Malasadas and coffee in the name (so naturally enjoyed both) but don't sleep on their SpamSnack and Plate lunches! I want their ratio recipe for their mac salad. Cash is king, but their malasadas are fresh and extremely rich with filling, mac nut cold brew is strong and sweet, and korean chicken is crispy, largely portioned, and has a bounce that I cannot for the life of me recreate at home. Located in the plaza lot, this is a highly recommended cafe with all good reason. I also appreciate that you can customize coffee add ins and malasada coating (powdered sugar, cinammon and sugar, plain etc). They do have dairy free options like soy, almond and mac nut to include if you're dairy free.

I see on YELP the "cash only" is stated. I saw advertisement of Manuela Malasada on instagram. I Arrived with the sign post of cash only. I went in to ask about cc payment (just in case), no luck. I drove around for an ATM to retrieve $20 cash. I went back in to be charged $21.55 for 6 malasadas. I did not see the $1 charge for flavored fillings, nor did the customer service staff informed me of it when I called in. She just took order and said it will be ready in 10 minutes. There were two customers sitting and eating their malasadas. By this time I was getting a little embarrassed because I'm now questioning everything and felt that I had to leave without them. The two gracious people offered to pay for the difference. BUT, that wasn't the point here. 1st the "cash only" payment post 2nd the CS should remind people calling in of their special order prices (there are still people like me who doesn't read the whole menu through). With just those two reminders, It would save customers time and the inconvenience. On the other hand...the 4 STARS is because the malasadas are delicious!!! Good size and lots of filling. It is a little pricey. Again, thank you to the two people who offered to pay difference, but management agreed to take my $20 for full payment.

CASH ONLY!!!! I've been trying a lot of the new places that opened up near my house lately and this place was one of them. I never have cash on me but thank goodness I did when I finally decided to go. This place is in the same shopping plaza as Titas kitchen where the store front "homestyle Hawaiian" used to be. I think they just fused the two businesses together because they still offer some plates to buy along with the malasadas. I'm not much of a sweet tooth person so I was very pleased when I took a bite out of the Ube cheesecake malasada that it wasn't overpowering with sugar and sweetness, it was just perfect. The dough was perfect and fresh as well as the filling. The only thing that sucks is you have to buy 3; they don't sell singles there. It's also an additional $1 to add filling to the donut. As for the coffee they brew cafe moto beans. I got the Dutch coffee it tasted more like chocolate to me which I actually had a craving for so I was happy with what I ordered. Will definitely come back to try more coffee but with less sweetness. I also liked that for oat milk it was only .25 extra. Not $1 like other places. Would definitely come back.

Malasadas made to order with different toppings and fillings. The place smells so good! It's a small place and there's a wait, but made to order malasada is worth the wait. They also got cafe moto coffee. We tried the strawberry matcha, ube horchata, and a coffee. We also tried the spam musubi and a couple different malasadas. The malasada is warm and very fresh! I would definitely get it again. This is cash only establishment but there's ATM machine inside to get cash. When I went, there's only 1 person on the register and making the coffee. He was very busy! My coffee was a bit cold, but the guy was super busy. I would definitely come back for that malasada. It's warm and gooey goodness!

Great place to get close to authentic Hawaiian malasadas without traveling to the islands. Just down the way from Valerio's bakery and Tita's Kitchen. Friendly staff and easy to order. They make 'em fresh, so be prepared for some hot off-the-fryer treats. We got a combo of non-filled and filled (banana cream. strawberry, Nutella, ube, creme brulee). One of the flavors I would not recommend is the banana cream (prob just me) lol Will def come back for more when we visit Tita's!

I had to scoop some things up from work. Glad they sent me here! AMBIANCE: Parking: Plaza parking and some street parking. It shouldn't be too much of an issue. Seating: Its moreover a grab-and-go but there is a seat and small table for a lucky customer. Feels: Welcome to National City! There are plenty of eateries in this neck of the woods, especially Filipino. The spot itself is simple and intimate. A very grit and grind store but takes pride of its culture and its food. Moreover to grab something and headout or do catering orders FOOD: MalaCristo (Recommend) I've had malasadas but never a malacristo (monte cristo)! This was delicious, soft-eggy dough, savory ham, sweet jam and sprinkled powdered sugar. Mint Mocha (Recommend) I was thinking something more like a Philz Coffee mint mojito but this was more like a peppermint mocha from Starbucks which was still delightful! Creamy, thick, and the mint flavor was refreshing. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Chloe was great! We had a huge order and she handled it well. TL; DR OVERALL: 5 Stars. Reasonable prices, good options, and a good experience. I got great feedback especially the malasadas. Malasadas are usually sized up with Hawaii and Manuela does it justice. Looking forward to coming back here. Whenever you're in National City or San Diego and you're looking for your Hawaiian/donut fix. Be sure to check this spot out! TIPS: *They took over Homestyle Hawaiian so they have Hawaiian plates too!

What a great find in National City! Total hole in the wall with delicious and fresh malasadas and lots of flavor choices. I wouldn't even know where else to find malasadas in San Diego! Staff was also very friendly. I had a large order and they were quick and helpful. Will return!

First, let's talk ambiance. The place is small but cute--definitely a "come purchase and go" kind of vibe. There are just two tables outside and a few chairs for people to sit while they wait. It's cozy, and while there's not much room to lounge, it gets straight to the point: you're here for malasadas, and malasadas you shall get! With my birthday around the corner, I was on a mission to treat myself to something new and exciting. After hearing rave reviews about Manuela Malasada & Coffee Co. from friends, I thought, "Why not? Let's see what all the buzz is about!" So, off I went, full of joy and excitement, ready to dive into some freshly made malasadas and maybe grab a coffee for a little self-birthday love. But here's where the plot thickens... I arrive, practically skipping, only to be greeted by a gigantic sign: *CASH ONLY.* Of course, I had conveniently left my debit card at home, and there it was, mocking me from the ATM machine in the corner. No way was I going to let that stop me! After a quick phone call to a friend who lived nearby (thank you, Venmo, and thank goodness for generous friends), I had $10 cash in hand. Now, here's where things get interesting: You can't just buy *one* malasada. Nope! They've got 3-piece, 6-piece, and 9-piece options. I thought, "I just wanted a little coffee and a pastry!" but settled on the 3-piece like a champ. I picked the regular, powdered, and li-hing. And while I wanted to try the fillings, I was exactly $1 short. The cashier cheerfully told me, "You'll just have to come back to try the fillings!" And trust me--I will! Though the cash-only situation threw a wrench in my plan, let me tell you: those malasadas were worth every penny. Fresh, hot, perfectly crisp with each bite, and the doughiness inside was heaven. I wish they took cards, but hey, I get it. Processing fees are a pain. In short, my cash-strapped adventure didn't disappoint, and I'll definitely be back (with more cash next time) to dive into those filling options. Until then, I'll savor this little 3-piece victory!