Living Cheaply in Havana - Real Havana: Explore Cuba Like a Local and Save Money - page 140

Havana's Chinatown
Havana's Barrio Chino (Chinatown) is one of the oldest in Latin America. Chinese
immigration to Cuba started in the mid 19th century, when Cantonese workers
were brought to Cuba to work on the sugar cane plantations, and continued up into
the early 20th century. Many of these Chinese workers eventually settled in
Havana, but after the Cuban Revolution, there was a rather large Chinese exodus
from the island.
Presently, the Chinese population in Havana is very low and the Barrio Chino con-
sists of little more than a few small streets where half a dozen Chinese themed
restaurants have clustered. Officially, the barrio starts at the corner of Ave. de Italia
and Zanja, where a small park has a memorial to Chinese immigrants. One block
further west, near the corner of Zanja and Rayo, you will see an archway that ex-
tends over a tight, pedestrian-only street named Cuchillo. This is the main center
of the Barrio Chino . There are a few Chinese-themed restaurants. Most of the food
at these establishments is standard Cuban fare with a slight Chinese twist. Most of
the patrons are tourists. The prices are on the expensive side (10 CUC or more
per person).
While Havana's Chinatown may be a disappointment, I still suggest coming to the
area and exploring some of the other shops and restaurants in the neighborhood.
As mentioned in the Shopping section of this guide, there are several large retail
centers on Ave. de Italia, near Chinatown, as well as a few markets and artisanal
bazaars. Furthermore, perhaps spurred by the influx of tourists coming to the area,
there are quite a few new Cuban restaurants, bars and independent food stands in
operation along this part of Zanja Street. At night especially, this area becomes
crowded with locals, eating, drinking and enjoying their evening.