Clandestinacuba

6 Foods and Drinks You Need to Try in Cuba

Cigars, vintage cars, and music often come to mind when people think of Cuba – not necessarily the food. On the largest island in the Caribbean, historical food shortages and limited spices created a reputation for bland dishes. However, the rise of privately-owned restaurants, known as paladares, and a growing organic farming movement are revolutionizing Cuban cuisine. While Cuba may not yet be considered a major culinary destination, its traditional foods and drinks are hearty, flavorful, and unforgettable.

A smart approach to eating in Cuba is to stick with local staples. Chefs experimenting with foreign cuisines often lack authentic ingredients, so eating local ensures a satisfying experience. From sweet street snacks like churros to the national dish ropa vieja, Cuban cuisine is filling and flavorful. Even the Cuban sandwich, popular with tourists, is a reflection of the country’s culinary fusion.

1. Cuban Coffee

Strong, sweetened Cuban coffee is a daily ritual. Often grown in the mountainous east and prepared in a stovetop espresso maker, skipping coffee in Cuba is almost impossible. “When you’re invited to someone’s home, they don’t ask if you want coffee. They say, ‘I’ll go make the coffee,’” says Ana Fuentes, a tour guide with Food Tours Havana.

Start the day Cuban-style with a café con leche – coffee with hot milk. Cuban breakfasts are simple: milky coffee and toast with butter, sometimes dipped into the coffee itself. For an afternoon pick-me-up, order a café cubano or cafecito, a small, strong espresso with sugar stirred into a creamy paste.

2. Frituras de Malanga

Frituras de malanga are bite-sized fried snacks made from malanga, a root vegetable similar to taro. The malanga is peeled, grated into a paste, mixed with egg, garlic, and spices, and fried. Often served as an appetizer or side dish with honey or fruit syrup, these fritters balance sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

3. Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja, meaning “old clothes,” is Cuba’s national dish. The stew of shredded beef is cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spices. The story goes that the dish originated from a father who had no money to feed his family, so he shredded his old clothes, and magically the “torn cloth” became a meaty stew.

Typically served with rice and beans, ropa vieja can also be prepared with lamb or pork, though beef is traditional. It is a ubiquitous menu item across Cuba, reflecting the island’s rich culinary heritage.

4. Lobster Enchilado

Lobster enchilado is a lightly spicy dish with a garlicky, tomato-based sauce. Usually served in its shell with a mound of rice, it’s a favorite among tourists. Plantain chips or maduros – fried over-ripe plantains that are sweet and chewy – complement the dish perfectly. While lobster isn’t cheap, it’s more affordable than in many other countries and worth trying for a special meal.

5. Churros

Street food in Cuba is a treat, and churros are a standout. These sticks of deep-fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar are sold from carts and best eaten hot. Made by squeezing dough into bubbling oil, frying it in a long coil, then cutting into pieces, churros are simple yet irresistible. Cinnamon sugar replaces chocolate in the Cuban version due to the tropical heat.

6. Canchancara

Rum, or ron, is Cuba’s national spirit, found in countless cocktails: mojitos, Cuba libres, cubatas, daiquiris, and more. For a unique experience, try the canchancara, a specialty from Trinidad. Made with rum, water, ice, lime, and honey, it’s traditionally served in a short earthenware cup. Stir well with a straw to mix the honey and enjoy a sweet, refreshing taste you won’t find anywhere else.

Tips for Experiencing Cuban Cuisine

  • Stick to local staples: Traditional dishes reflect Cuba’s culture and are widely available.
  • Visit paladares: Family-owned restaurants offer authentic meals and intimate dining experiences.
  • Explore street food: Fresh fruit, churros, and snacks are abundant and delicious.
  • Pair with Cuban drinks: Coffee and rum-based drinks are integral to Cuban meals.

Bonus: Cuban Desserts You Shouldn’t Miss

To make sure your culinary adventure is complete, don’t miss Cuban desserts:

  • Flan: A creamy caramel custard, often served at paladares.
  • Tres Leches Cake: Moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, rich and sweet.
  • Guava Pastries: Flaky pastries filled with guava jam, perfect for a snack with coffee.
  • Coconut Candy: Sweet treats made from shredded coconut and sugar, commonly found at markets.

Sampling these desserts adds a sweet ending to a day filled with savory Cuban flavors.