In this article, we will introduce you to 10 Delicious Cuban Dishes You Must Try that you should try.
Cuba Is More Than Sandy Beaches and Salsa Music—A World of Unique Flavors Awaits!
Have you ever wondered what traditional Cuban dishes taste like? A fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures has made Cuban cuisine unforgettable. Here are 10 mouthwatering Cuban dishes that you absolutely must try!
Imagine strolling through the streets of Havana, feeling the tropical breeze, and catching the irresistible aroma of street food wafting through the air. From Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in tomato and pepper sauce) to Moros y Cristianos (a delicious mix of rice and beans), each bite of these 10 flavorful dishes takes you on a journey through Cuba’s rich history and culture.
But why should you try these dishes? Cuban food isn’t just delicious—it reflects the people’s lifestyle. By exploring these flavors, you’ll travel to the heart of Cuba—even if you’re miles away.
In this article of the flysepehran blog, we’ll introduce you to 10 tasty Cuban dishes everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. From hearty home-cooked meals to beloved street foods, prepare to explore a world of bold, unforgettable flavors.
10 Delicious and Irresistible Cuban Dishes You Must Try:
- Elote
- Paella
- Ropa Vieja
- Fish with Escabeche Sauce
- Chicken Fricassee
- Vaca Frita
- Frita
- Churro
- Tostones
- Costillitas
1. Elote – A Fried Corn Favorite
One of Cuba’s most popular and recognizable dishes is elote, which is quite similar to Iranian-style grilled corn. However, it’s a bit different from simple grilled corn or popcorn.
This treat is made by roasting whole ears of fresh corn over an open flame using wooden skewers. Once grilled, the corn is topped with Cotija cheese, sprinkled with chili powder, and served with a spicy kick that’s simply irresistible.
2. Paella – A Cuban Take on a Spanish Classic
Cuban paella is a protein-rich, hearty dish that you might also find on Spanish menus. It’s typically made with a combination of meats like shrimp, chicken, sausage, or crab. Once the main dish is cooked, it’s garnished with fresh, fragrant herbs and vegetables, creating a bold and vibrant flavor.
3. Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef
Of course, the meaning of its name (“old clothes”) might sound a bit unpleasant at first. But most travelers and tourists become highly fond of it after just one taste. Interestingly, there are various types of Ropa, each with different ingredients. But Ropa Vieja is a combination dish made of bell pepper, olives, fresh beef chunks, and rice, with unique spices and seasonings. What gives Ropa Vieja its incredible flavor is the variety of spices added to it.
4. Fish with Escabeche Sauce – The Cuban Version with a Special Sauce
To prepare this dish, the method of cooking the fish isn’t much different from simple dishes. The preferred fish for this recipe is swordfish. What sets this dish apart from others is the Cuban Escabeche sauce used in it. This sauce is essentially a mix of garlic, onion, bell pepper, and spices such as bay leaves, and it’s considered the main flavoring of the dish.
5. Chicken Fricassee – A True Sense of Delicious Flavor
Chicken Fricassee is essentially chicken that has been deboned and simmered in special spices, wine (Vino Seco), and tomato sauce. It’s this simmering that makes the chicken so tender it falls off the bone. The cooked chicken in Fricasé de Pollo practically melts in your mouth and offers a delicious and pleasant taste. The main ingredients in preparing Chicken Fricassee are chicken meat, potatoes, tomato sauce, raisins, bell pepper, and onions.
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6. Vaca Frita – A Flavor Plate of Fried Beef
Vaca Frita, or “fried cow” (!), is considered one of the popular and traditional dishes of Cuba. This dish is made from beef. It is quite similar to Ropa Vieja, and the ingredients are almost the same. However, the main difference between these two Cuban dishes lies in their cooking methods: Ropa Vieja is cooked once, while Vaca Frita is cooked in two stages. Interestingly, Vaca Frita first originated from the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa.
7. Cuban Frita – Cuban Burger with a Sausage Blend
The Frita hamburger is essentially a food fantasy come true. A delicious burger made of juicy ground beef placed inside a toasted bun, filled with fried potatoes and crispy onions, and topped with smoky and spicy ketchup. Amazing, isn’t it? This Cuban dish initially started as street food in Havana. Back in those days, Frita was prepared by its creator and sold to people from sidewalk stands.
8. Churro – One of Cuba’s Favorite Snacks
This snack, sometimes also referred to as the Spanish donut, is currently one of the most popular snacks in Cuba. To make Churros, these crispy and delicious Cuban snacks, are mainly made using choux pastry. Churros also enjoy great popularity in countries like Spain, the Philippines, Portugal, France, and the United States. To prepare this Spanish donut or popular Cuban snack, flour dough is shaped and deep-fried.
9. Tostones – Fried Plantains with a Chip-Like Layer
Tostones is one of the beloved Cuban dishes that you can also find in other countries. The name of this famous dish comes from tostar, which in Spanish means “to toast.” The only ingredient used in Tostones is green bananas.
In fact, the green bananas must be cut into small, chip-like pieces and fried in oil. It’s good to know that in other countries such as Puerto Rico, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, this dish is also very popular.
10. Costillitas – Grilled Rib Delight
Cuban Costillitas grilled ribs are more than just plain grilled ribs. The preparation method of this kind of rib, called Costillitas, has its own unique complexities, resulting in a delicious and lovable taste. In making Cuban Costillitas, the ribs are marinated in a mixture of lemon, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano and left to rest. Then, the marinated ribs are grilled and served. The main taste of this dish lies between tangy and sweet flavors.
Tips for a Better Cuban Food Experience
1. Don’t be afraid of street food!
Cuban street foods like the Cuban sandwich and Tostones (fried plantains) are some of the tastiest and most affordable options. Trying these foods at local markets or from street vendors will offer you an authentic and memorable experience.
2. Try local dishes at Paladares
Paladares are small, family-run restaurants that serve homemade Cuban food. If you want to taste the real Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice) or Frijoles Negros (black bean stew), these places are your best bet.
3. Experience the unique spices and flavors
Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The use of ingredients like garlic, onion, cumin, limon, and red pepper gives the food a distinctive taste. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations!
4. Always pair your meal with local drinks
One of the best parts of the Cuban food experience is enjoying your meal with local beverages. Fresh sugarcane juice (Guarapo), Cuban coffee, or even a glass of Mojito will perfectly complement your food.
5. Try the food with Cuba’s special sauces
Mojo sauce, made from garlic, bitter orange, and olive oil, is one of the most common condiments in Cuban cuisine. If you love new flavors, definitely try foods served with this sauce, like Yuca con Mojo (cassava with garlic sauce).
Conclusion: A Delicious Journey to Cuba!
Cuba is not just the land of beautiful beaches and vibrant music – it’s also an amazing destination for food lovers. From Ropa Vieja and the Cuban sandwich to Tostones and Picadillo, each of these dishes tells a story of Cuba’s history and traditions. By tasting street food, visiting Paladares, and trying local desserts, you can enjoy a delicious and unforgettable journey into the heart of Cuban cuisine.
If you’ve had the chance to visit Cuba, the new flavors you taste there will surely amaze you.
