A Cuban Pause
Off to Cuba? Wait, am I in Cuba?!
Lol no — but it sure felt like it!
Sometimes, the best experiences come unplanned. We had a dentist appointment for two of my kids — and anyone who’s done the dental rounds with kids knows it’s a whole mood. Tense faces, nervous energy, and that strange post-appointment hunger
My daughter was craving a club sandwich, and Google (as always) came to the rescue. Up popped a café called Coco Cubano, located on the ever-busy MM Alam Road. None of us had heard of it before, but the name was enough to catch our interest. We made a quick family pact: if the place didn’t feel right, we’d walk out.
But the moment we stepped in, we were sold.
The place may be small, but it radiates character. It was like the café was whispering, “Come explore me.”
From the vintage Cuban posters on the walls to the quirky ornaments, artifacts, souvenirs, collectibles, and objets d'art, every detail came together to create a warm, inviting Cuban vibe — like stepping into a storybook version of Havana. Cozy lighting, warm tones, and soft Latin music in the background added to the charm, making it remarkable how such a compact space could transport you miles away, all while sitting right in the heart of Lahore.
We couldn't stop admiring the little details — every corner had something interesting, like an old Waspa scooter waiting to be noticed. It wasn’t just a café; it was a vibe. A little escape from the noise outside, a pocket of peace after a stressful morning.
Now, as for the food — well, that’s a tale for another post. But I’ll say this much: the club sandwich panini sandwich passed the test, and the rest of the menu looked equally tempting. As soon as we were seated, the waiter told us they didn’t have a club sandwich, but confidently said we’d be more than happy with the sandwiches they do offer.
Not Cuban per se... but the tacos here deserve a citizenship!
Coco Cubano Lahore surprised us in the best way. The place oozes Havana vibes, but the menu leans more toward comfort food with a twist. We tried the panini sandwich, loaded tacos, and even picadillo.
panini/cuban? sandwich (top) picadillo (bottom)
Coco Cubano turned out to be more than just a random Google suggestion. It was the warm, comforting pause we didn’t know we needed... hehe, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. But yeah, it was a good experience!
Me, sitting in the cigar lounge… well, trying to look like I belong.
If you’re ever wandering down MM Alam Road and want a fresh café experience, give Coco Cubano a visit. Who knows — you might just find your own little piece of Cuba there.
Oh, and they also offer phone service — the analogue kind! You know, the one where you actually talk instead of scroll.
I was in Cuba in 1987. It was indescribable. Indescribably poor, indescribably colourful, indescribably happy. How much I would have liked to have looked at it again at a later date, analysed the changes... It didn't work out in this case. People who were there recently say: I would have recognised everything ;-)) The only place in the world that celebrates stagnation...
0.00 SBD,
0.24 STEEM,
0.24 SP
chriddi, moecki and/or the-gorilla
🙏
0.00 SBD,
0.18 STEEM,
0.18 SP
It's lunchtime and that taco is making me drool. I don't want to look at my gobhi ka paratha now.
Wow, @soulfuldreamer, this post is a delightful escape! I love how a simple dentist appointment led to such a vibrant discovery. Your descriptions of Coco Cubano are so evocative; I can almost feel the Havana vibes radiating from the screen. The vintage decor sounds absolutely charming, and those photos truly capture the cafe's unique character. It's amazing how a well-designed space can transport you to another place and time. I'm eagerly awaiting your next post to hear all about the food – especially what replaced the club sandwich! 😉 Thanks for sharing this gem. I'm sure many readers will add Coco Cubano to their must-visit list in Lahore! Keep sharing your adventures!