Cuban cuisine is a flavorful mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a unique blend of bold flavors and simple, hearty dishes. If you’re visiting Cuba, food in Cuba will be an essential part of your experience. While Cuban food in Cuba is often based on rice, beans, meats, and fresh local ingredients, the dishes you’ll find across the island have deep cultural roots.
Whether you’re eating at a paladar (private restaurant), a street vendor, or a local’s home, there are certain popular dishes in Cuba you simply can’t leave without trying. Here are 10 must-try foods in Cuba and why they are an essential part of Cuba’s food culture.
Ropa Vieja – The National Dish of Cuba
cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices, giving it a deep, hearty flavor.
✔ Why You Should Try It: The name “Ropa Vieja” means “old clothes” because the shredded beef resembles torn fabric. It’s served with white rice and black beans, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
✔ Where to Eat It: Most traditional paladares serve authentic Ropa Vieja, and it’s often a favorite at family gatherings.
Moros y Cristianos – The Classic Cuban Rice and Beans
A staple of foods in Cuba, Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) is the most common side dish in Cuban meals. This dish combines black beans (Moros) and white rice (Cristianos), cooked together with garlic, onions, and spices to infuse flavor.
✔ Why You Should Try It: Simple, flavorful, and filling, this dish is found everywhere, from homes to local restaurants.
✔ Where to Eat It: Any Cuban home or restaurant will serve Moros y Cristianos as a side to grilled meats, fish, or stews.
Tostones – Crispy Fried Plantains
Tostones are twice-fried green plantains, making them crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re a popular street food in Cuba, often served as a snack or side dish.
✔ Why You Should Try It: These golden, salty plantain chips are addictive and pair perfectly with Cuban stews, garlic sauces, or simply on their own.
✔ Where to Eat It: Street vendors, local markets, or as a side dish at traditional Cuban restaurants.
Vaca Frita – Crispy Fried Beef
If you love Ropa Vieja, you’ll love Vaca Frita. Instead of stewing the beef, it’s marinated in garlic, lime, and spices, then pan-fried until crispy. The result is flavorful, slightly charred beef with a citrusy kick.
✔ Why You Should Try It: Bold, crispy, and flavorful, it’s the perfect dish if you prefer grilled meats over stews.
✔ Where to Eat It: A must-try at local paladares in Havana or Trinidad.
Yuca con Mojo – The Best Cuban Side Dish
Yuca con Mojo is a staple of traditional food in Cuba. Yucca (cassava) is a starchy root vegetable that is boiled or fried and served with Mojo sauce—a mix of garlic, olive oil, and sour orange juice.
✔ Why You Should Try It: Soft, garlicky, and slightly tangy, this dish is a staple in Cuban households.
✔ Where to Eat It: Most traditional Cuban meals include Yuca con Mojo as a side.
Tamales – A Cuban Classic with a Twist
Cuban tamales are different from the Mexican version. Instead of stuffing the masa (corn dough) with meat, the seasoned pork is mixed into the dough itself, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
✔ Why You Should Try It: The blend of corn and slow-cooked pork creates a uniquely rich flavor.
✔ Where to Eat It: Found at street food stalls and traditional Cuban kitchens.
Pan con Lechón – The Ultimate Cuban Pork Sandwich
This Cuban sandwich features slow-roasted pork, garlic, and citrus flavors, served on fresh Cuban bread. It’s often topped with onions and Mojo sauce for extra flavor.
✔ Why You Should Try It: It’s the best way to enjoy Cuba’s famous roasted pork in a quick and delicious meal.
✔ Where to Eat It: The best Pan con Lechón can be found in local sandwich shops and markets.
Ajiaco – A Hearty Cuban Stew
Ajiaco is a rich and filling stew made with a variety of meats, root vegetables, corn, and plantains, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth.
✔ Why You Should Try It: This dish represents Cuban food culture at its best.
✔ Where to Eat It: It’s often served in rural areas and traditional restaurants.
Arroz con Pollo – Cuban-Style Chicken and Rice
Arroz con Pollo is one of the most popular dishes in Cuba—a one-pot meal where chicken is cooked with yellow rice, garlic, bell peppers, and spices.
✔ Why You Should Try It: Simple yet packed with flavor, it’s a Cuban comfort food favorite.
✔ Where to Eat It: You’ll find this dish in family-run eateries across Cuba.
Flan Cubano – A Must-Try Cuban Dessert
To end your Cuban food journey, you need to try Flan Cubano, a rich caramel custard made with condensed milk, eggs, and sugar. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a slightly burnt caramel top.
✔ Why You Should Try It: Sweet, creamy, and the perfect end to a meal.
✔ Where to Eat It: Found in most Cuban restaurants and homemade by locals.
Final Thoughts: Discovering the Best Foods in Cuba
Cuban cuisine may be simple, but it’s full of history, tradition, and bold flavors. The dishes are hearty, comforting, and made with love, reflecting the island’s cultural influences. Whether you’re eating in Cuba at a local paladar, trying street food, or sharing a home-cooked meal with locals, Cuba foods will be a big part of your experience.
So, if you’re wondering what food is unique to Cuba or what are the staples of Cuban food, this list will help you navigate Cuba’s must-try dishes. Enjoy the flavors, embrace the culture, and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
