Momofuku Just Opened a Caribbean Hotspot in New York (With a Rum Bar)

It’s one of the hottest restaurant brands, well, anywhere: Momofuku, the contemporary Asian hotspot founded by David Chang that now has locations all around the globe. 

But Momofuku started life in New York, and that’s where the brand’s newest concept has taken shape: Bar Kabawa, a new Caribbean rum bar that’s all about celebrating the flavors of the Caribbean. 

The new bar is the product of a collaboration with Chef Paul Carmichael, with daiquiris, wine and, most importantly, an impressive rum bar. 

Carmichael, a native of Barbados, has worked with chefs from Chang to Marcus Samuelsson, including working as executive chef at the Momofuku in Sydney. 

The new East Village bar, which officially opened its doors last week, has a full list of cocktails by bartender Kathryn “Pepper” Stashek and a menu of West Indian patties according to Carmichael’s recipe, a raw bar and dishes like curry crab and Bajan black pudding.

But the coolest inclusion is the rum list, which is instantly right at the top of the New York rum scene. 

There’s an excellent list of both molasses rum and rum Agricola; that includes some rare El Dorado expressions like the new high ester blend; a Samaroli bottling of Caroni; and the old favorite Scarlet Ibis from Trinidad. 

On the Agricole side, you’ll find the lovely Montebello white from Guadeloupe and the 59-degree Pere Labat from Marie Galante. 

In a welcome addition, you can even find the legendary Rivers rum from Grenada, made at the historic River Antoine distillery — one of our favorite distilleries in the Caribbean. 

It’s a big boost for the New York cocktail scene and the rum world. 

Bar Kabawa

8 Extra Pl New York, NY 10003