Asia de Cuba’s Chino-Latino fusion reworked Iftar evening.
Iftar Hours at Asia De Cuba are set to mark the holy month of Ramadan; they have designed a family-style menu with a touch of Arabic influence. You may gather with friends and family and enjoy a laidback, non-traditional Chino-Latino fusion Iftar experience. Last night we were invited to a reworked Iftar evening at Asia de Cuba. The evening started with On the table plates of Ramadan starters for the diners to break the fast with dates and nibble of sundried fruits and roasted nuts.
Another interesting pre-starter was Sweet potato hummus with a serving of crispy curried cracker bread, crudo vegetables. Both the items were ideal for the table and was a fresher start to a great meal onwards. Afterward, we were able to savor a selection of small plates. This course was my favorite of the dishes included in this section were unique and kept us interested in this course for a long while.
My favorite was SHRIMP & LEMONGRASS SHUMAI it’s dim sum alike served with a chinese mustard vinaigrette, yuzu ponzu which is a very addictive combo.We finished off our basket for sharing with six pieces over a table of 4 in a jiff and shamelessly have asked for one more serving. To my surprise what arrives at our table was a small miniature serving of 4 pieces that were only or me initially 😉 until everyone over the table got tempted and ordered one more.
Next item was LAMB PICADILLO EMPANADAS, two generous servings of the same dish along with bulgogi dipping sauce & lime were presented. Tasted more like Arabic traditional meat sambousa this was another great inclusion in Ramadan menu. Last small plate item to arrive at our table was purely a vegetarian treat with the most stunning presentation.
It was BEET PICATARTARE. I thoroughly enjoyed these crispy wontons with the mix filling of Spanish olives, almonds, currents, avocado ceviche. It was crunchy with a soft center and win our palettes.
Entrees were comparatively less impressive than small plates except STIR-FRY MOJO DUCK NOODLES with Peppers & Asian leek. The black sesame & lime dressing on top did wonders. It was very light and tasty.
CHINESE EGGPLANT was lowest on our taste radar with fermented black beans and green chili along with tofu. It was a pure vegetarian item. Maybe they can replace with another dish with meat inclusion for non-veg diners, and it will have some impact.
Last main we tasted was PESCADO AGRIDULCE with scallion, pineapple, chili, snow peas and plantain fried rice. Their seasoning was always a winner for me. However, plantain fried rice also surprised me with the texture and tasted this time
In desserts, I liked the SORBET taste as it consisted of meringue, yuzu, coconut water. Unfortunately, the only petite serving was placed over a table of 4, which is surely not worth of sharing and also they serve plates instead of bowls for sharing which was a big turn off. CHURROS at this place are always a surprising factor and this time with the peculiar taste of chili chocolate ganache, toasted meringue, matcha. The best churros I had in the Capital.
Thanks a lot for your kind invitations and we shall return soon.
Price is 180 in AED and subject to 10% service charge,6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee
Chef de Cuisine: Phillip Harbi
Executive Chef: Luis A Pous