New York Midtown Hidden Gem

New York Midtown Hidden Gem: Cuban-Chinese Fusion That Surprisingly Hits the Spot! 🌟 🍜New York has seen all sorts of fusion cuisines, but a 🇨🇺🇨🇳 Cuban-Chinese fusion is a first for me! The shop’s sign is a giant cleaver—super memorable and hard to forget. 🪓 Crispy Pork Belly & Wings 🥓: Though it says “crispy,” the pork belly is actually gently pan-fried to a slightly fragrant texture. The fat layer is tender, while the meat is a bit chewy from frying. It’s served with Laoganma chili bean paste and fried garlic, which evoke a nostalgic taste. The chicken wings are pretty big, with five pieces that are tender and easy to enjoy. Flank Steak 🥩: A classic Cuban combo of black beans and fried plantains (slightly sweet), served with rice. The medium-rare steak is both tender and chewy, with a mild seasoning that pairs well with the hearty carbs. It’s a filling dish that’s hard to leave hungry. Lobster Noodle 🦞🍜: Surprisingly delicious! The lobster meat is fresh and plump, with two full lobster claws included. The stir-fried noodles have a strong wok hei (that smoky, charred flavor), with fried garlic, onions, black pepper, Laoganma, and fermented bean paste. The aroma is intoxicating, and the dish is a perfect blend of color, aroma, and taste! 💯 🍜Desserts: The Flan 🍮 and Tres Leche 🍰 have a normal sweetness level. My friends and I preferred the Tres Leche because the cake is soaked in cream, fresh milk, and condensed milk, giving it a soft and multi-layered milky flavor. At first glance, it seemed like an exotic choice, but after tasting, the flavors were all spot-on. The lobster noodles especially elevated my overall impression. The dimly lit, red-lit ambiance of the lively tavern is perfect for sipping drinks and chatting away. 🥂 📍 Calle Dao #NewYorkFoodie #NYCMustTry 🍜🌟