Advertorial: Cumbia Kitchen: Celebrating South American Culture & Cuisine
Since moving to St Leonards in early 2023, I have seen Cumbia Kitchen develop into a well-loved community hub. It is dedicated exclusively to South American food and culture, with focus on culinary traditions from countries including Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia; we aim to celebrate the richness of this diverse region.
Having lived in South America for over 12 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge about its vibrant cuisines to our dining experiences. Since we opened in St Leonards, we have hosted various cultural events, including electrifying tango, cumbia (dance music of Colombian origin), and samba performances that have captivated our audiences.
Upcoming treats
In the lead-up to Christmas, we’re excited to spotlight a different South American country each month. October highlights the lively flavours of Brazil, followed by the exquisite dishes of Peru in November. December will feature a carefully crafted Christmas menu, allowing our guests to experience holiday traditions through food.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to host a Halloween Boo-lesque event on Friday, 1 November from 6-10 PM, led by local performer Pupin De Vert.
Other highlights include a Christmas Market on 5 December and the Night of the Little Candles – the Colombian start to Christmas – on 7 December, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve party with fireworks and entertainment. Join us in celebrating the dynamic spirit of South America.
How is our food? An Independent Review
On a mild October evening, the doors of Cumbia Kitchen were thrown open and the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting. The cocktails immediately transported us to South America, and the menu was crammed with warm and flamboyant flavours from the global south.
It’s a great opportunity to try exotic dishes – chosen with great skill and care, some using locally -sourced ingredients. The starters included the surprisingly delicate Plantain Gnocchi, served on a plantain leaf and topped with banana leather and Brazil nuts. The flavours and textures were intense.
For the mains, I chose Xin Xim with biro rice. It combined chicken and crayfish in a spicy peanut sauce and provided a wonderful taste of the Afro-Brazilian Bahia region of Brazil. I sent a photo to my son, currently in Northern Brazil, and he recognised it immediately as Pele’s favourite dish. My partner’s Oxtail Terrine with roasted squash and farofa (cassava crumbs) was equally tasty – the oxtail was melt-in-the mouth tender.
We completed the Brazilian experience with a sinfully sweet dessert, a trio of Brazilian sweets: Brigadeiro (the chocolate one), Beijinho (the nutty one) and Branquinho (the coconut one). Delicious.
Brazilian Brigadeiros
Your own South American decadent treat
Brigadeiros are iconic Brazilian sweets made from just a few simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. These bite-sized truffles are rolled in chocolate sprinkles, making them a favourite at Brazilian birthday parties and celebrations. Their rich, fudgy texture and sweet flavour make Brigadeiros irresistible, sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys them!
You will need:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate sprinkles (for coating)
Method:
- In a saucepan, combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and salt.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan; about 10-15 minutes.
- Once thickened, transfer the mixture to a greased plate or bowl. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled and no longer sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble.
- Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
- Place the Brigadeiros in small paper cases and enjoy!
They can be eaten immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
These delightful Brigadeiros make for a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy the sweetness!
For more information about the monthly themed menus and special events over the festive season, go to cumbiakitchen.com
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply