On a recent trip to New York City, I wandered into a random corner store in Harlem and ordered a pastrami sandwich that instantly reset my standards for what a sandwich could be. It became the sandwich by which all future sandwiches would be judged.
When I bit into the Cuban sandwich at Inka Havana Bakery, a new bakery and sandwich shop in Houston’s Brays Oaks District, I had that same electric moment. After the first bite, I turned to my friend and said, “My husband needs to try this.” A beat later came the second thought: “I’ll be coming back.”
Fortunately for me — and for the rest of Houston — Inka Havana is a much shorter trip than that Harlem corner store I recommend. Tucked into a strip center, as so many of our city’s best locally owned eateries are, this one, at 5361 W. Bellfort, has opened relatively quietly, but the neighborhood is already buzzing about it.
Inka Havana Bakery is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team: Geovany Gonzalez and Yury Loli. The couple recently moved from Miami to Houston, fell in love with the city, and decided to put down roots here. They now live just two minutes away from their bakery, fully invested in both their business and their new community.
This is their first entrepreneurial venture, but you wouldn’t know it from the shop’s warm, confident presence. The concept is simple but rare for the area: a Cuban–Peruvian fusion bakery and café offering strong coffee, hearty sandwiches and a variety of pastries and sweets.
“We were primarily motivated by the opportunity to bring a unique concept to the community,” Geovany explained. “We noticed there were no other places like this in the area. We believe this spot has the potential to become a gathering place for friends and family who are looking for a great cup of coffee and a place where they can feel right at home. It also represents an opportunity for us to achieve financial independence.”
“My wife is Peruvian, and I am Cuban,” Geovany said. That combination shows up not only in the menu, but in the feeling of the place: part Cuban cafeteria, part cozy neighborhood panadería. Flags from both countries are prominently featured.
Ask anyone who has stopped by Inka Havana what to order, and you’ll likely hear the same answer.
“Our signature product is, without a doubt, the Cuban sandwich—our customers absolutely love it,” said Geovany.
Alongside the star of the show (I told you!), the bakery offers a growing lineup of pastries and savory bites, including empanadas and daily lunch specials.
The food might get you in the door, but the coffee will keep you buzzing — literally.
One resident summed it up perfectly in a neighborhood Facebook group:
“I went back today for a coffee and I think my life has been changed. I have never had a Cuban coffee before, and IT WAS SOOOOOO GOOD! Best thing about it was that it was 3 dollars and I currently feel like I have energy for 3 days!
I can confirm both the flavor and the jolt. After polishing off my Cuban sandwich, I downed a Cuban coffee and then drove my friend over to Willow Waterhole Greenway for a brisk walk, talking a mile a minute the entire time. The nonstop talking may be normal for me, but the pace of the walk was not.
Strong, sweet and affordable, the coffee at Inka Havana fits perfectly into the vision Geovany and Yury have for their shop: a place where people can grab a pick-me-up, linger with friends or simply recharge.
“We work incredibly hard to provide a high-quality offering,” Geovany said. “We make most of our products right here in our bakery—just like Mom and Grandma used to do at home—to give them that homemade touch that our customers appreciate so much.”
The couple also emphasizes that they’re open to feedback.
“We want people to know that we are open to any suggestions that might help us better serve our customers and raise the standards of our products,” Geovany says.
There is one small hurdle some visitors might encounter: language. Both owners are more comfortable in Spanish than in English, which can create a slight communication barrier for some.
However, it’s a challenge that can be easily bridged with a smile, a bit of patience, and, if needed, a translation app. And the payoff — in flavor, warmth and hospitality — is absolutely worth it.
So, do yourself a favor:
- Head over to Inka Havana at 5361 W. Bellfort.
- Order the Cuban sandwich.
- Add a Cuban coffee.
- Share a sweet treat from the bakery display with a friend.
- Grab a pastelito or two for tomorrow’s breakfast.
- Head to Willow Waterhole or your favorite walking trail.
- Go home and reheat the beef empañada you added to your Inka Havana order at the last minute.
- Rest and repeat.
Inka Havana Bakery
5361 W. Bellfort Ave.
Houston, TX 77035
832.888.7013
— Dorothy Puch Lillig
