Food Guide to Cuba: Top-10 Must-Try Foods
[ Food Diary Index, Cuba Guide ]
Cuban cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, shaped by centuries of history and regional adaptation.
Cuba mealWhile Cuban foods may appear simple at first glance, the food is usually hearty, flavourful, and rooted in local ingredients such as rice, beans, plantains, pork, and fresh tropical fruits.
For travellers, the best meals often come from paladares (small, privately owned restaurants), street vendors, and family-run homes offering authentic, home-cooked fare.
Top-10 Must-Try Cuban Foods
- Ropa Vieja: This is Cuba’s national dish, made from shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and spices. It’s typically served with rice, black beans, and fried plantains. The name means "old clothes" due to the shredded texture of the meat.
- Moros y Cristianos: This staple dish features black beans and white rice cooked together with garlic, onion, and sometimes pork fat for extra flavour. The name, meaning "Moors and Christians," symbolises the mixing of cultures. It's found everywhere from local homes to high-end restaurants.
- Lechón Asado: A favourite during celebrations, this dish is whole roasted pork, often marinated in citrus and garlic mojo sauce. The meat is tender and juicy with crispy skin. It's typically slow-cooked over charcoal or in a pit for several hours.
- Tostones: These twice-fried green plantain slices are crunchy, salty, and satisfying. They’re often served as a side dish or snack, sometimes with a garlic dipping sauce. Tostones are a popular street food across the island.
- Yuca con Mojo: Yuca (cassava) is boiled and topped with a sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and sour orange juice. The dish is simple yet flavourful, often served alongside pork or chicken. It's a traditional comfort food for many Cubans.
- Picadillo: A ground beef hash cooked with tomatoes, onions, raisins, olives, and spices. This sweet-and-savory combination is often served over rice or used as a filling in empanadas. It's a versatile and widely loved dish.
- Pan con Lechón: A sandwich made with roasted pork, garlic, and sometimes pickled onions, served in crusty Cuban bread. It's a favourite snack or lunch item, often found at street stalls. The flavours are bold and satisfying.
- Tamal en Cazuela: Unlike Mexican tamales, this Cuban version is a cornmeal stew cooked with pork and spices. It’s soft, creamy, and eaten with a spoon. It’s commonly served at home as a hearty, comforting meal.
- Lobster or Fish in Garlic Sauce: Along the coast, fresh seafood is often prepared simply with garlic and butter or olive oil. Lobster, snapper, and shrimp are commonly available. These dishes highlight the freshness of Cuba’s coastal ingredients.
- Flan: This classic caramel custard dessert is creamy and sweet with a rich caramel sauce. It’s a popular ending to most meals in Cuba. You’ll find variations using coconut or coffee for added flavour.