ABOUT US
Story
When visiting my grandmother's house as a child I remember fondly the delicious foods she often prepared for the entire family. The wonderful flavors and smells of her amazing dishes helped me understand the traditions and culture of the land they left behind and the home I had never seen.
Having been born in the U.S. to the first generation of Cubans post the late 1950s exodus, I was privileged enough to experience traditional Cuban dishes as they were authentically prepared. This enabled me to develop a deep appreciation for the significance of preserving the history and passion embedded in each dish.
Cuba boasts a diverse cultural heritage, giving rise to culinary traditions that are as colorful and varied as the numerous cultures contributing to its gastronomic repertoire. The rich, diverse culinary heritage of Cuban cuisine predominantly stems from the Spanish colonizers, further enriched by the Africans brought to the island as slaves, and later by the Chinese and French. Together, they melded their unique traditions and flavors within the bountiful context of Cuba's tropical setting, crafting an extraordinary culinary fusion.
Cuban cuisine features an array of delectable dishes, including savory meat and rice dishes, hearty soups, fresh seafood, and a variety of desserts. The dishes are seasoned with finesse, employing cooking methods that accentuate the best flavors of each dish.
The culinary traditions of Cuba delight the palate and provide a captivating window into a culture that blends diverse elements into a unified and vibrant whole.
Thank you for your interest. We eagerly anticipate your visit to Havana Kitchen Coffee & Tea.
Specialties
Havana Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside a full coffee house featuring our in-house roasted blend for our legendary Cuban espresso and Cortadito coffees. Additionally, we serve tea, hot chocolate, and various blended drinks. As a quick-casual establishment, we offer Dine-in, Carry-out & Online ordering. Along with traditional dishes, our menu includes empanadas, plantains, salads, baked goods, and a variety of delicious Cuban pressed sandwiches, including our world-famous "Cubano" sandwich. Enjoy a comfortable dining environment or relax while using our free WiFi.
History
Established in 2006, the concept for this venture began taking shape in 2001. Driven by a simple yet profound desire to preserve the cultural heritage of my parents and family for future generations—a legacy, indeed. I often reflect on the sacrifices my immigrant parents made by coming to this country, a tale similar to many others, to provide me with the opportunities they had lost in their beloved Cuba.
Preserving the essence of my culture and spirit, which underscores our uniqueness, is vital to me. In doing so, I contribute to the rich diversity that enriches and propels this wonderful country.
In 2006, I built and opened a small commercial kitchen in an industrial park in Murrieta, CA, primarily catering to local communities. Just a few months later, I transformed the front reception area, featuring six tables, into a dining room. Our reputation for great food and coffee quickly spread throughout the neighboring communities, establishing a large and loyal following through word-of-mouth.
By 2012, a devoted customer offered us a commercial space in Old Town Temecula, marking a new chapter in our journey.
