We’ve heard the rumours, and maybe you have too: that the food in Cuba is bland and uninspired. For years, travellers who never left their all-inclusive resorts came home with stories of boring buffets. We’re here to tell you that could not be further from the truth.
That all changed for us when we decided to ignore the typical advice and follow our curiosity down a residential street in Havana. We ended up in a paladar—a small, family-run restaurant operating out of someone’s home. The air was filled with the scent of garlic, cumin, and slow-roasted pork. It was there we discovered the real Cuba.
Cuban food isn’t about fancy techniques; it’s about tradition and flavour born from a vibrant mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It’s comfort food that tells the story of the island’s rich history. We’ve spent a lot of time eating our way through Cuba, and we’re here to share the dishes that you absolutely cannot miss, based on our firsthand experience.
Top 5 Cuban Dishes (Quick List)
If you only have time for a few meals in Cuba, make sure these are on your list. This is the best of the best when it comes to traditional Cuban food.
- Ropa Vieja: The national dish of Cuba, this flavourful shredded beef is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
- Lechon Asado: Tender, juicy, slow-roasted pork, often marinated in a garlic and citrus mojo sauce.
- Sandwich Cubano: A classic pressed sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Moros y Cristianos: A simple but essential side dish of black beans and white rice cooked together.
- Plátanos Maduros Fritos: Sweet, caramelized fried plantains that accompany almost every main course.
Must-Try Cuban Main Dishes
These are the hearty, flavourful centrepieces of any true Cuban cuisine. From slow-cooked meats to rich rice dishes, these mains offer a true taste of the island’s culinary soul.
Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes)
What it is: Shredded beef simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and cumin. It is widely considered Cuba’s national dish.
Why try it: It’s pure comfort in a bowl. We often order this on cooler evenings in Havana when we want a meal with slow-cooked depth and incredible flavour.
Cultural note: The name translates to “old clothes,” which is thought to refer to the way the shredded beef resembles colourful, tattered rags.
Where to find it: You’ll find this in nearly…
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