Leonard's (Yokohama World Porters) — Restaurant in Yokohama

This is one of those rare imports that actually works in Japan. It’s the Hawaiian malasada...essentially a sugar bomb wrapped in fried dough - that’s been around since the '50s. In Honolulu, people line up for them like it’s an Apple keynote. Here you can stroll right in, grab a piping-hot one, and pretend you’re in Waikiki minus the jet lag.

Let’s talk economics: ¥210 for a sugar or cinnamon malasada, ¥270 if you want custard or banana cream. That’s value. For less than the cost of one Air Cabin ticket across the harbor, you could buy four malasadas and still have change for coffee.

Taste? Shockingly close to the Hawaiian original. The outside is crisp, the sugar sticks to your fingers like a Vegas blackjack habit, and the inside is airy with just enough chew. Not too oily, not too sweet...Japan’s precision engineering applied to fried dough. I had the cinnamon sugar, and it felt like a hug from Elvis in his Blue Hawaii phase.

The shop itself leans into kitsch: bright pink branding, cartoon malasadas with googly eyes...but that’s part of the fun. You’re not here for Michelin stars. You’re here to eat fried dough that makes Krispy Kreme look like...

Situated within Yokohama World Porters, Hawaiian Town, Leonard’s is very popular, which sells not only the food and drink but also the merchandise. Being popular can cause a long queue but it moves quite quickly, so the wait was not long. The hot coffee has a good strength and taste, as the original Lion’s coffee from Kona, Hawaii. If you buy at least 6 doughnuts you can get the nice presentation boxes to share with others. Less than 6 doughnuts is usually with a paper bag, within individual paper holders, to keep clean when eating, so is very convenient. The price is good, and the best doughnut flavour is sugar cinnamon, so you can try something...

• Store is located on the 1st floor. • There is food-court seating right in front of the store with tables. • There is no water station, so I recommend buying a drink or bringing your own.

Simple flavors with amazing taste! These donuts are mochi-mochi style and are best eaten shortly after being bought. I'd 100% recommend this to my friends, and it would be an excellent お土産.

The staff are friendly and working very efficiently. Even though there were 15+ people in front of me, I only waited in line for around 10 minutes. Don't be discouraged by the long line - these donuts...