I like a good chase.
Why the 4 instead of 5 stars? The service was ridiculous. I got a woman who just for the life of her couldn't understand my order of "one of everything and an extra guava." Then she disappeared for awhile, came back, and when I asked her to ring it up, she had the damnedest time figuring it out. I don't know how many times I repeated my order. The other employee understood in about 2 seconds and was trying to explain it to her too.
But in the end, I had a malasada in my mouth. So I can't complain too much :)
Oh puffy dough fried to perfection with just the right sprinkling of sugar on top... where have you been during all of my past sweet binges?? A malasada is like a donut but without the hole and not as sweet/dense. However, unlike a donut, it has a shelf life of an hour so eat it fresh! The cinnamon, custard and haupia malasadas are my favorites.
Beware of the line though coz the servers are slow and the tour buses are plenty. At 8:30am there were 5 people ahead of us and it still took 30 mins.
I don't know how to say this Leonard... but I.... I... love you.
I heard another tourist call it a donut hole. I wanted knock him out... bury him in an imu. And eat him 7 hours later. IT IS NOT A DONUT HOLE. It is a malasada.... which is much tastier.
My favs are the haupia (coconut), guava, and plain.
TIP: I always request my malasadas with no sugar on the outside. Seriously the bread is so soft and tasty, plus the filling is sweet that you really don't need the sugar. Some might want me burned at the stake for saying this.... so maybe I should tell you to get the regular sugary one first, if it's too sweet then ask for no sugar on the outside. Also, if you're taking them to go and want to eat them later...then definitely do not get sugar. That is what makes them soggy. You can always add sugar to the outside later. Good way of brining of box home on the flight if you want to keep them semi-fresh.
I would like to have a pillow made of Leonards Malasadas so I could sleep while dreaming of eating Leonards Malasadas and then wake up and find out I had ate my pillow. That's how every nights sleep would be in Heaven....I imagine!
How can 600 reviews be wrong? Go there now! Haupia Creampuffs & Bread Pudding also recommened by me.
Yay! I am a fan but not a huge fan. It is a long walk here from Puka Dog and I recommend taking the bus or a cab on a hot day. We took a bus for half the route and it really helped.
The malasada was good but not great. Maybe because I was tired or maybe because it was the afternoon but I wasn't impressed. I should have gone in the morning I guess.
Bathrooms: none
Get the plain malasadas. Just the plain ones. TRUST ME.
HEAVEN HELP ME, it's worth it to screw my cholesterol level over with at least a mouthful of these.
GET A DOZEN. REALLY. GET EM. SHARE EM. It's what the ALOHA spirit ought to be.
Ah-maaaazing!
I ate a regular donut yesterday, and the entire time, I was wishing it was a malasada. Specifically, a malasada from Leonard's. These fist-sized bites of perfection are best enjoyed in the morning, when they are freshly baked, with the creamy filling (I recommend coconut) oozing out of the beautifully sugared, fried donut-style dough that is still a bit hot.
In other worlds, if you want a pastry that will rock your world (and then some), get a Leonard's malasada now!
Get some hot and ready malasadas of any sort. They have plain and also stuffed. If you're not from here, get some and enjoy the memory. Hard to find (especially in the Bay Area), and I don't think anywhere else can compare.
P.S
I just found out this is my 100th review, Yelpers in the Bay Area, find me a good bakery that sells hot malasadas please.=)
I like coco buffs from Liliha better (though malasadas might be more "traditional" treat). It was good but just wasn't as good as the coco puffs. But I understand that this is a personal preference as I know many folks who like malasadas better than coco puffs. So I recommend trying both (stop here first then head to Liliha's if you are staying near Waikiki) and decide for yourself.
Malasadas = Krispy-Kreme-esque bliss. Don't seen any on display? Don't fret - they have them in the back, so they can give them to you hot and fresh.
So we headed over to Leonard's after stopping at Waiola's Shave Ice. They were just as good as I remembered taking a bite for the first time. I have one in my hand looking at it and it's talking to me saying, "bite me, bite me"!
It's too bad I didn't have time to stop there again before heading to the airport. I'll miss the dobash filled malasadas:( Guess I'll just have to go back to Oahu!
Their malasadas are the best. My wife likes the custard while I prefer the dobash flavored. Eat… Read more »
i was told to try this place while in oahu but i didnt see what the big deal was. a hawaiian doughnut really...but boyyy lemme tell u...it was the best damn doughnut ever..i wish they had the guava filled malasada but i missed it. who wants a pumpkin filled malasada...anyways, walked in plannin on only getting 2, a chocolate and normal one....walked out with 6...they are better fresh out the store, nice and warm too..
For me, Leonard's Bakery is synonymous for malasadas. It's so good that one time, my friend and I were on this exercise kick and were power walking down Kapahulu Avenue and on the way back up to her house in Kaimuki, we couldn't resist the pull of a Leonard's malasada. Okay, it wasn't just one, we ordered 6 for the both of us and ate one as soon as we stepped out of the door. As we were walking back to her house, we decided to have another one (walking and eating is NOT recommended) and of course trying to dust sugar off our faces and t-shirts on the way.
We didn't want her neighbors - that saw us "exercising" everyday to see us carrying the box of Leonard's so she stuffed it under her shirt and made me walk real close in front of her so they wouldn't know that we had just scarfed down 2 malasadas each while we were supposedly exercising. Suffice it to say, after that, we would steer clear of Leonard's because their malasadas can really ruin the best fat-burning intentions, they're that damn good. Too bad the parking kinda sucks.
Yes, the malasadas were good. We bought half a dozen and they smelled really good and tasted even better.
But, the women who took our order....was one of the meanest people we encountered on vacation. She gave us no time to order and when we asked questions she rolled her eyes...and didn't even answer the question.
I wish I didn't have to go through this women to get the yummy.
almost every time there will be a line, but its WORTH IT! These malasadas are made fresh daily and come in different flavors depending on the season.
I've tried the coconut, mango, and custard malasadas and my fav is the MANGO (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) oozing out with gooey goodness. literally, they really DO ooze out, but if its not all over the place, it doesn't belong in your faceee. this is a local place that you can't get anywhere else to comes close ;)
Leonard's has the best malasadas ever! OMG, the original is so perfect and light. I can eat about 3 in one sitting. The dobash and custard are so good. A lot of times, the fillings can be too sweet or over power the light donut, but Leonard's knows how to do it right. The donuts cost less than a dollar each, so you practically have to buy a least 1/2 dozen.
Try it !!! You will not be disappointed! I love trying good places on vacation and this is the perfect little spot to get hot gooey sugar coated donut thingies ;-) YUMMMMM!!
So who the hell comes to O'ahu and does NOT pick up a dozen malasadas (filled or not filled chewy round donuts) from Leonard's? If so, YOU CRAZAAYYYY!
We got a dozen for under $9. WHAT? That's freakin' cheap.
At the time we got 2 of each flavor:
Lilikoi (Hawaiian for passionfruit)
Chocolate (filled, not too sweet surprisingly)
Sugar (just coated, not filled)
Custard (filled, tastes like an Chinese egg tart)
Cinnamon (just coated, not filled -- tastes like a churro)
Li Hing (just coasted, not filled)
And there was coconut but I hate coconut so we passed on that.
I listed it in the order of tastiness, but lilikoi and choc actually tie for first place. I wasn't able to try the Li Hing one b/c by the time I finsihed the first 5, I was already malasada-ed out! I'm not a big fan of Li Hing (plum flavored powdering) so I wasn't too sad I missed out.
Anyway, come to Leonard's, order a dozen malasadas, eat it, get fat and be merry.
HELPFUL HINT: If they're a day or two old, just nuke it in the microwave for 15 seconds! Becareful for the filling will be pippin' hot!
Not knowing what a malasada was at Chef Mavro resulted in a poor desert choice, but since tasting these delectable Portuguese donuts.... I want more. Personally a fan of the cinnamon, though wish I had been around to try the monthly flavor of pineapple.
This month is coconut. Only the main store on Kapahulu has the monthly special.
In 3 stops at this place I really only had two things.
The Malasadas are a great midday sweet snack. Basically like a jelly donut, only better, the lighter and softer pastry can come plain or filled (I like filling!) The haupia (coconut creme) filled is really good.
The Pan Dolce (Portuguese sweet bread), or as it's commonly known here in southern california "Kings Hawaiian Sweet Bread." was also really good to just tear apart and eat. Probably would'a made a ridiculously good sandwich too.
I noticed the comments here about the little ladies that run the place. Funny, I can't argue with any of it. Consider it a right of passage.
Hot, delicious, fresh, sugary, light, cheap...need I say more?
This was our first visit to Leonard's so we decided to try some of everything...original, cinnamon sugar, custard filled, chocolate filled, and a Pao Doce (like pigs in a blanket). All were sooo tasty although the original was definitely the best. They're not doughnuts!! They're definitely much lighter and have this chewy texture to it. The pao doce, although not hot and fresh, was still good. Similar to Chinese hot dog bun pastries. Stick to the Malasadas. The lady filling up our box with the goodies was very friendly too...she seemed to really love working there (free malasadas...who wouldn't be happy?)
What a great place to stop at to get a snack. I wish I brought some back home with me. But an old Malasada just wouldn't cut it.
Nobody makes malasadas like Leonard's does. You can't have too much of this stuff though... gotta watch that sugar intake. Yum.
My entire trip I've been wanting to try some, but there aren't many malasada places on the North Shore. I know a couple of people who grew up there and they all said Leonard's is one of the places I can't miss. I had high expectations for this treat and it delivered.
The valet from our hotel told us to just stick with the original, so we did... I wanted the most authentic Hawaiian stuff possible. It's like deep fried sweet bread and it melts in your mouth. I'd totally get this over Krispy Kreme or any other donuts. So good. Only reason it's not five stars is because I didn't really want anything else from the place - just wanted the legendary malasadas.
Dear wonderful bakery sent from heaven,
i visited with my friend and parents from California. it was a 5 hr long plane ride. when we got here we tried your wonderful pastries and my mom decided to buy some to bring home with us. i asked her how many she was going to buy and she replied six... when we got ot the bakery i see her and six.... BOXES of malasadas. She bought 6 boxes i thought she meant only 6 pastries. Oh what a hassle it was... but so worth it. the BEST donut pastry i have ever tried. i like the cinnamon sugar or normal sugar one. it is perfect. the inside it warm, fluffy, and so yummy. what am i going to do without you here in california???!
i usually dont like donuts but the malasadas was very good. it was somewhat sweet for me so i patted off some of the sugar and it was perfect. When it was warm the bread is so soft it literally melts when you bite in it.
I had the coffee and that was very blah. I would go back again when i come and bring some coffee to mix with the delicious sweets.
These things are pretty damn good. We got in a short line and ordered 2 of each. Original, cinnamon sugar and chocolate filled. They are only like 70 cents each. Sodas and milk are 2.50 each though. The best way to describe these are like fried croissants. The outsides are covered in sugar and then when you bite into them, they are super light and almost stringy kind of...hard to describe. Grab a bunch of napkins. They are messy as a mofo.
We saw Leonard's while trying to find Ono Seafood. After eating a disappointing poke and salmon Lomi Lomi lunch, we were ready to have Malasadas from Leonards.
I've had them before and I loved them.
We walk in and I didn't see any malasadas. my heart stopped! I was gasping for Air! i was flabbergasted. The lady at the counter didn't understand my tongue tied mumbling asking for 1 dozen malasadas, Another experienced lady repeated what I said, I guess she knew the look of a disappointed tourist wanting their tasty treats.
I was So happy they had some in the back. they were hiding these tender morsels of joy from ME! I was so shocked and elated.
It was like everyone forgot your birthday and you walk your house at the end of your gloomy day and find all your friends and family gathered together to throw a surprise Bday party.
that was the exact feeling I got when they confirmed "1 dozen malasadas coming right up"
My girlfriend also wanted these chocolate morsels which I took pictures of, so we got 2 of them.
We take these back to the car and I bust open the box of warm right out of the fryer malasadas.
I take one bite and I find it's not as good as the time I got them before. the inside didn't seem cooked all the way. it was a little gooie. I don't remember them being that way?
Well, they were a disappointment. My girlfriend never had them and she said they were similar to French beignets. and all the beignets she has had were much better.
We tried the chocolate morsels, but they were nasty. It was very chalky which left a bad residue on your taste buds.
I will give the malasadas a second chance, but will not stray from their specialties.
it's a must to come by for their malasadas.
custard filled and li hing malasadas are our favorites there.
it tastes lighter than the traditional donuts from the US Mainland. the outside is thinner and is crunchier. they usually come warm as it has just been fried and slightly cooled before giving it to you.
ohhh, i'm so craving it now as I am talking about it.
MY FAV
Malasada (portuguese donut)
WARNING
Be careful if you decide to enjoy your sweets on the benches outside - - a little bird attacked my breakfast!
OVERALL REVIEW
A great place for breakfast or snack. I tried a malasada for the first time and I wanted another but decided against it since I also ate a portuguese sausage sweet bun (which also left me wanting more).
Get there before 9 pm for your malasadas and don't try to pry open the 'automatic' doors at 9:01!
No mercy if you're late, come back another date.
When you learn to tell time, don't just get 3, get nine - all three flavors (cinnamon, original and li hing)
Honolulu, HI
Category: Desserts
Honolulu, HI
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Honolulu, HI
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Honolulu, HI
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Honolulu, HI
Category: Donuts
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