Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
We were walking around downtown Hoboken for some errands when we decided to get some food. As the weather was not that great (cold and rainy), we thought about going to Zafra’s for their hot chocolate that was once on the top 10 best in America. Unfortunately, as we arrived in front of the restaurant, we realized that it was a different place: yes, we missed the news end of November that Zafra’s was closing and a new venture opened a week later under the name of Chango’s Kitchen, still serving Latin-Cuban cuisine, with a menu quite similar if not identical to its predecessor. I am not going to complain about that as Zafra’s had a great menu. Here is what we had:
Batido de Mamey, a Cuban milkshake made with mamey sapote, a fruit that can be found in Cuba, the Caribbean, Central America and part of Mexico. I love this milkshake and always order it when going to a Cuban restaurant (La Isla has it but I prefer the one at Chango’s Kitchen because it is thicker and creamier).
Batido de Mamey at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Batido de Mamey at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Of course, we also got their Venezuelan hot chocolate that is thickened with toasted barley flour. Sweet, thick and comforting, it is a must have.
Venezuelan hot chocolate at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Venezuelan hot chocolate at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
As an appetizer, we had plantain chips (mariquitas) that were served with a delicious dipping sauce that seemed to have garlic and cilantro in it.
Plantain chips at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Plantain chips at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
For her main, Jodi ordered the tortilla de espinaca con manchego that is a spinach omelet with manchego cheese. Quite nice, the omelet was well made, not overcooked and dry, and I loved the melted layer of manchego on top. It was served with some pressed Cuban toast.
Spinach omelet at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Spanish omelet at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
On my side, I went for the traditional Venezuelan breakfast (Pabellon criollos) that was composed of stewed shredded beef, black beans, cheese and rice. On the side were two small arepas that had a bit of anise in it and were superb. I liked it: filling, comforting, with the shredded beef being very flavorful.
Venezuelan breakfast at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Venezuelan breakfast at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Well, I still had a bit of space for dessert and we opted for the tres leches that was fantastic.
Tres leches at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
Tres leches at Chango’s Kitchen in Hoboken, NJ
So, although it is always sad to see a business close, I was quite happy to see that the legacy of Zafra’s did not die when the restaurant closed and I am looking forward to go back to Chango’s Kitchen for more delicious food!
Enjoy (I did)!
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Chango’s Kitchen- 301 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030
