madeira.news
Culture · Funchal · 28 October 2026

The malassada's origins: from mainland Portugal, via Madeira, to Hawaii

According to a report, the malassada did not originate in the Azores and travelled through Madeira before reaching Hawaii.

The malassada, the fried sugar-dusted pastry, did not originate in São Miguel, according to a report published by Expresso.

The piece traces the sweet's journey from mainland Portugal, through Madeira, where it was reportedly linked to convent and nuns' recipes, before reaching Hawaii.

The available text does not give specific dates or historical sources, so the route should be read as the one the report presents.

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