As the doors swing open to the beachside dining area, we’re welcomed with the screech of a trumpet and the beat of a Latino DJ: but the strongest beat is from the heart of the Corniche’s latest number one dining spot – and its name is Asia de Cuba.
The dining area outside is a hotchpotch of cabanas, cosy tables and bar stools around a high communal table, which is a magnet for socialites.
Our waiter Diego is sociable and hospitable, which puts us at ease as we browse the menu.
The food shouts from the pages. We share, in true Asia de Cuba style, five starters: shrimp ceviche; dumplings de enchiladas de cangrejo; Wagyu empanada; goats cheese fritters and tuna pica.
The shrimp ceviche tingles our tongue with its spice and citrus tones, while the dumplings filled with crab offer a more mellow taste. The Wagyu empanada livens things up again with its sweet, sour and hearty beef blend. As for the cheese fritters, well, our guest devours them – so much for sharing…
The night’s stand out dish is the tuna pica. Diced tuna steak, which has soaked up all the delicious pica dressing, sits atop a cucumber salad featuring red pepper, rice vinegar and honey. This is then neatly placed in a crispy wonton, shaped like a taco – the definition of fusion cooking.
We decide to split a main – sharing is back on – and go for the Wagyu strip steak. The huge cut is laid over chipotle soy potatoes, which are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. This marries well with the pink beef.
Dessert almost makes us explode, but we’re glad we’ve ordered it. Well, three of them. But from the three we try – the Manchego tart, tres leches de chocolate and guava whipped cheesecake – we say go for the cheesecake. It’s a hefty portion of creamy and crackling textures combined with rich flavours and sinful calories, making for a gluttonous end to our meal.
Asia de Cuba guarantees you’ll be Havana good time from start to finish.
Jack Dignum
Details
Location: Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche West
We say: Tuck in to tuna picas
Cost: Five starters, one main and three desserts, AED 715 excluding drinks
Opening times: Daily noon-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm
Contact: 02 699 3333 www.asiadecuba.com
