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New Opening: La Bodeguita Del Medio

2017-05-18 ShanghaiWOWeng

Some restaurant names are just impossible to pronounce, but as the philosophy of “never trust a skinny cook” goes, the more authentic the food is, the more foreign sounding it becomes.


The Concept



La Bodeguita Del Medio is probably the first notable Cuban franchise brand in Shanghai. Famed for being Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in Havana, expect to see all the classical elements of a Cuban bar such as a cigar corner, a VIP saloon, and if you’re wondering why there is a wooden chair on the ceiling. Let’s just say it’s an in-house secret you can ask the staff about.

 

The Food

 

Spicy Bean Soup with Sour Cream (RMB 48)


A classical Cuban homemade staple, the kind of hearty and nourishing soup found in any Cuban household, or what your Cuban mama makes for you after a nasty breakup. Though it’s called spicy bean soup, the spice is hardly detected, especially when the soup itself is empowered by the light sweetness of potatoes, along with the earthy flavors of black beans and bacon. The sour cream added not only calmed the starchiness from the vegetables, it also creates a creamy emulsion to the soup base making it very fulfilling for the palette.

 

Ropa Vieja (RMB 168)


The Chinese and Cuban philosophies of food are very similar, while the Chinese always have ‘mi-fan’ with any meal; Cubans eat congri rice with almost anything. The main difference here is probably how the pairing of the flavors is executed, and we have nothing but praise for the harmony the create. The Shredded beef is tender and well marinated with a creole sauce, tomato based sauce seasoned with bell peppers, onions and garlic. The congri rice has a sweet crunchy texture thanks to the abundance of black beans and crispy carrot garnish, when eaten with a squeeze of lime, it creates an utterly appetizing aftertaste as well as a gastro-catalyst when paired with the beef.

 

Cuban Plate (RMB 368)


A dinner party galore, the Cuban plate has a versatile selection of meats and snacks to munch and share around. With three kinds of meats including the creole beef, the pork ribs and chicken wings, it’s definitely a carnivores’ dream. While the marinating of the pork ribs can get a little too salty when eaten alone, it more than makes up for it with the tender texture of the meat. On the other hand, non-meat lovers can prey on the banana and yuja-tapioca chips with the dips provided, the creole sauce and the all-time classic avocado sauce. Serving this Cuban plate at any occasion would most certainly make you a popular host.

 

Roasted Banana and Hot Pineapple, Flambéed with Cuban Rum and Caramel, with Green Pepper and Vanilla Ice cream. (RMB 68)


At this point we were completely stuffed with the hearty mains, we know there is always room in the stomach when it comes to dessert. Especially when it involves fruits like banana, pineapple and strawberry. The use of Cuban rum and shaved coconut vanilla ice cream not only balance the sour acidity of strawberry and pineapple, it also adds a fragrant sweetness to the aftertaste. While the banana can be a little too starchy for a dessert, the touch of peppercorn garnish adds an interesting spice to the mixture and makes it lighter to indulge.

 

The Drinks


Mojito Cubano LEDM & Mojito Europeo (RMB 85)


When it comes to ordering an alcoholic drink, a mojito is always the popular choice among men and women. Little did we know that this popular drink itself originated from Cuba and there is a huge difference in taste between Cuban mojito and regular mojito. While the ingredients are generally the same, the Cuban mojito uses lemon juice instead of lime, a stronger kick of rum and generously filled with fresh mint leaves. With the tropical climate of Cuba, it’s no wonder the Cuban mojito is a summer must-have that will keep you minty fresh for the upcoming Shanghai heat.

 

Cuban food may not be a significant foreign cuisine in Shanghai, but a visit to La Bodeguita Del Medio will convince you how similar Cuban cuisine is to Chinese food. What’s more, you get the chance to be treated like a godfather here, with a Cuban cigar on one hand and a mint-filled mojito by the table of your private saloon. 


La Bodeguita Del Medio

Address: 191 Hengshan Lu 


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