From Home Kitchen to Havana in the Heart of Helsinki: The Story of Cubanska
Every restaurant has a story, but few begin in a home kitchen. Recently, a local newspaper, the Helsingin Uutiset, published an article by journalist Veeti Kajastie about our restaurant called:
Wolt's successful takeaway food service opened a restaurant in central Helsinki – "The demand was so high"
Before Cubanska became a restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Helsinki, founders Yamilin and Peter Hackman prepared authentic Cuban dishes at home and delivered them to customers via food delivery services. What started as a passion project quickly grew into something much bigger.
As more people discovered Cuban cuisine and the unique flavours of the Caribbean, demand continued to grow. Customers were not only ordering food—they were asking for a place where they could experience Cuban culture, enjoy a cup of Cuban coffee, and spend time with friends over cocktails and traditional dishes.
That demand became the inspiration behind Cubanska.
Bringing Cuba to Helsinki
Located in central Helsinki, Cubanska is dedicated to sharing the authentic flavours, hospitality, and atmosphere of Cuba. While Cuban cuisine is well known around the world, it remains a rare find in Finland, making Cubanska a unique destination for those seeking something different.
The restaurant combines traditional Cuban recipes with high-quality ingredients and modern presentation. The result is a dining experience that feels both authentic and contemporary.
"Our goal has always been to share a piece of Cuba with Helsinki," says co-founder Yamilin Hackman. "Food brings people together, and Cuban culture is built around family, community, music, and celebration."
A New Chapter
Opening a physical restaurant marked a significant milestone for the business. The transition allowed the team to expand the menu, enhance presentation, and create a complete guest experience.
Today, Cubanska offers classic Cuban favourites alongside carefully crafted cocktails inspired by Havana's legendary bar culture. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes, Caribbean flavours, and signature drinks in a vibrant setting that reflects the warmth and energy of Cuba.
The restaurant has also invested in a professional culinary and bar team, allowing the kitchen to elevate traditional recipes while maintaining their authentic roots.
More Than a Restaurant
For the Cubanska team, food is only one part of the experience.
The vision is to create a place where guests can discover Cuban culture through music, cocktails, conversation, and hospitality. Future plans include live music events, cultural evenings, and experiences that bring the spirit of Cuba to life in Helsinki.
Whether visitors come for a relaxed lunch, an evening cocktail, or a special celebration, Cubanska aims to offer more than a meal—it offers a journey into Cuban culture.
Looking Ahead
As Cubanska continues to grow, the mission remains unchanged: to provide authentic Cuban food, exceptional hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
From a small home kitchen to a vibrant restaurant in the centre of Helsinki, the journey has been remarkable. Yet for Yamilin and Peter Hackman, this is only the beginning.
The story of Cubanska is ultimately about sharing culture, creating community, and bringing the flavours of Cuba to Finland—one plate, one cocktail, and one guest at a time.
Read the full article at: https://www.helsinginuutiset.fi/paikalliset/9532941
