Are you lucky enough to be traveling to Cuba this year?
Whether you arrive by sea or by air, one thing is for sure: You’re in for an incredible experience. From beautiful beaches to classic cars to friendly locals, there’s nothing you won’t love about Cuba.
What about the cuisine? Cuban traditional foods are among the tastiest in the Caribbean–and we’re not just talking about the mojitos.
In this post, we’ll reveal the most popular Cuban foods you must try during your visit. Which dish will become your favorite?
1. Black Beans & Rice
No matter what type of Cuban food you order, chances are it’ll be served alongside an order of black beans and rice.
Everyone cooks them a little differently, but expect a delicious blend of garlic, oil, and local spices. The beans and rice are often served already mixed, although some places may serve them side by side.
Want to score some bonus points? Order this dish by its local name, Moros y Cristianos (literally: Moors and Christians).
2. Ropa Vieja
Literally meaning “old clothes,” this Cuban dish is much tastier than its translation suggests.
Ropa vieja is a braised meat dish traditionally made with beef (you may also see a lamb version). The meat is braised in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and onions until it’s fall-apart tender.
With the texture of pulled pork and the heartiness of beef stew, this is one Cuban dish you don’t want to miss. Its roots stretch back to the 1400s in Spain and the recipe has been perfected over the centuries.
3. Tamales
Tamales are popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but Cuba puts its own unique twist on the recipe.
While other cultures stuff the meat inside the dough as a filling, Cubans mix the meat (typically pork) into the dough.
The type of corn they use is a little different too, as it’s less sweet and more mealy than American corn. The result is a tasty and filling snack you can find on virtually any street menu in Cuba.
4. Medianoche
The medianoche is the inspiration behind the Miami-style Cuban sandwich. Both are delicious, but to sample the original, you’ve got to travel to Cuba.
Its name, “midnight,” comes from the fact that it’s served in bars and nightclubs across Cuba. It’s a blend of pork, ham, cheese, and pickles, all pressed between sweet egg bread.
Sweet, savory, gooey, and crunchy–the medianoche perfectly captures every flavor and texture. Enjoy at any time of the night (or day).
5. Lechon Asado & Chicharrones
Speaking of pork, let’s talk about more Cuban famous foods–lechon asado.
Imagine a whole pig roasted on a spit until it’s tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Now drizzle the meat with a tangy, spicy mojo sauce made with garlic, spices, and citrus juice.
Is your mouth watering yet?
If you don’t have time for a full plate, try the crispy pork rind on its own. You’ll see it as “chicharrones” on menus around the country.
6. Tostones
What fried potatoes are to Americans, tostones are to Cubans.
Tostones are made from the plantain–a fruit that resembles a banana but is more starchy and less sugary. Pounded flat and fried to a crisp, tostones are often paired with a zesty garlic dipping sauce.
We dare you to eat just one.
7. Arroz con Pollo
Here are three more Spanish words to add to your vocabulary: “rice with chicken.”
Many cultures worldwide pair chicken with rice, but the Cubans do it especially well. It’s similar in flavor and appearance to paella–minus the seafood.
Its base is a traditional Spanish sofrito of chopped garlic, onions, peppers, and spices. You might see it garnished with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and hard-boiled eggs.
8. Guarapo
What should you drink to wash down all this amazing Cuban food?
Find a vendor selling guarapo, the local name for freshly pressed sugar cane juice. While processed sugar often gets a bad rap, fresh sugar cane juice offers a wide array of health benefits.
It’s delicious, it’s nutritious, and it helps to revitalize you against the hot Cuban sun. It also makes a great addition to the aforementioned mojitos–the sweet, minty, national cocktail of Cuba.
9. Guava Paste
If you’re ready to dive headlong into Cuban traditional foods, don’t pass up the chance to try anything containing guava paste.
Made from a tropical fruit with a flavor somewhere between a strawberry and a pear, guava paste is used in a variety of Cuban dishes. Try it folded into a pastry or deep fried in a guava empanada.
Guava paste also makes a great pairing with crackers and cream cheese or queso blanco (white cheese). For an extra-special treat, seek out Cuban pork ribs (costillitas) basted in guava barbecue sauce. Yum!
10. Flan
Speaking of sweets, your visit to Cuba isn’t complete without trying a spoonful of creamy, decadent flan.
Hailing back to its Spanish roots, flan is a smooth custard made of sugar, milk, and eggs. The finishing touch? It’s smothered in sweet, syrupy caramel.
Don’t forget a shot of sweet Cuban coffee (cafecito) to round out your dining experience.
The Most Popular Cuban Foods: Now You Know
As you can see, there’s no shortage of delicious Cuban foods to try.
Refer back to this list of popular Cuban foods before and during your visit to ensure you don’t miss a single dish!
Are you ready to experience Cuba like a local? The best way to do so is to book a tour with a locally owned company.
Click here to check out our options and itineraries for Havana and other popular Cuban destinations. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful island!