What is the number 1 Cuban dish?

1. Ropa Vieja . Perhaps one of the most popular dishes in Cuba, ropa vieja or “old clothes” (alluding to the meat), is a moreish mix of onions and bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce. The show stealer – shredded flank steak, stewed within the flavourful sauce.

What is the most important meal in Cuba?

○ Ropa vieja (translates as “old clothes”) – this is Cuba's national dish, called like that because the meat is shredded (like old clothes) into the rich tomato sauce.

What is Cuba's national dish?

However, ropa vieja is considered the national dish of Cuba, where residents hold a special affinity for it. The name ropa vieja translates to “old clothes,” likely because it's traditionally made with tough cuts of meat that break into long, thin fibers—resembling well-worn threads—when cooked.

What do Cubans eat for lunch?

A typical lunch or dinner in Cuba consists of white rice or beans and rice, a salad made up of vegetables that are in season (i.e. cucumber, tomato, cabbage, avocados, etc.), some type of grilled, fried, or stewed meat and sometimes fish and a root vegetable or banana in some form (i.e. cassava, taro, potatoes, ...

What meat do Cubans eat the most?

Traditional and Common Meals Traditionally, Cubans are meat lovers and consume some type of meat at almost every meal. The most popular meat is pork , which usually is served as lechon asado (roast pork), masas de puerco (fried pork chunks), or as pan con lechon (in a sandwich) (Boswell and Curtis, 1984).

What are two Cuban foods eaten in Florida?

The Cuban influence on Florida cuisine can't be overstated; from croquetas to pastelitos to Cuban rice and beans, dishes from Florida's southernmost island neighbor appear on restaurant menus all throughout the state.

Do Cubans eat spicy food?

While you'll often be able to eat simply prepared, good food in Cuba, Cuban cuisine is generally not a gastronomic delight. Spices are not really used in cooking, and most Cubans have a distaste for hot, spicy food altogether.

What is a Cuban diet?

Despite being an island, seafood does not play a major role in Cuban cuisine. Instead, the Cuban diet is centred around meats like pork, beef and chicken as well as beans and plantains . Many visitors are surprised to learn that Cuban dishes are not hot and spicy, rather, they are flavoured by onions, garlic and cumin.

What not to eat or drink in Cuba?

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables .

What is the biggest meal of the day in Cuba?

It focuses on rice, black beans, pork or fish, as well as yucca or plantains and is mostly eaten between 11:30am to 12:30pm.

What is the most popular drink in Cuba?

Cuba Libre means 'Free Cuba' in Spanish. The drink is often seen as a symbol of Cuban nationalism. The co*cktail is so popular in Cuba that it's often referred to simply as 'Ron con Coca' (Rum and co*ke).

What foods are hard to find in Cuba?

And if you can't, you don't eat.” Basic goods such as chicken, beef, eggs, milk, flour and toilet paper are difficult and often impossible to find in state stores.

Is Cuba known for its food?

Cuban cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors , with many classic recipes that have become famous around the world. One of the most popular dishes is the Cuban sandwich, a delicious combination of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, served on toasted bread.

12 Cuban Food Recipes You Must Try (2024)

Home » Behind The Spoon

Published on March 15, 2021 by Jamie Silva

If you’ve never experienced the rich, hearty flavors of Cuban food, I’m happy to introduce you!

Cuban food is a rich, hearty melting pot of Spanish, African, and other Caribbean cuisines. The majority of Cuban recipes are slow-cooked, sautéed, and/or tomato-based with spices.

If you’re looking to spice up your weekly menus, I’ve gathered these 12 Cuban recipes that range from savory dinners to sweet desserts that you must try.

1. Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)

Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)

With hundreds of top-notch ratings, this Cuban Coffee stands out as the ultimate choice! Café Cubano, a delectable espresso concoction, is crafted from potent, dark roast espresso, harmoniously blended with a luscious sugar foam. In the heart of Cuban culture, Cuban cafecito holds a cherished place. Whether enjoyed during breakfast as the indispensable café con leche, relished as a delightful dessert, craved for that much-needed 3:05 pm energy boost, or shared with newfound friends, it remains the epitome of coffee perfection.

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2. Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)

Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)

Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes) hold a special place in Cuban households, evoking cherished memories of childhood and family traditions. These bite-sized delights feature creamy ground ham coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and then fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack, they make any day of the week extra special with their nostalgic flavor and texture.

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3. Pastelitos de Guayaba + Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries!)

Pastelitos de Guayaba + Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries!)

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso! Cuban guava and cheese pastries are made with storebought puff pastry and then filled with guava paste and softened cream cheese. Just 4 ingredients! You and your family will fall in love with these easy-to-make sweet, tart guava cheese turnovers. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a delicious snack.

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4. Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)

Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)

Cuban Arroz Imperial aka Imperial Rice. A classic Cuban comfort food dish made with layers of yellow rice, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, large crowds, and any time of year!

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5. Tender Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork Recipe)

Tender Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork Recipe)

Experience the rich tradition of Cuban Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with this mouthwatering Cuban Lechon Asado. The pork shoulder is marinated in a homemade garlic-citrus mojo marinade and then slow-roasted to perfection in the oven. The result is tender, juicy shredded pork with that coveted crispy pork skin, making it a delightful tradition reminiscent of holiday gatherings you'll want to savor year-round.

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Arroz con pollo is a classic, one-pot Cuban chicken and rice dish made with juicy chicken thighs, fluffy yellow rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, sofrito, and spices. There are several variations of this traditional Latin American dish but this one is from my Cuban family. It's the easiest comfort food dinner recipe that practically makes itself!

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7. Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)

Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)

Arroz con Leche is an easy-to-make, creamy Cuban rice pudding made with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The perfect dessert for any day of the week and it's unbelievably delicious!

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Learn how to make flavorful and authentic Cuban picadillo at home with this simple 30-minute recipe. Made stovetop, it features ground beef, tomato sauce, select spices, olives, and raisins. Serve with rice for an easy weeknight dinner.

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9. Cuban Yuca con Mojo

Cuban Yuca con Mojo

A simple boiled yuca recipe made Cuban-style with homemade citrus-garlic mojo sauce. This traditional root vegetable turned Cuban side dish makes an appearance during the holiday and for dinner on any day of the week. Learn how to make this popular Cuban staple from start to finish in just a few easy steps!

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10. Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

These frijoles negros are a silky smooth black bean recipe cooked to perfection. The most flavorful Cuban side dish served with white rice!

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11. Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe)

Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe)

Learn how to make the best authentic ropa vieja with this classic Cuban recipe! This slow-cooked shredded beef dish is made with tenderized flank steak, sofrito, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe requires only 25 minutes of hands-on work once the meat is tenderized.

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12. Cuban Shrimp Creole Recipe (Camarones Enchilados)

Cuban Shrimp Creole Recipe (Camarones Enchilados)

A deliciously saucy and fragrant Cuban-style shrimp creole recipe (Camarones Enchilados) served over white rice. A simple 30-minute meal!

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If you try any of these Cuban recipes, comment below! I’d love to hear from you!

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Caridad Nunez says
December 12, 2023 at 1:53 pm
your recipes are exactly what i grew-up eating in Cuba….thank you for sharing our
traditional Cuban food with others……muchas gracia
Caridad Nunez
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Maureen Mendez says
March 14, 2023 at 3:16 pm
I have tried many of these recipes. My husband is from Cuba and his mother taught me how to make them.
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Steve Vaujin says
July 9, 2020 at 5:30 pm
I grew up in South Miami. Father was from Matanzas, Cuba and went to medical school on Havana. Interned at University of Michigan, and did his residency in Chicago.
I love croquetas, arroz con Pollo, roast pork, and Paella.
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Sabrina Addams says
March 17, 2020 at 7:02 pm

It’s amazing to read that Cuban food is like a mixture of African, Spanish, and Caribbean flavors, and most recipes are slow-cooked. My roommate is getting married in July, and we want to find a restaurant to eat out at to celebrate sometime before then. We love trying new food, so we’ll have to find a Cuban restaurant in NJ to try.
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Tori Raddison says
March 6, 2020 at 3:16 pm

Sofrito sounds really good! Onions, garlic, and green peppers go really well together and I cook with them a lot. I hadn’t really thought about putting them all into one dish before though. Maybe I’ll have to try some Cuban cuisine and see if tastes as good as it sounds!
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Ivette Pieterick says
December 5, 2019 at 11:13 pm
My fav is lechon and pollo asado. But i am know to buy every pastel de gauyaba when I order them. And if you show up late for a family party forget about getting any croquettas they go fast.
Reply
- Jamie Silva says
  December 12, 2019 at 1:52 pm
  They do! Lol
  Reply

12 Cuban Food Recipes You Must Try (2024)

1. Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)

2. Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)

3. Pastelitos de Guayaba + Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries!)

4. Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)

5. Tender Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork Recipe)

7. Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)

9. Cuban Yuca con Mojo

10. Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

11. Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe)

12. Cuban Shrimp Creole Recipe (Camarones Enchilados)

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