Cuban Tamales in Madrid: A Delicious Surprise at Al son de Cuba

👋 Reunion Over Cuban Flavors Caught up with Claudia (who just moved nearby!) at Al son de Cuba, a hidden gem in Madrid's residential area. Post-workout, we dived into these Cuban-Latino delights—here's what stood out: 🍴 Menu Highlights: From Tamales to Coconut Desserts ✅ Corn Tamales (Fig. 1) Chinese-Cuban lovechild: ✅ Massive corn husk-wrapped tamales filled with tender pork chunks ✅ Salty-savory kick from green olives, perfect for sharing ✅ Texture reminds me of Chinese sticky rice dumplings, but with a corny twist ✅ Fried Empanadas (Fig. 2) Latin American classic: ✅ Crispy fried dough stuffed with spiced ground beef ✅ Unlike Argentina's baked versions, these are deep-fried to golden perfection ✅ Dipping sauce: tangy tomato-chili relish ✅ Típica Cubana Pork Chop (Fig. 3) Mixed reviews: ✅ Thick-cut pork chop marinated in citrus, decently tender ❌ Undercooked yuca: starchy and unseasoned, needed more boil time ✅ Saving grace: black bean stew over white rice—earthy, umami-rich, and addicting ✅ Coconut-Cheese Dessert (Fig. 4) Sweet-savory clash: ✅ Shredded coconut mixed with creamy Latin American cheese ✅ Caramelized sugar top adds crunch, but richness requires sharing ✅ Took half home—tasted even better chilled! ✅ Coconut Pudding (Fig. 5) Tropical creaminess: ✅ Dense custard packed with coconut flakes ✅ Subtle egg flavor, more like a coconut mousse than traditional flan 💡 Practical Details for Foodies 📍 Address: Calle General Lacy 11 / Calle General Ancora 25 (residential neighborhood) 💰 Price: €24–25 pp (4 dishes + 2 desserts shared between 2) 🍹 Pro tip: Order a mojito—they make it with fresh sugarcane juice, true Havana style! ⏰ Go early: Gets busy after 20:00; we snagged a table at 19:30 without a wait 🌟 Final Bite "Al son de Cuba nails the small plates—tamales and empanadas stole the show, while desserts satisfied our coconut cravings. Skip the main courses and focus on shared tapas for the best experience!" #MadridFood #CubanCuisineMadrid #TapasReview #FoodReunion #MadridEats