We love this cozy Cuban Bistro on Willow

Changó Kitchen had some extra-size shoes to fill when they opened in 2019. Their cozy Hoboken address of 301 Willow St. formerly housed Zafra, one of two Pan-Latin restaurants helmed by Cuban Chef and James Beard semifinalist Marciel Presilla. Changó owner Ceferino Fernandez wisely kept many of Zafra’s most beloved dishes on his menu while expanding the Latin cuisine offerings.

For one, we love coming here for the Mofongo. This is a classic Puerto Rican dish made of a mound of mashed plantains mixed with spices and served with shrimp, beef, chicken or vegetables. Stalwarts from the Zafra’s era include the Churrasco con Chimichurri (grilled skirt steak with chimichurri) and the scrumptious Yucca fries in cilantro sauce.

On the lighter side, there is coffee and mango batidos (milkshakes) as a bright start to the day accompanied with an assortment of veg and non-veg empanadas (we are partial to the guava and cheese). We also love the Cuban sandwich while also appreciating the large number of vegetarian options. It is cozy yet chic, and the perfect spot to nestle into for coffee or a meal as they open daily at 11 am. Enjoy!

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