version. Ending the meal on a sweet note
is the most ideal way to close an exquisite
culinary experience, and the dessert
at Asia de Cuba is just as exciting and
eclectic as the rest of the menu. Including
options such as the Guava cheesecake,
which, unlike a traditional cheesecake, is
layered with crispy sheets and whipped
cheesecake topped with fruit. Crunchy and
creamy at the same time, the cheesecake
is light but flavourful. Also serving the
traditional Cuban dessert of Buñuelo, a
fried dough ball akin to a donut centre
is served with a sugar-cane based sauce
cooked with cinnamon, honey, orange,
and cloves, and adding his own twist on
the traditional donut, Chef Luis creates it
using sweet potato and brioche-base, and
served with caramel dipping sauce and
chilli chocolate sauce.
The carefully crafted drinks at Asia de
Cuba as well mirror the exotic nature of
the food with delicious cool drinks such as
the Buena Vista made from passion fruit,
passion fruit syrup, topped off with soda
and homemade spicy syrup, and pineapple
or the Mariposa Rosa, which is a tangy and
sweet drink made from hibiscus, raspberry,
and watermelon, egg white, and a little bit
of lime juice. The drinks options at Asia de
Cuba are tantalising and refreshing and
have something available for everyone.
“The menu is a combination of flavours
and mix of Asian and Latin cuisine. Every
dish is different. The menu reflects what
a Cuban menu could look like now
(traditionally) – an exciting range of
flavours”, Chef Luis says.
Complementing the menu is the chic
interior of the restaurant itself. Located
in the fashionable complex of Gallery 21,
the venue is hard to miss as the exterior
demands attention with its spacious vicinity
and a striking modern look in the day, and
brightly lit at night invoking an ambiance of
effervescence. The interior of the restaurant
is reminiscent of outdoors Cuba with lush
live-walls, high glass ceiling which allows
in ample sunlight during the day, and tall
trees in the dining area that add an air of
exoticism without getting in the way of the
two-level dining area. The upstairs balcony
dining area seats the guests right next to
the lush greenery as they overlook the busy
area below while enjoying their meals. At
night, the restaurant is transformed into a
more demure setting with dimmed lights
and live Cuban music to really transport
the diners to the fun Cuban nights, to allow
them to really experience the unique nature
of Cuban culture all the while indulging in
its rich cuisine. Full of life and flavour, Asia
de Cuba is more than a restaurant that
serves quality food, but rather brings to its
customers an experience in Bahrain like
never before.
Ensuring people are not only completely
encapsulated in the ambiance of Cuba but
also understand the concepts and cultures
of Cuba and love it as much as the natives
themselves, Chef Luis and Asia de Cuba
have brought to Bahrain an extraordinary
dining experience. From the contemporary
yet comfortable setting, to the unique
and appetising dishes, Asia de Cuba is an
incredible journey to the country itself from
the moment one sets foot through the iron
cast doors.
APRIL - MAY 2017
Perle
63