🌴 Hidden Cuban Flavors in NYC

Sabor de Cuba: A Surprise with Menus in Cigar Boxes 🇨🇺 From "Not a Cuban Food Fan" to "Eating Here Two Days in a Row": A Gem in Astoria Stumbling upon Sabor de Cuba while exploring Astoria completely changed my view on Cuban cuisine—even the menu is tucked inside a vintage cigar box, feeling like unwrapping a South American gift when you open it🎁 I went in thinking "just trying it," but ended up dragging my partner back for two consecutive days. Every dish screams "thoughtfulness," and it’s easy to see why it won over someone who never liked Cuban food. 🍴 Must-Order Dishes: From Creative Starters to Rice-Soaking Mains 🧩 Starter Recommendations: The Right Way to Taste Cuba CEVICHE： Cuba’s take on ceviche is a delight—fresh white fish marinated in lime juice until semi-raw, bright with citrus and a hint of sea salt. Served with plantain chips that are crispy outside, soft inside, the contrast of tender fish and crunchy chips creates layers of texture that wake up your taste buds. CROQUETAS ： These Cuban national snacks live up to the hype! Fried ham croquettes are surprisingly large, with a golden, crispy crust giving way to a creamy, salty interior laced with cheese. Three per order, dipped in the house spicy sauce—impossible to stop at one. 🥩 Main Course Highlights: Every Dish Deserves a Doggy Bag MAR Y TIERRA HAVANERO： My top pick! Medium-rare steak is juicy enough to ooze pink juices when cut, rich with charred fat and smoky flavor. Grilled shrimp, deveined and plump, are coated in garlic butter. But the star? Cilantro rice—fresh green cilantro mixed into fluffy grains, fragrant and refreshing enough to eat on its own. ROPA VIEJA： Literally "old clothes" in translation, this dish is unexpectedly rice-friendly. Slow-cooked shredded beef, tender and soaked in tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice, pairs perfectly with rice—you’ll polish off a bowl without realizing it. VACA FRITA (Image 6)： Fried beef is a experience! Crispy, chewy, and seasoned with spices, it’s delicious but can get greasy after a few bites. Generous portions make it great for sharing; pair with pickles to cut the richness. Salmon： Who knew a Cuban restaurant would ace salmon? The fish is so tender it flakes with a fork, completely odor-free. The accompanying sauce, bright with citrus, balances sweet and tangy—even non-fish lovers will go back for more. 🍹 Drinks & A Small Note: Mojito Joy and Tip Reminder Don’t skip the mojito： My partner’s three-glass obsession—classic mint, lime, rum, and soda, icy and refreshing. The alcohol is mellowed by fruit, making it easy to sip until slightly tipsy, when the restaurant’s salsa music sounds even better. The only downside： A mandatory 20% service charge is added to the bill. We missed it on our first visit and left an extra tip, doubling up😂 Service is good, but worth checking before paying! 📍 Address & Final Thoughts Tucked in Queens, Sabor de Cuba proves why it’s a gem—every dish, from creative starters to hearty mains, oozes Cuban warmth. If you’re in NYC and want Cuban food that doesn’t disappoint, this is a must-visit. Address: 3703 31st Ave, Queens, NY 11103 #NewYorkEats #HiddenGemRestaurant #USFoodie #CubanCuisineNYC