Paina Café
Taro Mochi Donut
Chocolate Brownie Mochi Donut
Ube Mochi Donut
Guava Mochi Donut
Strawberry Mochi Donut
Cookie Monster Mochi Donut
Slinging cubed Tuna from Suite G of 6870 Spring Mountain Road since late 2016 Paina Café comes to Las Vegas from Honolulu, the combination of low prices, an ability to customize and #instagram “influencers” finding the space surprisingly popular despite its inconspicuous location.
Self described as “Home of the Original Poke Bowl,” a dubious claim that instead sees the concept operate like Yogurtland with a variety of bases and toppings, guests will find Paina Café tucked amidst Nail Salons and Greenland Supermarket with current hours from 11am until eight o’clock or later daily.
Also serving Sandwiches, Salads and sweets, the latter constituting the vast majority of marketing photos across social media, it was from a friend that six of Paina’s signature Mochi Donuts were delivered Friday at 3:30pm, their appearance admittedly eye-catching and $1.99 each cost on par with other artisan Doughnutteries in the Valley.
Originally popularized in Japan, Mister Donut’s well-known “pon de ring” later catching on in Hawaii before reaching America’s mainland, Mochi Donuts are made from Tapioca Flour and are naturally free of Gluten, their consistency often described as bouncy or light.
Featuring six flavors daily, most a simple variation in Glaze, it is with a light tug that individual orbs separate, Taro undeniably the best in terms of texture though the flavor is mostly like that of Krispy Kreme while Cookie Monster and Chocolate Brownie with textural bits also perform well.
Far better than when tasted in October, the oil less pronounced and interior not sticky, Ube doesn’t really taste any different than classic Glaze, while tangy Guava fares far better than decidedly artificial Strawberry.
THREE STARS: Named after the Hawaiian word for “gathering,” an odd thought in the era of COVID-19, Paina Café’s marketing would suggest the Poke Bowls are a distant second to Donuts in terms of focus and that being the case the only thing novel about their Mochi Rings is the shape and texture.
RECOMMENDED: Taro Mochi Donut, Chocolate Brownie Mochi Donut.
AVOID: Strawberry Mochi Donut.
TIP: @painacafelv on Social
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.painacafe.com
