On April 11 evening, El Cubanos posted a farewell note to its followers on Facebook and Instagram.
The post announced that the cubano (Cuban sandwich) shop will cease operations of its outlet at Rochor as its lease has ended.
It added that “it’s not goodbye, but merely farewell” and that they’ll be back in 2022.
Fans of the cubano still have about a week to visit though, before they officially cease operations on April 17.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s what you can expect:
Cuban-style pressed sandwiches
The cubano has long established itself as a lunch staple for the Cuban working man and El Cubanos is one of the few halal establishments to specialise in this iconic sarnie. Some of the signatures are:
Pulled beef brisket cubano, S$11.90
This warm panini boasts beef that’s been slow-cooked for eight hours in an in-house home made sauce, and also the undeniable star here.
Ribeye Cheesesteak cubano, S$11.90
A Cuban version of the Philly cheesesteak, this one is made up of prime beef ribeye strips with melted cheddar cheese.
Grilled chicken cubano, S$10.90
If you’d rather stick with white meat, the grilled chicken is perhaps your safest bet. The grilled chicken is prepared from boneless chicken leg marinated with herbs and spices.
View full menu of cubanos:
Prima Mensa (Main Course)
As if their hearty sandwiches are not filling enough, El Cubanos also offers some mains for bigger appetites. Check out:
Fish & Chips, S$12.90
Crispy battered dory fish served with coleslaw and Cajun fries on the side.
US Prime Beef Short Ribs, S$34.90
Braised bone-in short ribs with toasty garlic bread and fire-roasted seasonal greens.
Pasta
Pasta does seem out of place in a Cuban-style restaurant, but the ones in El Cubanos feature familiar flavours so it might be worth trying too. Check out:
Chicken Rendang Pasta, S$14.90
Rendang linguine pasta served with spiced, grilled chicken.
Langostino Aglio Olio, S$15.90
Seasonal Jumbo prawns linguine pasta tossed in spicy garlic olive oil.
View full menu of Mains:
Starter/Sides
If you’re breaking fast at El Cubanos with a group this week, ordering some sides to share would be ideal. Take your pick from:
Fried Chicken Wings, 8pc for S$11.90
Crispy and juicy, with generous amounts of your sauce of choice. Choose from Spicy Hot Chicks, Salted Egg, or Rendang.
Creamy Garlic Prawns, S$10.90
These Jumbo prawns are sauteed in heavy cream, garlic, and herbs to deliver an amazing flavour combination of garlicky, buttery goodness. A must-have at every table.
Cuban-inspired decor
Food aside, El Cubanos also brings the hot summer vibe of Cuban streets inside with its colourful and vibrant interior design. The walls are lined with pictures of Cuban people and culture, and to drive the Cuban vibes home even further, the flag colours of the Caribbean nation are featured prominently in almost every corner.
If you prefer a breezier atmosphere, there are also al fresco seats available outside. This is where you’ll get a view of the building’s unique exterior with bold letters on every floor.
Address: 1A Short Street #01-01, Singapore 188210
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 2:00pm to 9:00pm, closed on Sundays
Reservations: Call 91625540 to make your reservations, especially if you intend to visit for Iftar
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