As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I recently had the opportunity to try Cuban food for the first time at Havana Dining KL, located in NU Sentral.
Well, as a Malaysian myself, I’ve heard many calling it “spicy” and similar to Mexican food.
This dining experience featured a five-course meal priced at RM138 per person. Here’s how my culinary journey unfolded.
The ambiance of Havana Dining KL immediately sets the mood for a unique dining experience. With its warm, inviting decor and Cuban music playing softly in the background, I felt transported to the streets of Havana.
The dim lighting, rustic wooden furniture, and colorful frames depicting Cuban scenes added to the authentic atmosphere.
The staff, especially the manager, were exceptionally friendly and attentive, guiding me through my first Cuban culinary adventure with ease.
Their extensive knowledge of the menu and willingness to explain each dish were commendable, making me feel comfortable and excited with each course that arrived at the table.
Here’s more about the food!
The first course was Seared Tuna with Avocado Lime, Rice Crisp, and Peanut Rayu. Believe it or not, it was my first time trying seared tuna, and it was absolutely delicious.
Though the combination seemed a bit unusual at first, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together with each bite.
The second course was Chicken Croquette with Garlic Citrus Sauce. For those who prefer beef, there’s an option to choose based on your preference.
Despite its fancy name, it was just deep-fried chicken fritters. I absolutely loved it as it added a bit of spice to my taste buds, elevating the dining experience.
Is Cuban food spicy?
My opinion might differ if I was actually in Havana trying Cuban food, but as of now, in Malaysia, the Cuban food I tried was far from spicy.
It was a perfect blend of various spices, with each dish at Havana Dining KL stirring up my taste buds with a delightful mix of bitter, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors.
The third course was a surprise in the entire menu. It’s called Beetroot & Bluecheese Bignet, Honey Vinaigrette. The combo was completely a whirlwind. As a picky eater, this was definitely my least favourite.
The chef told us that it’s supposed to be tangy with a hint of sugary sweet taste with the beetroot.
A must try at Havana Dining KL
While waiting for our five-course meal, we decided to order the Cuban Gambas as a side dish, and let me tell you, we fell in love. These were the juiciest prawns, packed with incredible flavors. Priced at RM45, the portion size and the quality of the prawns were definitely worth the price.
If you’re looking to add more variety to your meal, there are plenty of side dish options to choose from. A tip from me to avoid breaking the bank is to opt for either the three-course or five-course menu, which offers great value for the quality and quantity of food you receive.
Now, shall we have the main course?
For the main course, we had the Slow Braised Lamb and the Grilled Cumin & Chili Rubbed Salmon. Personally, I felt the salmon could have been more tender, but the sauce was so delicious that I kept digging for more.
The absolute perfection, however, was the Slow Braised Lamb. It was incredibly tender, melting at the tip of my tongue.
The lamb was so captivating that I found myself eagerly leaning towards the plate, savoring every bite. I ended up ditching the salmon and indulged in the tenderness of the lamb!
Last but not least, our cuban culinary adventure had to end with Cuban flan Cassero. It was very colorful and I loved the presentation so much. My family loved it and swiped off the plate clean.
Will I try Cuban food again?
Perhaps I would have a different experience if I was dining in Havana itself, but for now, Havana Dining KL at NU Sentral has definitely won me over. If you ever find yourself at NU Sentral, make sure to head to Level 6 and visit Havana Dining KL. The food is absolutely worth it and surprisingly affordable.
Bring your friends and family along for a perfect night out with exceptional food. The ambiance, the attentive service, and the delightful dishes create an unforgettable dining experience. You won’t regret it!
READ MORE:
