“The best way to get to the heart of a culture is through its cuisine” -my Cuban grandma used to tell me every time she was cooking one of her absolutely delicious traditional dishes. She always thought that the right flavors not only can help you celebrate the greatest successes, but also add happiness to your hardest moments. I loved my grandma’s cooking! Her deep-rooted traditions of Cuban cuisine made her dishes extraordinarily tasty and pleasant. I grew up eating Cuban food, so I can assure you something: our traditional food is wonderful!
Some Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking and with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. Therefore, Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and other Caribbean cuisines. The most traditional Cuban food is the comida criolla, a dish made up of several flavorsome ingredients. Cuban food is meat-centric; consequently, there is always a protein source (usually pork, chicken and sometimes beef). Moreover, you may find salad, fried plantains, rice (a must in a dish), and beans in a typical dish. If you are visiting our country and heading towards restaurants, here is a list on what you should try.
- Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is an authentic Cuban food. Although it can be difficult to find beef in Cuba, it is considered our national dish. Ropa Vieja consists of tender shredded beef that is cooked in a tomato sauce base, together with plenty of tasty vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and olives. The name means “old cloths,” because it is easy to stir leftovers into the recipe. Usually served over lots of fluffy white rice, it certainly satisfies the hungriest of appetites!
- Moros
Also called Congrí and Cristianos, Moros accompanies any traditional comida criolla. This traditional Cuban food entails white rice and black beans cooked in garlic, oil, and other spices within the same pot instead of separately.
- Tamales
Cuban Tamales are made with corn and pork, but exact recipes vary according to the region. They are cooked in corn husks like the Mexican tamales; however, in Cuba, the meat is actually mixed with the dough and not used as a filling. Tamales are a hit in traditional Cuban cuisine!
- Tostones
Like the origins of most native cuisine, ingredients are often determined by what is abundant and available. Plantains are a Cuban staple. Similar in texture and taste to a banana, they are called Tostones: a perfect appetizer dish! They are thickly cut, fried, then pressed, and refried. This double frying technique is very popular in Cuba. Sometimes served as a snack, they are delicious sprinkled with just a touch of salt!
- Yuca
Cubans especially like to eat Yuca at parties and holiday gatherings. There is nothing better than yuca steamed in garlicky mojo sauce! Yuca is another word for cassava root, a starch that is similar to a potato. You can eat it like French fries, baked, or steamed.
- Lechón Asado
This is the outstanding centerpiece of the Cuban celebration, especially on New Year’s Eve! It consists of a piglet that is cooked whole on a spit, until the skin is crispy. The pork needs at least 8 hours to marinate in the mojo and about that long to cook, but the result—incredibly tender meat and crisp, crackly skin—is undeniably worthy.
- Ajiaco
It is a hearty soup that is popular in traditional Cuban cuisine, especially if we are about to throw a family party. Ajiaco is a stew that contains a little bit of everything: pork, pumpkin, potatoes, malanga (a vegetable similar to topinambur), plantain, corn, meat, tomato paste, spices, lemon juice, and any other ingredients available. This exotic mixture of flavors came up from the merger of several cultures and it is part of our tradition of more than 500 years.
- Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche is the Cuban version of rice pudding, but it is richer and sweeter than regular rice pudding. It is quite simple to make and deliciously creamy. Before serving, it can be sprinkled with cinnamon or garnished with a cinnamon stick. Arroz con Leche is the perfect ending to any Cuban meal!
- Flan
In Cuba, flan soaked in dark caramel is an essential and classic dessert in every family. It is made with condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla cooked together over a delicious caramel.
- Buñuelos
Buñuelos are a light, fried pastry made out of yuca. Cubans like to eat them during the holidays (especially on New Year’s Eve), served warm with some special syrup of anise. They are also delicious dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
The flavors and heritage of traditional Cuban cuisine are unique. If you would like to prepare and enjoy a typical Cuban meal, do not miss The Cooking Experience, a perfect opportunity to cook some of the 10 dishes you must try.