Hot & Spicy Salsa Cubana

By Donovan Smith

From London to Shanghai, Cuban bars are hot, and Taichung has jumped in with both feet with the opening of Salsa Cubana in August. Since then, this fun spot has become a "spiritual home" of sorts for Latin dance in Central Taiwan.

This place is all about dancing. According to the friendly and pretty manager of Salsa, Lillian Hsu, not only are the patrons mad about mambo, but the staff is equally enthusiastic. Currently, salsa dance classes are available and are taught by the UK-trained team of Andy and Cynthia. This month, they will be joined by an American tap dancer and Spanish-trained flamenco expert to round out their offerings. Call Salsa Cubana for class times and details.

Although quieter during the week, Salsa Cubana comes to life on Friday and Saturday as people from all around, including many South Americans, gather to share their passion for all things Latin. For Latin dancers, this is the place to be on the weekend. The decor is fun and festive, with colorful hand-painted murals on the walls and South American and Cuban flags making a striking presence. Music is--you guessed it--salsa and merengue.

The menu follows this theme with a long list of Latin Cocktails (all NT$200). Popular cocktails include the La Bomba and the Fidel Castro. Non-Latin cocktails are also available for the same price, as well as beer (NT$150). The food menu includes nachos (NT$120/NT$180), "Latin Burgers" and many other items.

Located in the heart of the Canal District, Salsa Cubana occupies the location of the original Napoli, the original PJ's Cafe as well as M&M. It is marked as "CD2" on our Canal District map in the Compass map insert.