We’ve heard the rumours, and perhaps you might have too: that the meals in Cuba is bland and uninspired. For years, travellers who by no means left their all-inclusive resorts got here house with tales of boring buffets. We’re right here to let you know that might not be farther from the reality.
That each one modified for us after we determined to disregard the standard recommendation and comply with our curiosity down a residential avenue in Havana. We ended up in a paladar—a small, family-run restaurant working out of somebody’s house. The air was full of 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 a variety of time consuming our approach by means of Cuba, and we’re right here to share the dishes that you just completely can’t miss, based mostly on our firsthand expertise.
Prime 5 Cuban Dishes (Fast Listing)
When 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 in the case 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, usually marinated in a garlic and citrus mojo sauce.
- Sandwich Cubano: A traditional 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 virtually each most important course.
Should-Strive Cuban Fundamental Dishes
These are the hearty, flavourful centrepieces of any true Cuban delicacies. From slow-cooked meats to wealthy rice dishes, these mains supply a real style of the island’s culinary soul.
Ropa Vieja (Previous Garments)
What it’s: Shredded beef simmered in a wealthy sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and cumin. It’s extensively thought of Cuba’s nationwide dish.
Why attempt it: It’s pure consolation in a bowl. We regularly order this on cooler evenings in Havana after we desire a meal with slow-cooked depth and unbelievable flavour.
Cultural observe: The identify interprets to “previous garments,” which is believed to consult with the best way the shredded beef resembles vibrant, tattered rags.
The place to seek out it: You’ll discover this in almost 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: Gradual-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 attempt it: That is the dish that opened our eyes to what actual conventional Cuban dishes might be. The mix of tender pork and the zesty mojo sauce is one thing we nonetheless take into consideration.
Cultural observe: Lechon Asado is the quintessential celebration dish in Cuba, usually the centrepiece for holidays like Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and New Yr’s.
The place to seek out it: Whereas it’s a staple at celebrations, any respected paladar can have a unbelievable 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 attempt it: When 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 shiny, citrus-forward flavour.
Cultural observe: Vaca Frita is a superb instance of Cuban culinary resourcefulness, taking an analogous core ingredient as Ropa Vieja and creating a very completely different expertise.
The place to seek out it: Frequent in paladares throughout the nation. It’s a real native favorite you received’t at all times 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 typically raisins or potatoes for a candy and salty combine.
Why attempt it: That is the last word style of Cuban house 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 house.
Cultural observe: Almost each Cuban household has its personal model of Picadillo, with the recipe usually handed down by means of generations.
The place to seek out it: This can be a dependable and scrumptious alternative at virtually any paladar that serves conventional home-style meals.
Arroz Con Pollo (Hen with Rice)
What it’s: A traditional 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 attempt it: It’s easy, satisfying, and an entire meal in a single dish. The Cuban model is exceptionally moist and savoury, making it an ideal alternative if you’re undecided what to order.
Cultural observe: Whereas widespread throughout Latin America, the Cuban model is usually made with a splash of beer and annatto (or Bijol) for its distinct yellow color.
The place to seek out it: This can be a staple dish. You could find 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 filled with a hearty filling of black beans and rice (Moros y Cristianos).
Why attempt it: It’s two of Cuba’s most iconic dishes rolled into one. Order this if you’re feeling additional hungry and need all of the traditional flavours on one plate.
Cultural observe: This can be a extra elaborate tackle conventional recipes, showcasing the sort of culinary creativity you’ll discover in fashionable paladares.
The place to seek out it: Search for this at extra formidable eating places that get pleasure from placing a inventive spin on the classics.
Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice)
What it’s: A wealthy, layered casserole of yellow rice and shredded hen, usually sure along with mayonnaise and topped with a layer of melted cheese.
Why attempt 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 observe: Usually referred to as “Imperial Rice” as a result of its richness and layered look have been seen as a dish match for an emperor. It’s pure social gathering meals.
The place to seek out it: That is extra frequent at household gatherings than on restaurant menus, however some paladares specializing in celebratory meals will supply it.
Guava Basted Ribs
What it’s: Gradual-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 attempt it: It’s the proper mixture of candy and savoury. This dish highlights certainly one of Cuba’s most vital fruits in a very scrumptious and sudden approach.
Cultural observe: This recipe showcases the sturdy Caribbean affect on Cuban cooking, which frequently incorporates tropical fruits into savoury dishes.
The place to seek out it: You’re most certainly to seek out this at paladares with a extra modern or fusion-style menu.
Important Aspect Dishes in Cuba
Whereas the mains are the celebs, these important facet dishes are the muse of almost each Cuban meal. They supply stability, texture, and an entire lot of additional flavour.
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)
What it’s: The long-lasting 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 attempt it: That is the center and soul of the Cuban plate. When made properly, it’s a lot extra than simply rice and beans. It’s savoury, fragrant, and the proper companion to wealthy, meaty most important programs.
Cultural observe: 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 seek 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 might be pan-fried till they’re comfortable on the within with a caramelized, barely crispy exterior.
Why attempt it: They supply an exquisite, candy counterpoint to the salty and savoury flavours of the primary dishes. That is certainly one of our favorite facet dishes and we order it each single time it’s on the menu.
Cultural observe: Using plantains is a direct hyperlink to the African influences which might be deeply woven into Cuban tradition and delicacies.
The place to seek out it: Served alongside most platos fuertes (most important programs) as a normal accompaniment.
Tostones (Fried Inexperienced Plantains)
What it’s: Slices of unripe, inexperienced plantain which might be fried as soon as, smashed flat into discs, after which fried a second time till they’re golden and crispy.
Why attempt it: These are the savoury, starchy cousin to the candy maduros. They’ve a texture much like a thick-cut potato chip or a crispy french fry and are good for dipping.
Cultural observe: Also called ‘chatinos’ in some areas of Cuba. The essential double-frying approach is what provides them their signature crunch.
The place to seek out it: A very talked-about appetizer (entrante) or facet dish. They’re usually served with a garlicky mojo sauce for dipping.
Yuca con Mojo (Cassava with Garlic Sauce)
What it’s: Yuca, a starchy root vegetable much 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 a variety of garlic.
Why attempt it: It’s a traditional Cuban consolation meals. The comfortable, delicate flavour of the yuca is the proper canvas for the potent, zesty garlic sauce. It’s easy however extremely satisfying.
Cultural observe: 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 seek out it: This can be 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 Avenue 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 attempt it: It’s a world-famous sandwich for a purpose. 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 observe: Whereas it’s the last word image of Cuban meals, the sandwich in its fashionable type was truly perfected in Cuban immigrant communities in Florida, notably Key West and Tampa.
The place to seek 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: Almost similar to the Cuban Sandwich in its fillings, however served on a candy, comfortable, egg-based bread much like challah or brioche. The identify interprets to “midnight.”
Why attempt it: The candy, comfortable bread fully adjustments the expertise. It makes the sandwich a bit richer and fewer crusty than the unique. We typically desire it after we’re within the temper for one thing a bit completely different.
Cultural observe: 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 seek out it: You’ll be able to usually discover it on the similar spots that promote the traditional Cubano, particularly at locations that keep open late in Havana.
Tamales
What it’s: A savoury dough made out of contemporary floor corn (masa), blended with seasoned floor pork and spices. The combination is then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
Why attempt it: In contrast to many different Latin American tamales, the meat is blended immediately into the dough as a substitute of being a separate filling. This implies each single chunk is moist and full of flavour.
Cultural observe: Making tamales is usually a social, communal exercise in Cuba, with household and mates gathering to organize massive batches for holidays and particular events.
The place to seek out it: That is traditional avenue meals. Hold 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 attempt it: It’s essentially the most well-known dessert in Cuba for a purpose. The feel is flawless, and the marginally bittersweet flavour of the caramel completely balances the creamy custard. It’s a easy and chic traditional.
Cultural observe: Flan was dropped at Cuba by the Spanish, however the native model, which depends on canned condensed and evaporated milk, grew to become a staple because of the island’s historical past and dairy availability.
The place to seek out it: You’ll find flan on the dessert menu of almost each paladar and restaurant throughout the nation.
Tres Leches Cake (Three Milks Cake)
What it’s: A light-weight 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 usually topped with a light-weight whipped cream or meringue.
Why attempt it: Regardless of being drenched in milk, this cake is extremely mild 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 observe: Whereas widespread throughout Latin America, Tres Leches is a beloved cake for birthdays and celebrations in Cuba.
The place to seek 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, usually spiced with cinnamon. They’re historically served with a slice of salty, delicate cream cheese.
Why attempt it: This can be 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 need to expertise.
Cultural observe: 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 seek out it: Search for this in very conventional, home-style paladares focusing on 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 attempt it: That is pure consolation meals. The Cuban model is usually thick, creamy, and served cool. It’s a heartwarming and acquainted dessert that looks like a hug in a bowl.
Cultural observe: One other legacy from Spain, Arroz con Leche has been adopted as a staple of Cuban house cooking, with each household having its personal treasured recipe.
The place to seek out it: It’s a standard dessert on restaurant menus and a beloved staple in each Cuban house.
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 attempt it: These aren’t your common donuts. The yuca provides them a novel texture that’s each dense and light-weight, and the anise syrup provides a splendidly fragrant and barely licorice-like flavour.
Cultural observe: Buñuelos are a really conventional Christmas-time deal with in Cuba, however their reputation means you may typically discover them at different occasions of the yr.
The place to seek out it: Hold an eye fixed out for avenue distributors promoting them, particularly across the vacation season. Some conventional eating places may supply them seasonally.
What to Drink in Cuba
To spherical out your culinary tour, you need to attempt 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 attempt it: It’s a shot of pure Cuban vitality. The espumita provides it a novel texture and sweetness that’s in contrast to every other espresso you’ve had. It’s the proper approach to begin the morning or cap off a giant meal.
Cultural observe: Ingesting espresso is a central a part of the social cloth. Providing a cafecito is a basic gesture of hospitality and friendship, and it’s shared always of the day.
The place to seek out it: Completely in every single place. You’ll be able to seize one from a ventanita (a walk-up window) for just some 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, contemporary mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and a splash of soda water, all muddled collectively to launch the mint’s oils.
Why attempt it: Having a mojito in its birthplace is a should. When made appropriately, it’s extremely refreshing and balanced—not the overly candy drink you might need tried elsewhere. It’s the proper antidote to a scorching Havana afternoon.
Cultural observe: 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 in search of the traditional mojito expertise.
The place to seek 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
Figuring out what to eat is one factor; figuring out the place to seek 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 want to know.
Why You Must Eat at a ‘Paladar’
If there’s one piece of recommendation you are taking away from this text, it’s this: eat at a paladar. In contrast to the customarily uninspired state-run eating places, paladares are privately-owned, normally 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, but it surely additionally immediately helps native Cuban households.
What to Anticipate 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 out there.
The place to Eat in Havana
- La Guarida, Centro–Previous Havana border. Trendy Cuban and classics. Reserve.
- Doña Eutimia, Callejón del Chorro 60-C, by the Cathedral. Comida criolla staples.
- San Cristóbal, San Rafael No 469 E. Previous-school paladar with traditional plates.
We’ll be trustworthy: Cuba could be a problem for vegetarians. The delicacies could be very meat-centric. Nonetheless, it’s getting simpler. Your greatest wager is to dine at paladares, the place you may usually converse immediately with the proprietor or chef to request a meal with out meat.
Your go-to dishes shall be rice and beans, fried plantains, omelettes, and root greens like yuca. Make sure you make clear that you just don’t eat meat, as some locations might contemplate jamonada (ham or spam) to be a suitable 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 easy mixture of rice and beans (Moros y Cristianos) is essentially the most generally eaten meals every 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, but it surely doesn’t use scorching chili peppers. Sizzling sauce is mostly not out there except 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 usually 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 need to 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 can persist with you lengthy after your journey is over.
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