We’ve heard the rumours, and perhaps you’ve got too: that the meals in Cuba is bland and uninspired. For years, travellers who by no means left their all-inclusive resorts got here residence with tales of boring buffets. We’re right here to let you know that might not be farther from the reality.
That every one modified for us after we determined to disregard the everyday 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 residence. The air was crammed with the scent of garlic, cumin, and slow-roasted pork. It was there we found the true 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 number of time consuming our manner by way of Cuba, and we’re right here to share the dishes that you simply completely can’t miss, based mostly on our firsthand expertise.
High 5 Cuban Dishes (Fast Checklist)
When you solely have time for a couple of meals in Cuba, ensure these are in your checklist. That is the perfect of the perfect in relation to 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 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 virtually each fundamental course.
Should-Attempt Cuban Principal 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 (Previous 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 desire a meal with slow-cooked depth and unimaginable flavour.
Cultural observe: The title interprets to “outdated garments,” which is assumed to seek advice from the way in which the shredded beef resembles vibrant, tattered rags.
The place to search out it: You’ll discover this in almost each paladar, however the perfect 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 could possibly be. The mixture 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 12 months’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 sides are brown and splendidly crispy.
Why strive 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 vivid, citrus-forward flavour.
Cultural observe: Vaca Frita is a good instance of Cuban culinary resourcefulness, taking the same core ingredient as Ropa Vieja and creating a totally completely different expertise.
The place to search 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 generally raisins or potatoes for a candy and salty combine.
Why strive it: That is the final word style of Cuban residence 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 possibly can simply make at residence.
Cultural observe: Almost each Cuban household has its personal model of Picadillo, with the recipe usually handed down by way of generations.
The place to search out it: It is 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 basic one-pot meal the place rooster 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 once you’re undecided what to order.
Cultural observe: Whereas common 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 search out it: It is a staple dish. You’ll 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 strive it: It’s two of Cuba’s most iconic dishes rolled into one. Order this once you’re feeling further hungry and wish all of the basic flavours on one plate.
Cultural observe: It is a extra elaborate tackle conventional recipes, showcasing the form of culinary creativity you’ll discover in fashionable paladares.
The place to search out it: Search for this at extra formidable 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 rooster, usually sure 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 excellent for sharing.
Cultural observe: Typically 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 celebration meals.
The place to search out it: That is extra widespread 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 created from a base of guava paste, a staple Cuban fruit.
Why strive it: It’s the proper mixture of candy and savoury. This dish highlights one among Cuba’s most vital fruits in a totally scrumptious and surprising manner.
Cultural observe: This recipe showcases the sturdy Caribbean affect on Cuban cooking, which frequently incorporates tropical fruits into savoury dishes.
The place to search out it: You’re most certainly to search out this at paladares with a extra modern or fusion-style menu.
Important Facet 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 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 guts 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 fundamental programs.
Cultural observe: The title 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 can be pan-fried till they’re smooth 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 among 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 can be deeply woven into Cuban tradition and delicacies.
The place to search out it: Served alongside most platos fuertes (fundamental programs) as a typical accompaniment.
Tostones (Fried Inexperienced Plantains)
What it’s: Slices of unripe, inexperienced plantain which can be 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 excellent for dipping.
Cultural observe: Often known as ‘chatinos’ in some areas of Cuba. The essential double-frying method is what provides them their signature crunch.
The place to search out it: A highly regarded 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 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 a number of garlic.
Why strive it: It’s a basic Cuban consolation meals. The smooth, 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 folks of Cuba, making it one of the crucial historic components nonetheless eaten on the island as we speak.
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 filled with 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 purpose. The combination of savoury meats, melted cheese, and the tangy lower of the pickles and mustard is an ideal mixture. It’s a scrumptious, filling, and reasonably priced lunch.
Cultural observe: Whereas it’s the final word image of Cuban meals, the sandwich in its fashionable type 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 perfect ones are made to order at busy lunch counters.
Medianoche (Midnight Sandwich)
What it’s: Almost an identical to the Cuban Sandwich in its fillings, however served on a candy, smooth, egg-based bread just like challah or brioche. The title interprets to “midnight.”
Why strive it: The candy, smooth bread utterly adjustments the expertise. It makes the sandwich slightly 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 observe: It earned its title 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 usually 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 created from recent floor corn (masa), blended with seasoned floor pork and spices. The combination is then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
Why strive 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 filled with flavour.
Cultural observe: Making tamales is usually 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. Preserve 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 easy baked custard created from eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, all sitting in a pool of sentimental, amber-coloured caramel sauce.
Why strive it: It’s probably 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 stylish basic.
Cultural observe: Flan was dropped at Cuba by the Spanish, however the native model, which depends on canned condensed and evaporated milk, turned a staple as a result of island’s historical past and dairy availability.
The place to search out it: You’ll discover flan on the dessert menu of almost each paladar and restaurant throughout the nation.
Tres Leches Cake (Three Milks Cake)
What it’s: A lightweight sponge cake that will get its title from being soaked in a mix of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s usually 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 observe: 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 in depth 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 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 observe: This dessert is an ideal instance of Cuba’s farm-to-table roots, making a star out of the considerable, regionally grown guava.
The place to search 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 strive it: That is pure consolation meals. The Cuban model is usually thick, creamy, and served cool. It’s a heartwarming and acquainted dessert that appears like a hug in a bowl.
Cultural observe: One other legacy from Spain, Arroz con Leche has been adopted as a staple of Cuban residence 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 residence.
Buñuelos
What it’s: A fritter created from 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 usually are not your common donuts. The yuca provides them a novel texture that’s each dense and lightweight, 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 possibly can generally discover them at different instances of the yr.
The place to search out it: Preserve an eye fixed out for avenue distributors promoting them, particularly across the vacation season. Some conventional eating places may additionally 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 vitality. The espumita provides it a novel texture and sweetness that’s not like every other espresso you’ve had. It’s the proper method to begin the morning or cap off a giant meal.
Cultural observe: Ingesting espresso is a central a part of the social material. Providing a cafecito is a basic 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 just some pesos, or get pleasure from one after dinner at any paladar.
Mojito
What it’s: The world-famous Cuban cocktail created from 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 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 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
Figuring out what to eat is one factor; realizing the place to search out it’s one other. After years of travelling by way of Cuba, we’ve discovered that the perfect 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 are taking away from this text, it’s this: eat at a paladar. In contrast to the usually uninspired state-run eating places, paladares are privately-owned, normally family-run institutions. The meals is cooked with care, the components 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 Count on for Breakfast
Breakfast (desayuno) in Cuba is usually a easy affair. The commonest breakfast consists of tostada—Cuban bread that’s sliced, buttered, and toasted—served with a powerful 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. Recent fruit and eggs are additionally generally accessible.
The place to Eat in Havana
- La Guarida, Centro–Previous 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. Previous-school paladar with basic plates.
We’ll be trustworthy: Cuba could be a problem for vegetarians. The delicacies may be very meat-centric. Nonetheless, it’s getting simpler. Your greatest wager is to dine at paladares, the place you possibly can usually converse immediately with the proprietor or chef to request a meal with out meat.
Your go-to dishes will likely 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 think about jamonada (ham or spam) to be a suitable addition.
Often 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 every day.
No, conventional Cuban meals isn’t spicy-hot. It is extremely 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 usually not accessible except you ask for it particularly.
A typical Cuban dinner plate, or plato fuerte, consists of a fundamental 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 sometimes 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 must step away from the resorts and into the family-run paladares the place the true magic occurs. By following your curiosity, you’ll uncover a flavourful and comforting delicacies that can follow you lengthy after your journey is over.
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