The malasada is a type of doughnut with roots in 16th-century Portugal and is widely popular in Hawaii. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The malasada — a type of doughnut with roots in 16th-century Portugal and widely popular in Hawaii — has arrived near Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo.
Tokyo Malasada, a bakery chain with several locations across the metro area and one in Osaka, opened its newest shop on April 24 on Dobuita Street, a shopping area near the naval base.
A recent visit found a line forming at the shop’s walk-up window. Limited seating is available inside the small storefront, but most customers appeared to be grabbing their orders to go.
The menu includes a variety of enticing options, such as the original plain malasada, cinnamon-sprinkled versions, and cream- or custard-filled selections — all appealing choices for those with a sweet tooth.
Popular flavors tend to sell out quickly. The rich cream malasada, filled with a fluffy white cream, was already gone when it was my turn to order, as friendly staff politely noted.
I purchased two malasadas for 330 yen, or $2.30, each to go along with a kinako malasada, or roasted soybean flavored doughnut; a cinnamon-dusted malasada; and a “Fluffy” doughnut with crusty, sugary icing.
The kinako and the cinnamon malasadas were soft and chewy as expected, and the soybean flavor was light and not overwhelming. The Fluffy doughnut is like our typical American version with a hole in the center and similar taste.
The bakery also offers cake-like old fashioned doughnuts for 220 yen, available in plain, chocolate, strawberry icing and matcha flavors.
Limited-time malasada options include banana-cream, cookies and cream, lemon cream cheese and “CocoChoco,” which is filled with chocolate cream.
Savory offerings are also on the menu, including a curry-flavored malasada, along with soups and hot dogs.
Beverage options include smoothies for 480 yen, coffee and tea for 280 yen, and a variety of Hawaiian Sun juices for 300 yen.
Chances are, customers won’t leave with just one of these sweet or savory treats.
Tokyo Malasada, a bakery chain with several locations across the metro area and one in Osaka, recently opened a shop near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Tokyo Malasada
Location: 3-33 Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 238-0041
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and until 8 p.m. on weekends.
Prices: Two malasada and a drink will cost about 1,000 yen, including tax.
Dress: Casual
Directions: A short walk from the main gate of Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.
Information: www.the-malasadatokyo.com
