Discovering Sayuri’s nondescript corner cafe after walking the streets of Old Havana was like stumbling into an oasis.  After days of coping with the reality of limited food options in Havana, suddenly being greeted with the steam and delicious smells coming from Sayuri’s cramped kitchen, and the choice of sushis, rice bowls, tempuras, crepes and special beverages, brought on so much joy it’s embarrassing for this spoiled Yankee to admit.

In a country with enormous challenges when it comes to sourcing food ingredients, and a business climate that is anything but stable for legally self-employed proprietors in Cuba, pulling off even a basic pallidares (small family restaurant) is a feat.  Considering Sayuri found a way to serve Japanese comfort food, with all of its specialty ingredients, all while being a single mother in a foreign country and having no previous experience as a chef, makes it an amazing story and one that truly exemplifies the spirit and resilience of the cuenta-propistas – self-employed entrepreneurs – living in Cuba.