We’ve heard the rumours, and perhaps you could 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 dwelling with tales of boring buffets. We’re right here to inform you that might not be farther from the reality.
That all modified for us once we determined to ignore the standard recommendation and comply with our curiosity down a residential road in Havana. We ended up in a paladar—a small, family-run restaurant working out of somebody’s dwelling. 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 strategies; 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 lots of time consuming our manner by Cuba, and we’re right here to share the dishes that you simply completely can’t miss, primarily based on our firsthand expertise.
Top 5 Cuban Dishes (Quick List)
If you solely have time for a number of meals in Cuba, ensure these are in your checklist. This is the most effective of the most effective when it comes 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, typically 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: Sweet, caramelized fried plantains that accompany virtually each foremost course.
Must-Try Cuban Main 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 (Old Clothes)
What it’s: Shredded beef simmered in a wealthy sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and cumin. It is extensively thought-about Cuba’s nationwide dish.
Why strive it: It’s pure consolation in a bowl. We typically order this on cooler evenings in Havana once we desire a meal with slow-cooked depth and unbelievable flavour.
Cultural word: The identify interprets to “old clothes,” which is assumed to refer to the best way the shredded beef resembles vibrant, tattered rags.
Where to discover it: You’ll discover this in almost each paladar, however the most effective variations come from household kitchens which were simmering the recipe for generations.
Lechon Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)
What it’s: Slow-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: This is the dish that opened our eyes to what actual conventional Cuban dishes might be. The mixture of tender pork and the zesty mojo sauce is one thing we nonetheless take into consideration.
Cultural word: Lechon Asado is the quintessential celebration dish in Cuba, typically the centrepiece for holidays like Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and New Year’s.
Where to discover it: While it’s a staple at celebrations, any respected paladar could have a incredible 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: If you take pleasure in texture, that is the dish for you. It’s the savoury, crispy cousin of Ropa Vieja, providing a pleasant crunch and a brilliant, citrus-forward flavour.
Cultural word: Vaca Frita is a superb instance of Cuban culinary resourcefulness, taking an analogous core ingredient as Ropa Vieja and creating a totally completely different expertise.
Where to discover it: Common 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: This 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 possibly can simply make at dwelling.
Cultural word: Nearly each Cuban household has its personal model of Picadillo, with the recipe typically handed down by generations.
Where to discover it: This is a dependable and scrumptious selection at virtually any paladar that serves conventional home-style meals.
Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)
What it’s: A traditional one-pot meal the place rooster and yellow rice are simmered along with a sofrito base, permitting the rice to take in all of the flavourful inventory and spices.
Why strive 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 selection if you’re undecided what to order.
Cultural word: While in style throughout Latin America, the Cuban model is commonly made with a splash of beer and annatto (or Bijol) for its distinct yellow color.
Where to discover it: This is a staple dish. You can 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 if you’re feeling further hungry and wish all of the traditional flavours on one plate.
Cultural word: This is a extra elaborate tackle conventional recipes, showcasing the form of culinary creativity you’ll discover in trendy paladares.
Where to discover it: Look for this at extra bold eating places that take pleasure in placing a artistic spin on the classics.
Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice)
What it’s: A wealthy, layered casserole of yellow rice and shredded rooster, 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 word: Often referred to 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 get together meals.
Where to discover it: This 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: Slow-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 totally scrumptious and surprising manner.
Cultural word: This recipe showcases the robust Caribbean affect on Cuban cooking, which frequently incorporates tropical fruits into savoury dishes.
Where to discover it: You’re almost certainly to discover this at paladares with a extra up to date or fusion-style menu.
Essential Side Dishes in Cuba
While the mains are the celebs, these important facet dishes are the muse of almost each Cuban meal. They present stability, texture, and a complete lot of additional flavour.
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)
What it’s: The iconic 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: This 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 right companion to wealthy, meaty foremost programs.
Cultural word: 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.
Where to discover it: Absolutely in every single place. It’s the default facet dish for many meals served throughout the island.
Plátano Maduro Frito (Fried Sweet 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 strive it: They present a beautiful, candy counterpoint to the salty and savoury flavours of the primary dishes. This is one in every of our favorite facet dishes and we order it each single time it’s on the menu.
Cultural word: The use of plantains is a direct hyperlink to the African influences which might be deeply woven into Cuban tradition and delicacies.
Where to discover it: Served alongside most platos fuertes (foremost programs) as an ordinary accompaniment.
Tostones (Fried Green 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 strive it: These are the savoury, starchy cousin to the candy maduros. They have a texture comparable to a thick-cut potato chip or a crispy french fry and are good for dipping.
Cultural word: Also generally known as ‘chatinos’ in some areas of Cuba. The essential double-frying approach is what provides them their signature crunch.
Where to discover it: A highly regarded appetizer (entrante) or facet dish. They are sometimes served with a garlicky mojo sauce for dipping.
Yuca con Mojo (Cassava with Garlic Sauce)
What it’s: Yuca, a starchy root vegetable comparable to 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 lots of garlic.
Why strive it: It’s a traditional Cuban consolation meals. The comfortable, gentle flavour of the yuca is the right canvas for the potent, zesty garlic sauce. It’s easy however extremely satisfying.
Cultural word: Yuca was a staple meals for the indigenous Taíno folks of Cuba, making it some of the historic components nonetheless eaten on the island at this time.
Where to discover it: This 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 Street Food
Beyond the sit-down meals, a few of Cuba’s finest meals is present in its sandwiches and fast street-side eats. They are easy, satisfying, and full of native flavour.
Sandwich Cubano (The Traditional 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 mixture 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 word: While it’s the last word image of Cuban meals, the sandwich in its trendy type was truly perfected in Cuban immigrant communities in Florida, significantly Key West and Tampa.
Where to discover it: Look for ventanitas (little walk-up home windows) and native cafes. You’ll discover them throughout, however the most effective ones are made to order at busy lunch counters.
Medianoche (Midnight Sandwich)
What it’s: Nearly an identical to the Cuban Sandwich in its fillings, however served on a candy, comfortable, egg-based bread comparable to challah or brioche. The identify interprets to “midnight.”
Why strive it: The candy, comfortable bread fully modifications the expertise. It makes the sandwich just a little richer and fewer crusty than the unique. We generally choose it once we’re within the temper for one thing a bit completely different.
Cultural word: It earned its identify as a well-liked late-night meals, historically eaten by patrons leaving Havana’s nightclubs and cabarets within the early hours of the morning.
Where to discover it: You can typically 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 strive it: Unlike many different Latin American tamales, the meat is blended straight into the dough as a substitute of being a separate filling. This means each single chunk is moist and full of flavour.
Cultural word: Making tamales is commonly a social, communal exercise in Cuba, with household and mates gathering to put together giant batches for holidays and particular events.
Where to discover it: This is traditional road meals. Keep an eye fixed out for native distributors promoting them from carts or at neighbourhood markets, particularly in cities exterior 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 made out of eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, all sitting in a pool of soppy, amber-coloured caramel sauce.
Why strive it: It’s essentially the most well-known dessert in Cuba for a cause. The texture is flawless, and the marginally bittersweet flavour of the caramel completely balances the creamy custard. It’s a easy and chic traditional.
Cultural word: Flan was introduced to Cuba by the Spanish, however the native model, which depends on canned condensed and evaporated milk, grew to become a staple due to the island’s historical past and dairy availability.
Where to discover it: You will 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 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: Despite 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 word: While in style throughout Latin America, Tres Leches is a beloved cake for birthdays and celebrations in Cuba.
Where to discover 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, typically spiced with cinnamon. They are historically served with a slice of salty, gentle cream cheese.
Why strive it: This is a uniquely Cuban dessert that completely balances candy and savoury. The heat, tender guava mixed with the cool, salty cheese is a flavour mixture you could have to expertise.
Cultural word: This dessert is an ideal instance of Cuba’s farm-to-table roots, making a star out of the plentiful, regionally grown guava.
Where to discover it: Look 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: This is pure consolation meals. The Cuban model is commonly thick, creamy, and served cool. It’s a heartwarming and acquainted dessert that seems like a hug in a bowl.
Cultural word: Another legacy from Spain, Arroz con Leche has been adopted as a staple of Cuban dwelling cooking, with each household having its personal treasured recipe.
Where to discover 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 usually are not 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 word: Buñuelos are a really conventional Christmas-time deal with in Cuba, however their recognition means you possibly can generally discover them at different instances of the 12 months.
Where to discover it: Keep an eye fixed out for road distributors promoting them, particularly across the vacation season. Some conventional eating places may additionally supply them seasonally.
What to Drink in Cuba
To spherical out your culinary tour, you could have to strive the island’s iconic drinks. From potent morning espresso to refreshing night cocktails, these are the important drinks of Cuba.
Café Cubano (Cuban Coffee)
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 types 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 some other espresso you’ve had. It’s the right manner to begin the morning or cap off an enormous meal.
Cultural word: Drinking espresso is a central a part of the social cloth. Offering a cafecito is a elementary gesture of hospitality and friendship, and it’s shared always of the day.
Where to discover it: Absolutely in every single place. You can seize one from a ventanita (a walk-up window) for only a few pesos, or take pleasure in 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 strive 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 may need tried elsewhere. It’s the right antidote to a scorching Havana afternoon.
Cultural word: 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 well-liked spot for vacationers looking for the traditional mojito expertise.
Where to discover it: Every 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 Tips for Finding the Best Food in Cuba
Knowing what to eat is one factor; figuring out the place to discover it’s one other. After years of travelling by Cuba, we’ve discovered that the most effective meals are sometimes discovered off the overwhelmed path. Here’s what you want to know.
Why You Need to 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. Unlike the customarily 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. Eating at a paladar not solely ensures you a greater meal, however it additionally straight helps native Cuban households.
What to Expect 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. Fresh fruit and eggs are additionally generally obtainable.
Where to Eat in Havana
La Guarida, Centro–Old Havana border. Modern Cuban and classics. Reserve.
Doña Eutimia, Callejón del Chorro 60-C, by the Cathedral. Comida criolla staples.
San Cristóbal, San Rafael No 469 E. Old-school paladar with traditional plates.
We’ll be sincere: Cuba generally is a problem for vegetarians. The delicacies could be very meat-centric. However, it’s getting simpler. Your finest wager is to dine at paladares, the place you possibly can typically communicate straight with the proprietor or chef to request a meal with out meat.
Your go-to dishes might be rice and beans, fried plantains, omelettes, and root greens like yuca. Be certain 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Food
The nationwide dish and arguably hottest meals is Ropa Vieja. However, Lechon Asado (roast pork) is the star of any celebration, and the straightforward mixture of rice and beans (Moros y Cristianos) is essentially the most generally eaten meals every day.
No, conventional Cuban meals just isn’t spicy-hot. It could be very 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 scorching chili peppers. Hot sauce is usually not obtainable except you ask for it particularly.
A typical Cuban dinner plate, or plato fuerte, consists of a foremost 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 could have to 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 stick to you lengthy after your journey is over.
Looking for extra info on Cuba?