Tokyoites apparently just can't get enough of the Big Apple's signature edibles: from Dominique Ansel Bakery and Popbar to Luke’s Lobster, the city has seen a flood of new NYC imports open for business over the past year or so. The invasion continues on May 28, when downtown Manhattan's beloved Café Habana makes its way to Shibuya and opens in the building that also houses new club Sankey's. Look forward to multiple-award-winning Cuban food, including the famed Cubano Sandwiches and Grilled Corn that have attracted so many celebrities to Habana's New York restaurant over more than 15 years.
The Cubano Sandwich is composed of citrus-marinated roast pork, swiss cheese, chipotle mayo and pickles on a warm toasted roll – a combo so good it's been voted 'best sandwich in New York'. Meanwhile, the Grilled Corn is served with mayo, cojita cheese and chilli powder with a spritz of lime, and is another long-running favourite. Founder Sean Meeman swears both signature dishes are worth a wait – fittingly enough, as long queues are bound to form outside the eatery over the first few months.
Compared to the New York restaurant, Habana's Shibuya outpost is pretty spacious, but maintains the original's vibe with blue seats and palm trees drawn on the walls. Alongside the above-mentioned New York favourites, you'll find Japan originals like a Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich and Grilled Garlic Tuna with Rice and Beans, served with decadently creamy garlic sauce. Whether you're here for lunch or dinner, your meal isn’t complete without a glass (or two) of their homemade sangria, which comes in red and white versions.
Don’t leave without ordering dessert – no other place in Tokyo (that we know of) serves classic New Orleans Beignet, dippable in Habana’s original piña colada cream. If you’re in for a less boozy sweet treat, try the Bread Pudding, soaked in rich custard so delicious you’ll want to lick every crumb off the plate and slip into a food coma. Pair your desserts with Cafe Con Leche, an unsweetened coffee drink with espresso and steamed milk. And for a sweet option, there's always the Cafe Cubano, an espresso shot laced with heaps of sugar and apparently part of every traditionalist Cuban’s daily breakfast.
Full details for Café Habana are here.
Photos by Alex Shapiro and Youka Nagase