We have said this time and time again, Cuban food is delicious, when you know where to eat it and when you are actually eating things that the locals eat themselves, thus are masters of making. When you travel with us, we ensure you get a mix of experiences from paladares that are homely, to those that are a bit more up market, to home cook meals and anything in between. It is after all, part of having an authentic experience.
So what delicacies can you encounter, or maybe even look out for to try?
The most typical Cuban food is the comida criolla. This is a dish made up of various ingredients. There always is a protein source (it can be fish, seafood, pork, chicken and sometimes beef), a salad, fried plantains and rice and beans. And if you ask most Cubans, anything that doesn’t contain all these, is just a snack!
Cubans eat lots of rice so expect it at every meal.
Traditional Cuban Food
Tamales
Experience a mouthwatering blend of flavors from Africa, the Caribbean, and Spain all in one delectable package. Our savory corn husk wraps are crafted with the freshest corn and filled with a tantalizing mix of meats – and unlike others, we skip the chorizo. You won’t be able to resist the irresistible taste of Yoanis’ mum’s handcrafted delights. Indulge in an explosion of deliciousness like no other.
Make the most of your preparation time with a fun and traditional approach – the Cuban way! Involve the whole family and turn it into a memorable bonding experience. Put everything together while listening to music and enjoy the process to the fullest.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 lb roasted or braised pork cubed into small pieces
• 1/4 cup oil for frying
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper chopped
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1 small can tomato sauce 8 oz
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 3 cups ground corn fresh or frozen
• flour
• 24 to 32 corn husks
• water
Start by heating some oil in a pan and frying the meat until it releases its flavorful juices and fat. As the meat sizzles, toss in some onions and red pepper, allowing them to absorb all those delicious flavors and soften on all sides.
Once the onions turn translucent, add some crushed garlic and cook for another 2 minutes on medium heat. Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show – tomato sauce! Gently simmer it with the meat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste.
While the meat simmers, let’s work on the corn part of our tamale. Throw some corn kernels into a food processor and blend until you achieve a thick consistency. Season to taste, because flavor is key!
Now for the exciting part – it’s time to combine the meat with the corn mixture. Mix them together until they are perfectly blended, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. If it seems too runny, add some flour.
Let’s assemble our tamales! For a secure hold, we recommend using 2 corn husks per tamale. Fold them like a little parcel and place them in a large pot. Fill it halfway with water (or use a steamer if you have one) and get ready for some serious cooking action.
Cook your tantalizing Cuban Tamales for about 1 – 1½ hours, until a fork inserted into them comes out clean. And voila! A delectable dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing recipe. Happy cooking!
Medianoche
Literally meaning “midnight”, aka the Cuban Sandwich. It is absolutely delicious and so simple to make with your roast pork leftovers! Not sure how to make it, check our blog dedicated to this delicious morsel!
We do recommend that you may adjust the mustard – ie. French, American, Dijon or otherwise, and maybe even the pickles – we like the garlic and dill pickles the best, but each to their own!
Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
If you get the chance, visit the gourmet capital of Cuba in Baracoa, Guantanamo Province and indulge in the mouthwatering coconut sauce, lovingly called “lechita” by the locals. Made with rich coconut milk, tomato paste, garlic, and a blend of fragrant spices, this sauce is poured over succulent shrimps, tender octopus, and even luxurious lobster. While we can’t give you the recipe, we can promise that after savoring this delicious dish, you’ll find yourself in a blissful food coma.
Arroz Con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)
Introducing the ultimate Cuban comfort food – Arroz con Pollo! This classic one-pot dish is a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken thighs, aromatic yellow rice, zesty tomato sauce, flavorful chicken broth, rich sofrito, and a secret blend of spices. Passed down through generations in Cuban families, this recipe is a true taste of tradition. And the best part? It practically cooks itself, making it the ideal Sunday dinner.
Lechon Asado
Mouthwatering Cuban Lechon Asado. The suckling pig is marinated in a homemade garlic-citrus mojo marinade and then slow-roasted to perfection over charcoal. The result is tender, juicy shredded pork with that coveted crispy pork skin, making it a delightful tradition reminiscent of holiday gatherings you’ll want to savor year-round. This one is definitely one thing you don’t want to miss out! And if you like it, we share how to make it at home, you don’t have to cook the whole suckling pig! Just grab a pork shoulder and bring these flavours home.
Tamal en Cazuela
Introducing Tamal en Cazuela: a mouthwatering Cuban-inspired dish without the hassle of traditional tamales. Picture this: succulent, slow-cooked mojo-marinated pork nestled in a rich, flavorful cornmeal and tomato-based stew. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible taste. Trust me, this dish will become an instant family favorite. Best of all, it’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!
Ropa Vieja
Indulge in the Ultimate Ropa Vieja: Cuba’s Most Flavorful and Beloved Dish
Packed with a myriad of flavorful ingredients and spices, this dish will leave you wanting more. And guess what? It’s so delicious, you’ll be glad to have leftovers!
What is Ropa Vieja, you may wonder? Imagine tender, shredded beef and vibrant vegetables that resemble a colorful heap of rags. Aptly named after the Spanish term for “old clothes,” this dish has earned its place as one of Cuba’s most popular and cherished dishes, even though beef is hard to come by in Cuba.
But the story doesn’t end there! Ropa Vieja actually dates back to the Middle Ages of Spanish Sephardi. It is a loose adaptation of a dish that remains beloved in southern and central Spain. Originally, it was a clever way to repurpose leftovers from garbanzo-based stews like puchero or cocida. The Cubans, however, put their own twist on it and made it their own.
At the heart of this dish are beef and tomatoes, naturally rich in umami flavors. Complemented by zesty bell peppers and caramelized onions, your taste buds are in for a treat. But we’re not done yet! We’ll also bring in additional ingredients and spices that will make each bite sing with joy.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to savor the ultimate Ropa Vieja experience and create a dish that will impress your friends and family. Trust us, they’ll be begging for seconds!
Chicharrones
Well, technically it is pork rind fried… but! Why would you only use the rind if you can add some meaty goodness to it? Perfect keto snack, drink snack or whatever you want to call it. One thing is for sure, once you pop one bite, you won’t be able to stop! They are very easy to make at home too…
How? Just watch Yoanis at work and learn.
Croquetas
Yoanis and I have a tradition – wherever we go if these are on the menu, we will try them! Ham and cheese version is the most typical in Cuba, but you may find a few other varieties. I have to say, the first time he made them at home, I was wondering what on earth he was doing as it is a rather elaborate process to make Cuban Croquetas.
Pizza
I have to say, Cuban pizzas surprised me. Whether it is one from from a restaurant or from a local hole in the wall, they are absolutely delicious and on par with their Italian counterparts. My favourite is tuna! Do try!
Vegetarian Cuban Cuisine
It may appear that Cuba is a meat and rice kind of country. You definitely here Cubans call anything without beans and rice a snack.
But meat is quite expensive for Cubans so they tend to eat it in smaller portions compared to rice and accompany it with vegetarian side options like simple salads – such as grated cabbage, tomato, cucumber and lettuce or potentially things that are more hearty and filling.
Malanga Fritters
Malanga (similar to yam and potatoes in texture and flavour) is grated and battered and then fried till crispy and delicious.
Congrí
Also called moros y cristianos, congrí accompanies any real comida criolla.
This Cuban food is literally is white rice and black beans cooked in garlic, oil, cumin and other spices.
Yuca fingers
Large chunks of yuca fried in oil (more likely in pig fat as oil can be hard to find). Although in some cases this may just be boiled and eaten on the side instead of fried.
Tostones
This is made of plantains, you can have this plain or stuffed. Have you seen how Yoanis made it?
I must say I quite like the simpler and easier version of just sliced fried banana. Only one problem with it, is that once you start, the whole bowl tends to go!
I have to say, with all the choices the true favourite in our house seems to be two fried eggs and a ripe banana over rice.. for good measure (and of course for the meat component) you can add a hint of chicharrones.
Cuban Desserts
Cubans love sweets, you should see their faces when I ask for a Cafecito with no sugar.
Rice pudding
Rice cooked with condensed and evaporated milk and some lime rind, you can serve with a hint of cinnamon.
Guava Paste
Perfect accompaniment to your cheese! It’s simply made of fresh guavas and a load of sugar!
Churros
The perfect example of street food: dough is fried till it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and sprinkled in sugar.
Flan Caramel
This Cuban dessert is similar to the one found in many countries around the world, it is made with condensed milk, evaporated eggs and vanilla cooked together over a delicious caramel.
Now that you have the ultimate guide to the must-try Cuban dishes on your next trip, you are ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. From succulent meat dishes like ropa vieja and lechón asado, to flavorful vegetable dishes such as arroz congri and yuca con mojo, to indulgent sweet treats like flan and pastelitos de guayaba, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But remember, where you get your food from makes all the difference. That’s why we invite you to join us in Cuba today and experience the best of these dishes from authentic local restaurants and cafes. Our knowledgeable guides will take you off the beaten path to hidden gems, revealing the rich culture and history behind each dish. So don’t wait any longer, book your trip now with us and get ready for a mouthwatering journey through Cuban cuisine. Don’t just take our word for it, come taste for yourself!
