Huntington Beach and Hawaii have had a special relationship ever since Duke Kamehameha surfed the shores of Surf City back in the day, and it’s most evident in the city’s vibrant Hawaiian food scene—and we’re not just talking poke. It’s the type of city where Spam musubi is as beloved a regional treat as al pastor tacos, and more places keep opening up for even more specific tastes of the islands.
Right now, my favorite spot is Dough Doughs Hawaiian Cafe, which tastes like a shrimp truck borrowed from an Oahu beach. While all the food is great, they’re most popular for the severely underrated Hawaiian dessert called malasadas, a donut-esque. As I mentioned in my article a couple of months ago:
Dough Doughs offers a build-it-yourself option or six preselected combos; start with the combos to see the dive’s talents in action. The No. 6 piña colada oozes with each bite; the Neapolitan features chocolate, vanilla and strawberry filling and mixes with the ease of getting your partner to join in a luau. Mini ones are available as well, but whatever you order, be prepared to lick your fingers and shirt: The malasadas rain sugar on you as if you were the protagonist in Def Leppard’s masterpiece.
Enjoy!
Dough Doughs Hawaiian Cafe, 16552 Bolsa Chica St., Huntington Beach, (714) 846-8253 www.doughdoughshawaiiancafe.com
The List:
72. Salsas from Salsa Bandolera
73. Chorizo Breakfast Bagel at Spigas Bakery and Cafe
74. Whole Chicken Combo at Falafelo
75. Toothpick Lamb at Sichuan Impression
76. Hainan Chicken Rice at Baos Hog
77. Fruit- and Ice Cream-Topped Waffles at Crave
78. Garlic Shrimp Poke at Costco
79. Chimichurri Fries at Piaggo on Wheels
80. Torta Cubana at Cancun Juice
81. Adobo Bowl at Irenia
82. Garlic Noodles at Krave Asian Fusion
83. Broccolini at SeaSalt WoodFire Grill
84. Spicy Tuna Roll at Yard House
85. Amber Roll at Orange Roll and Sushi
86. Frito Chili Cheeseburger at Burger Parlor
87. Maui Sunrise at The Original Banzai Bowls
88. Meals from The Performance Kitchen
89. Pizza-Sized Quesadilla at Los Sanchez
90. Filipino Brunch at EATS Kitchen And Bar
91. Mexican Chocolate at the Pie Hole
92. Biscuits at James Republic
93. Mushroom Flatbread with Kale and Kumquat Salad at Lemonade
94. Mexican-Style Gelatins from Santa Ana’s Gelatina Goddess
95. Hot Pastrami Caesar Salad at Bruxie
96. Jalapeño Pupusas at Las Cazuelas
97. Meatball Sliders at Fresh Brothers
98. Buffalo Cauliflower at Mead’s Green Door Cafe
99. Raindrop Cake at Sunmerry Bakery
100. Doughrito at Surfin’ Donuts
