We’ve heard the rumours, and perhaps you’ve gotten too: that the meals in Cuba is bland and uninspired. For years, travellers who by no means left their all-inclusive resorts got here dwelling with tales of boring buffets. We’re right here to inform you that would not be farther from the reality.
That each one modified for us after we determined to disregard the standard recommendation and observe our curiosity down a residential avenue in Havana. We ended up in a paladar—a small, family-run restaurant working out of somebody’s dwelling. The air was stuffed with the scent of garlic, cumin, and slow-roasted pork. It was there we found the actual Cuba.
Cuban meals isn’t about fancy methods; it’s about custom and flavour born from a vibrant mixture of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It’s consolation meals that tells the story of the island’s wealthy historical past. We’ve spent loads of time consuming our manner by means of Cuba, and we’re right here to share the dishes that you simply completely can’t miss, primarily based on our firsthand expertise.
High 5 Cuban Dishes (Fast Record)
In the event you solely have time for a number of meals in Cuba, be sure that these are in your checklist. That is the very best of the very best on the subject of conventional Cuban meals.
- Ropa Vieja: The nationwide dish of Cuba, this flavourful shredded beef is slow-cooked in a wealthy tomato sauce.
- Lechon Asado: Tender, juicy, slow-roasted pork, typically marinated in a garlic and citrus mojo sauce.
- Sandwich Cubano: A basic pressed sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Moros y Cristianos: A easy however important facet dish of black beans and white rice cooked collectively.
- Plátanos Maduros Fritos: Candy, caramelized fried plantains that accompany nearly each most important course.
Should-Attempt Cuban Essential Dishes
These are the hearty, flavourful centrepieces of any true Cuban delicacies. From slow-cooked meats to wealthy rice dishes, these mains provide a real style of the island’s culinary soul.
Ropa Vieja (Outdated Garments)
What it’s: Shredded beef simmered in a wealthy sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and cumin. It’s broadly thought of Cuba’s nationwide dish.
Why strive it: It’s pure consolation in a bowl. We regularly order this on cooler evenings in Havana after we need a meal with slow-cooked depth and unimaginable flavour.
Cultural be aware: The identify interprets to “outdated garments,” which is believed to check with the way in which the shredded beef resembles vibrant, tattered rags.
The place to search out it: You’ll discover this in practically each paladar, however the very best variations come from household kitchens which were simmering the recipe for generations.
Lechon Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)
What it’s: Sluggish-roasted pork, marinated for hours in mojo criollo—a zesty sauce of garlic, bitter orange juice, and oregano—till the meat is succulent and the pores and skin is completely crispy.
Why strive it: That is the dish that opened our eyes to what actual conventional Cuban dishes may very well be. The mix of tender pork and the zesty mojo sauce is one thing we nonetheless take into consideration.
Cultural be aware: Lechon Asado is the quintessential celebration dish in Cuba, typically the centrepiece for holidays like Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and New Yr’s.
The place to search out it: Whereas it’s a staple at celebrations, any respected paladar may have a improbable model on its menu, particularly within the countryside.
Vaca Frita (Fried Cow)
What it’s: Shredded beef marinated in lime juice, garlic, and salt, then pan-fried till the perimeters are brown and splendidly crispy.
Why strive it: In the event you get pleasure from texture, that is the dish for you. It’s the savoury, crispy cousin of Ropa Vieja, providing a pleasant crunch and a vivid, citrus-forward flavour.
Cultural be aware: Vaca Frita is a good instance of Cuban culinary resourcefulness, taking the same core ingredient as Ropa Vieja and creating a very completely different expertise.
The place to search out it: Widespread in paladares throughout the nation. It’s a real native favorite you received’t all the time discover within the extra tourist-focused spots.
Picadillo a la Habanera
What it’s: A savoury hash of floor beef slow-simmered in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, olives, and generally raisins or potatoes for a candy and salty combine.
Why strive it: That is the last word style of Cuban dwelling cooking. It’s a easy, comforting, and deeply flavourful dish that feels prefer it was made with care. And it’s a kind of Cuban recipes you may simply make at dwelling.
Cultural be aware: Practically each Cuban household has its personal model of Picadillo, with the recipe typically handed down by means of generations.
The place to search out it: It is a dependable and scrumptious alternative at nearly any paladar that serves conventional home-style meals.
Arroz Con Pollo (Rooster with Rice)
What it’s: A basic one-pot meal the place hen and yellow rice are simmered along with a sofrito base, permitting the rice to soak up all of the flavourful inventory and spices.
Why strive it: It’s easy, satisfying, and a whole meal in a single dish. The Cuban model is exceptionally moist and savoury, making it an ideal alternative while you’re unsure what to order.
Cultural be aware: Whereas common throughout Latin America, the Cuban model is commonly made with a splash of beer and annatto (or Bijol) for its distinct yellow color.
The place to search out it: It is a staple dish. You will discover it in every single place from busy metropolis eating places in Havana to quiet roadside cafes.
Pernil Relleno De Moros Y Cristianos
What it’s: A showstopper of a dish. It’s a juicy pork shoulder, marinated in mojo, then full of a hearty filling of black beans and rice (Moros y Cristianos).
Why strive it: It’s two of Cuba’s most iconic dishes rolled into one. Order this while you’re feeling additional hungry and wish all of the basic flavours on one plate.
Cultural be aware: It is a extra elaborate tackle conventional recipes, showcasing the form of culinary creativity you’ll discover in trendy paladares.
The place to search out it: Search for this at extra bold eating places that get pleasure from placing a artistic spin on the classics.
Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice)
What it’s: A wealthy, layered casserole of yellow rice and shredded hen, typically certain along with mayonnaise and topped with a layer of melted cheese.
Why strive it: It’s extremely decadent and in contrast to anything in Cuban delicacies. It’s a scrumptious responsible pleasure that’s good for sharing.
Cultural be aware: Usually known as “Imperial Rice” as a result of its richness and layered look had been seen as a dish match for an emperor. It’s pure social gathering meals.
The place to search out it: That is extra frequent at household gatherings than on restaurant menus, however some paladares specializing in celebratory meals will provide it.
Guava Basted Ribs
What it’s: Sluggish-cooked pork ribs glazed with a sticky, candy, and tangy barbecue sauce made out of a base of guava paste, a staple Cuban fruit.
Why strive it: It’s the right mixture of candy and savoury. This dish highlights one in every of Cuba’s most necessary fruits in a very scrumptious and surprising manner.
Cultural be aware: This recipe showcases the robust Caribbean affect on Cuban cooking, which regularly incorporates tropical fruits into savoury dishes.
The place to search out it: You’re almost definitely to search out this at paladares with a extra modern or fusion-style menu.
Important Aspect Dishes in Cuba
Whereas the mains are the celebrities, these important facet dishes are the muse of practically each Cuban meal. They supply steadiness, texture, and a complete lot of additional flavour.
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)
What it’s: The enduring Cuban rice and beans, the place white rice and black beans are simmered collectively in a single pot with seasonings like garlic, cumin, and oregano till the rice is infused with flavour.
Why strive it: That is the center and soul of the Cuban plate. When made nicely, it’s a lot extra than simply rice and beans. It’s savoury, fragrant, and the right companion to wealthy, meaty most important programs.
Cultural be aware: The identify is a historic reference to the interval when the Moors (represented by the black beans) and the Christian Spanish (the white rice) occupied the Iberian Peninsula.
The place to search out it: Completely in every single place. It’s the default facet dish for many meals served throughout the island.
Plátano Maduro Frito (Fried Candy Plantains)
What it’s: Slices of very ripe, candy plantain which are pan-fried till they’re gentle on the within with a caramelized, barely crispy exterior.
Why strive it: They supply an exquisite, candy counterpoint to the salty and savoury flavours of the principle dishes. That is one in every of our favorite facet dishes and we order it each single time it’s on the menu.
Cultural be aware: Using plantains is a direct hyperlink to the African influences which are deeply woven into Cuban tradition and delicacies.
The place to search out it: Served alongside most platos fuertes (most important programs) as an ordinary accompaniment.
Tostones (Fried Inexperienced Plantains)
What it’s: Slices of unripe, inexperienced plantain which are fried as soon as, smashed flat into discs, after which fried a second time till they’re golden and crispy.
Why strive it: These are the savoury, starchy cousin to the candy maduros. They’ve a texture just like a thick-cut potato chip or a crispy french fry and are good for dipping.
Cultural be aware: Often known as ‘chatinos’ in some areas of Cuba. The essential double-frying method is what offers them their signature crunch.
The place to search out it: A highly regarded appetizer (entrante) or facet dish. They’re typically served with a garlicky mojo sauce for dipping.
Yuca con Mojo (Cassava with Garlic Sauce)
What it’s: Yuca, a starchy root vegetable just like a potato, is boiled till fork-tender after which generously topped with mojo de ajo—a heat sauce made with olive oil, citrus juice, and loads of garlic.
Why strive it: It’s a basic Cuban consolation meals. The gentle, gentle flavour of the yuca is the right canvas for the potent, zesty garlic sauce. It’s easy however extremely satisfying.
Cultural be aware: Yuca was a staple meals for the indigenous Taíno individuals of Cuba, making it probably the most historic elements nonetheless eaten on the island right this moment.
The place to search out it: It is a quite common facet dish you’ll discover at most paladares, and it’s a fixture at household barbecues and vacation meals.
Cuban Sandwiches and Road Meals
Past the sit-down meals, a few of Cuba’s greatest meals is present in its sandwiches and fast street-side eats. They’re easy, satisfying, and full of native flavour.
Sandwich Cubano (The Conventional Cuban Sandwich)
What it’s: Layers of sliced roast pork, ham, and Swiss cheese packed into Cuban bread, topped with dill pickles and yellow mustard, then pressed and toasted till the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Why strive it: It’s a world-famous sandwich for a cause. The combo of savoury meats, melted cheese, and the tangy reduce of the pickles and mustard is an ideal mixture. It’s a scrumptious, filling, and reasonably priced lunch.
Cultural be aware: Whereas it’s the last word image of Cuban meals, the sandwich in its trendy kind was truly perfected in Cuban immigrant communities in Florida, significantly Key West and Tampa.
The place to search out it: Search for ventanitas (little walk-up home windows) and native cafes. You’ll discover them throughout, however the very best ones are made to order at busy lunch counters.
Medianoche (Midnight Sandwich)
What it’s: Practically equivalent to the Cuban Sandwich in its fillings, however served on a candy, gentle, egg-based bread just like challah or brioche. The identify interprets to “midnight.”
Why strive it: The candy, gentle bread utterly modifications the expertise. It makes the sandwich a bit richer and fewer crusty than the unique. We generally favor it after we’re within the temper for one thing a bit completely different.
Cultural be aware: It earned its identify as a preferred late-night meals, historically eaten by patrons leaving Havana’s nightclubs and cabarets within the early hours of the morning.
The place to search out it: You possibly can typically discover it on the identical spots that promote the basic Cubano, particularly at locations that keep open late in Havana.
Tamales
What it’s: A savoury dough made out of recent floor corn (masa), combined with seasoned floor pork and spices. The combination is then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
Why strive it: Not like many different Latin American tamales, the meat is combined instantly into the dough as an alternative of being a separate filling. This implies each single chunk is moist and full of flavour.
Cultural be aware: Making tamales is commonly a social, communal exercise in Cuba, with household and associates gathering to arrange giant batches for holidays and particular events.
The place to search out it: That is basic avenue meals. Maintain an eye fixed out for native distributors promoting them from carts or at neighbourhood markets, particularly in cities outdoors of Havana.
Don’t Miss These Cuban Desserts
You’ll need to save room for dessert in Cuba. The sweets right here are sometimes easy, wealthy, and spotlight the island’s tropical fruits and love for all issues decadent.
Cuban Flan
What it’s: A wealthy and silky clean baked custard made out of eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, all sitting in a pool of soppy, amber-coloured caramel sauce.
Why strive it: It’s probably the most well-known dessert in Cuba for a cause. The feel is flawless, and the marginally bittersweet flavour of the caramel completely balances the creamy custard. It’s a easy and chic basic.
Cultural be aware: Flan was delivered to Cuba by the Spanish, however the native model, which depends on canned condensed and evaporated milk, grew to become a staple as a result of island’s historical past and dairy availability.
The place to search out it: You’ll find flan on the dessert menu of practically each paladar and restaurant throughout the nation.
Tres Leches Cake (Three Milks Cake)
What it’s: A lightweight sponge cake that will get its identify from being soaked in a combination of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s typically topped with a light-weight whipped cream or meringue.
Why strive it: Regardless of being drenched in milk, this cake is extremely gentle and moist, not heavy or soggy. It’s a decadent deal with that appears to soften in your mouth. We love the way it’s candy with out being overpowering.
Cultural be aware: Whereas common throughout Latin America, Tres Leches is a beloved cake for birthdays and celebrations in Cuba.
The place to search out it: You’ll discover this at many paladares, particularly these with a extra intensive dessert providing. It’s additionally a star attraction in native bakeries (pastelerías).
Casquitos de Guayaba (Guava Shells)
What it’s: Guava halves, with the seeds eliminated, slow-cooked in a candy syrup, typically spiced with cinnamon. They’re historically served with a slice of salty, gentle cream cheese.
Why strive it: It is a uniquely Cuban dessert that completely balances candy and savoury. The nice and cozy, tender guava mixed with the cool, salty cheese is a flavour mixture you must expertise.
Cultural be aware: This dessert is an ideal instance of Cuba’s farm-to-table roots, making a star out of the plentiful, domestically grown guava.
The place to search out it: Search for this in very conventional, home-style paladares specializing in genuine comida criolla (Creole meals).
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
What it’s: A easy and creamy pudding made by slow-cooking rice with milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and a touch of lemon zest.
Why strive it: That is pure consolation meals. The Cuban model is commonly thick, creamy, and served cool. It’s a heartwarming and acquainted dessert that appears like a hug in a bowl.
Cultural be aware: One other legacy from Spain, Arroz con Leche has been adopted as a staple of Cuban dwelling cooking, with each household having its personal treasured recipe.
The place to search out it: It’s a standard dessert on restaurant menus and a beloved staple in each Cuban dwelling.
Buñuelos
What it’s: A fritter made out of a dough of yuca and malanga (a starchy root vegetable), formed right into a figure-8, and fried till golden. It’s then drenched in a candy syrup flavoured with star anise.
Why strive it: These are usually not your common donuts. The yuca offers them a singular texture that’s each dense and lightweight, and the anise syrup provides a splendidly fragrant and barely licorice-like flavour.
Cultural be aware: Buñuelos are a really conventional Christmas-time deal with in Cuba, however their reputation means you may generally discover them at different instances of the yr.
The place to search out it: Maintain an eye fixed out for avenue distributors promoting them, particularly across the vacation season. Some conventional eating places can also provide them seasonally.
What to Drink in Cuba
To spherical out your culinary tour, you must strive the island’s iconic drinks. From potent morning espresso to refreshing night cocktails, these are the important drinks of Cuba.
Café Cubano (Cuban Espresso)
What it’s: A small however highly effective shot of espresso, uniquely sweetened by whipping the primary few drops of espresso with demerara sugar till it varieties a creamy, pale brown foam (espumita).
Why strive it: It’s a shot of pure Cuban power. The espumita offers it a singular texture and sweetness that’s in contrast to every other espresso you’ve had. It’s the right strategy to begin the morning or cap off an enormous meal.
Cultural be aware: Consuming espresso is a central a part of the social material. Providing a cafecito is a elementary gesture of hospitality and friendship, and it’s shared always of the day.
The place to search out it: Completely in every single place. You possibly can seize one from a ventanita (a walk-up window) for only a few pesos, or get pleasure from one after dinner at any paladar.
Mojito
What it’s: The world-famous Cuban cocktail made out of white rum, recent mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and a splash of soda water, all muddled collectively to launch the mint’s oils.
Why strive it: Having a mojito in its birthplace is a should. When made accurately, it’s extremely refreshing and balanced—not the overly candy drink you may need tried elsewhere. It’s the right antidote to a sizzling Havana afternoon.
Cultural be aware: The cocktail was made well-known by creator Ernest Hemingway, who was an everyday on the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio, which is now a preferred spot for vacationers searching for the basic mojito expertise.
The place to search out it: Each bar, lodge, and restaurant will serve one. For the historic expertise, head to La Bodeguita del Medio, however a few of our greatest mojitos have been from smaller, much less crowded native bars.
Insider Ideas for Discovering the Greatest Meals in Cuba
Understanding what to eat is one factor; understanding the place to search out it’s one other. After years of travelling by means of Cuba, we’ve discovered that the very best meals are sometimes discovered off the overwhelmed path. Right here’s what you should know.
Why You Must Eat at a ‘Paladar’
If there’s one piece of recommendation you’re taking away from this text, it’s this: eat at a paladar. Not like the usually uninspired state-run eating places, paladares are privately-owned, often family-run institutions. The meals is cooked with care, the elements are more energizing, and the recipes have been handed down for generations. Consuming at a paladar not solely ensures you a greater meal, however it additionally instantly helps native Cuban households.
What to Count on for Breakfast
Breakfast (desayuno) in Cuba is often a easy affair. The most typical breakfast consists of tostada—Cuban bread that’s sliced, buttered, and toasted—served with a robust café con leche (espresso with milk). Don’t be afraid to do because the locals do: break off items of your toast and dip them straight into your espresso. Contemporary fruit and eggs are additionally generally obtainable.
The place to Eat in Havana
- La Guarida, Centro–Outdated Havana border. Fashionable Cuban and classics. Reserve.
- Doña Eutimia, Callejón del Chorro 60-C, by the Cathedral. Comida criolla staples.
- San Cristóbal, San Rafael No 469 E. Outdated-school paladar with basic plates.
We’ll be trustworthy: Cuba is usually a problem for vegetarians. The delicacies may be very meat-centric. Nonetheless, it’s getting simpler. Your greatest guess is to dine at paladares, the place you may typically communicate instantly with the proprietor or chef to request a meal with out meat.
Your go-to dishes can be rice and beans, fried plantains, omelettes, and root greens like yuca. Remember to make clear that you simply don’t eat meat, as some locations could contemplate jamonada (ham or spam) to be an appropriate addition.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Cuban Meals
The nationwide dish and arguably hottest meals is Ropa Vieja. Nonetheless, Lechon Asado (roast pork) is the star of any celebration, and the straightforward mixture of rice and beans (Moros y Cristianos) is probably the most generally eaten meals each day.
No, conventional Cuban meals isn’t spicy-hot. It is vitally flavourful and well-seasoned with spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaf, together with the foundational flavours of garlic, onion, citrus, and bell peppers, however it doesn’t use sizzling chili peppers. Scorching sauce is mostly not obtainable until you ask for it particularly.
A typical Cuban dinner plate, or plato fuerte, consists of a most important protein like roast pork or shredded beef, served with a beneficiant serving to of rice and beans cooked collectively, and a facet of fried candy plantains (maduros) or a easy salad.
A Cuban garlic-and-citrus marinade and sauce constructed on bitter orange, garlic, oregano, and oil. Lemon and lime can sub for bitter orange.
Moros usually makes use of black beans. Congrí typically makes use of pink beans, particularly within the east, although utilization overlaps.
Cuban meals is a direct reflection of its vibrant, resilient, and resourceful tradition. It’s extra than simply rice and beans; it’s a wealthy culinary custom constructed on Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. To really expertise it, you must step away from the resorts and into the family-run paladares the place the actual magic occurs. By following your curiosity, you’ll uncover a flavourful and comforting delicacies that may keep on with you lengthy after your journey is over.
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