Experience Havana in Vyšehrad: Malby’s Cuban Café Takes Prague by Storm!

Just a brief five-minute walk from Náplavka, nestled beneath the historic walls of Vyšehrad, Malby’s Café brings a taste of Cuba, far away from the Caribbean islands.

Since its opening in December 2024, this café has quietly made a name for itself, quickly becoming a beloved spot for locals, expats, and travelers seeking a unique experience away from the usual.

The café was co-founded by Austin Malby, a Cuban-American hailing from Key West, Florida, and Božek, a long-time resident of Prague. More than merely a business venture, this café embodies a personal project grounded in shared values. “We simply wish to be authentic to ourselves, to Cuba, and to the essence of Cuban culture,” they express.

The logo of the café—a drawing of a traditional Cuban house—holds a heartwarming story. It is inspired by a handcrafted miniature home from Key West, passed down through Austin’s family for generations. “When we started the café, it felt like the perfect fit,” he reminisces.

Each co-founder brings their own unique talents to the table. Austin has a rich background in hospitality and sales, ranging from sandwich shops to managerial roles. Božek directs the coffee and cocktail programs, leveraging years of experience managing events in Prague.

Inside the café, you’ll find a charming atmosphere that diverges from the city’s trend-focused minimalism. Stained-glass windows, vintage furniture, and artwork influenced by Alphonse Mucha create a captivating environment. Much of the interior was designed by Austin’s mother-in-law, encompassing everything from plants and lighting to their now-iconic green tables. “She truly added a gentler touch to the whole place,” he shares.

The menu is a reflection of personal experiences rather than being based on cookbooks. “I aim to prepare the dishes I grew up enjoying,” Austin says. “It’s not merely about what anyone can look up online.” The Cuban sandwich, referred to as the Cuban mix in Florida, is a source of pride, especially amidst the ongoing debate between Tampa and Miami about which version reigns supreme. “In Cuba, it’s called a mixto, but in Florida, we call it Cuban mix,” he explains.

At Malby’s, they’ve made their stance clear: it’s simply a Cuban sandwich, crafted with pork, their homemade mojo, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Although Cuban bread isn’t available in Prague due to licensing issues, they have found a suitable replacement. “We use French bread, which closely resembles the texture,” they say.

The menu is expanding to include dishes such as black bean soup, empanadas, guava pastries, and eggs Benedict with a unique Cuban flair. Vegan and vegetarian patrons are not overlooked either—homemade vegetable sauces and local produce are utilized to cater to custom requests. “While we don’t have a full vegan menu yet, we are finding ways to make it work,” the team assures.

Running the café involves a closely-knit team of four: Austin, Božek, Sasha, and Jonas. They take turns working different shifts, prepare fresh churros every morning, and ensure everything runs smoothly from opening until closing time.

The café’s coffee is sourced directly from Las Terrazas, a Cuban village famed for its sustainable coffee farms. It is roasted in Prague by Sol Mate, resulting in a dark roast that features nutty and chocolatey undertones, along with subtle hints of rum and tobacco. Initially, they utilized a Brazilian-Ethiopian blend (60/40) but have now shifted their focus fully to Cuban beans.

They serve café con leche and, in keeping with Cuban traditions, provide condensed milk with all coffee drinks. For an added flavor twist, customers can sprinkle in a pinch of salt—an idea inspired by Austin’s uncle. “People really appreciate it,” he shares with a grin. The beans can also be ordered for at-home brewing.

The cocktail menu features a blend of traditional Cuban drinks and innovative house specialties. In addition to Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Cancháncharas, there’s the Cuban Sunset, a stunning drink that changes color, and El Dandi, a smoky concoction initially envisioned as a men’s cocktail. “But it turns out women enjoy it even more,” Božek notes.

Live music is integral to the café’s ambiance. They recently hosted Pragason, a Cuban-Czech band known for their lively Havana-style street music. “They bring out instruments and get everyone dancing—just like they do in Cuba,” the founders express. A pianist often performs, and the café plans to make live music events a regular occurrence.

Even when live performances aren’t scheduled, there’s always music playing—imagine a mix of Pitbull with Buena Vista Social Club.

The café has additionally organized community events: one recurring event showcased photography from Malaysia; another featured a stand-up comedian, which inspired thoughts for future comedy nights. “We’re uncovering people’s passions and incorporating them into our space,” Božek explains.

They’ve also catered birthday parties with custom menus and finger foods. “We aim to ensure everyone feels well taken care of,” Austin states.

Feedback from Cuban guests has been especially significant to them. “The few Cubans I’ve spoken to have expressed their appreciation. They say it feels and looks authentic,” Austin shares. One remarked, “It’s like being in Havana… just a bit less rundown.”

Despite its somewhat hidden location, the café is increasing its visibility through platforms like Instagram, Slevomat, and word-of-mouth recommendations. While they are open to future endeavors—such as a potential pop-up at Náplavka—they are currently focused on enhancing their established base. “We are dedicated to making this place the best it can possibly be,” Božek concludes.