Onohs Malasada Co. brings Portuguese doughnuts, Polynesian culture to Utah County

Five years ago, Sophie Bussio decided to drop out of college and start selling malasadas, a delicious dessert her family had been eating for more than 75 years.

What started as a food trailer in Provo has now grown into a drive-thru and sit-down location in Pleasant Grove. The storefront opened in August 2025, and Bussio and her team have been crafting and selling traditional malasada pastries as well as new, innovative menu items.

Bussio explained that a malasada is originally a Portuguese pastry that was made popular in Hawaii.

Malasadas are traditionally just fried fresh and then rolled in sugar, and then you can get one or two fillings, she said.

What Bussio realized was that malasada dough could be used for so much more than just a doughnut. She decided to cut the fried malasadas in half and use them as buns for sandwiches.

Were the first people to make a savory option with malasadas, Bussio said.

Onohs Malasada Co. offers 10 fillings for its sweet malasadas along with different sugar and drizzle options. The savory menu includes breakfast sandwiches served all day, burgers and other meat sandwiches.

One malasada doughnut costs $2.35, and adding a filling or drizzle adds 50-60 cents.

I dont believe that you should be paying more than $5 for a pastry, Bussio said. If you want a sweet treat, (a malasada) is a sweet treat that doesnt break the budget.

Raekwon Long, an employee at Onohs Malasada Co., said she loves both the food and the atmosphere at the restaurant.

I really like the friendly environment, the people and the coziness, Long said.

She explained that she loves the Hawaiian music that plays through the speakers and the island decorations on the walls.

Sarah Oliverson, one of the general managers at Onohs Malasada Co., said one of the missions of the restaurant is to be involved in the Hawaiian and Polynesian community in Utah and represent their cultures.

I think most people dont even know what a malasada is, especially here in Utah, Oliverson said. Thats been one of Sophies missions, to bring that here.

Oliverson said they have served many Hawaiian and Polynesian customers and have had great responses, which have been both affirming and rewarding for her.

Bussio said she has a lot of Polynesian culture in her family, and she is proud of the product she serves.

I strongly believe in my product, and I strongly believe that once you have a bite of it, you will keep coming back, Bussio said.