Cuban cuisine is a vibrant blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It is known for being savory, filling, and deeply aromatic, utilizing a base of garlic, onions, and bell peppers known as sofrito. Whether you are visiting a formal restaurant or a quick-service walk-up window, knowing what to look for will ensure you have an authentic and satisfying experience.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most popular items found on a Cuban menu. From the iconic Cuban sandwich to the national dish of shredded beef, you will learn the ingredients and textures that define these classic meals. By the end of this article, you will be able to place a Cuban food order like a local.
Understanding the Flavor Profile
Before placing your order, it is helpful to understand that Cuban food is generally not spicy in terms of heat. Unlike some other Latin American cuisines, it rarely uses hot chili peppers as a primary ingredient. Instead, the flavor comes from slow-cooking meats and vegetables with spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves.
Citrus also plays a major role in Cuban cooking. Many meats are marinated in naranja agria (sour orange) juice, which provides a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, savory fats. Garlic is used generously, often appearing in a sauce called mojo, which is drizzled over vegetables and meats.
Must-Try Main Courses
When ordering a main entree, or plato fuerte, you will typically receive a large portion of protein accompanied by several side dishes. Here are the most common options you will encounter.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is widely considered the national dish of Cuba. The name translates to “old clothes,” referring to the shredded appearance of the beef. It consists of flank steak or brisket that has been slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and olives. The meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
Lechón Asado
Roast pork, or lechón asado, is a staple of Cuban celebrations and Sunday dinners. The pork is marinated in mojo sauce—a blend of sour orange, garlic, and oil—and then roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat falls apart. It is one of the most flavorful options for those who enjoy succulent, citrus-infused meat.
Picadillo
Picadillo is a traditional ground beef hash that is both sweet and salty. It typically includes tomatoes, onions, and garlic, but what makes it unique are the additions of raisins for sweetness and green olives or capers for saltiness. It is often served with a fried egg on top and is a favorite comfort food for many.
Pollo a la Plancha
If you prefer poultry, pollo a la plancha is a reliable choice. This is a thin-cut chicken breast that is marinated in citrus and garlic, then seared on a flat-top grill. It is usually topped with sautéed onions and serves as a lighter alternative to the heavier beef and pork dishes.
The Famous Cuban Sandwiches
If you are looking for a quicker meal, Cuban sandwiches are a world-famous option. The key to a great Cuban sandwich is the bread, which is a long, white loaf with a thin, crispy crust and a soft interior.
- The Cubano: This is the classic Cuban sandwich. It contains ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard. It is always pressed in a sandwich press (plancha) until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.
- Medianoche: This sandwich contains the exact same ingredients as the Cubano, but it is served on a different type of bread. The medianoche uses a sweet, yellow egg bread similar to brioche. It is called “midnight” because it was historically served in Havana’s nightclubs late at night.
- Pan con Lechón: This is a simpler sandwich featuring succulent roast pork and sautéed onions on Cuban bread. It is usually served with a side of mojo sauce for dipping.
- Pan con Minuta: Popular in coastal areas, this is a fried snapper sandwich. The fish is usually served with the tail still on, tucked into a soft bun with onions and a tomato-based sauce.
Essential Side Dishes
A Cuban food order is rarely complete without the right sides. Most entrees automatically come with rice and beans, but you may have choices regarding how they are prepared.
Rice and Beans
You will usually see two options for rice. Arroz blanco con frijoles negros consists of white rice served with a separate bowl of black bean soup. Arroz moro (also called moros y cristianos) is a dish where the white rice and black beans are cooked together in the same pot, resulting in dark, seasoned rice.
Plantains: Tostones vs. Maduros
Plantains are a member of the banana family and are served in two distinct ways depending on their ripeness:
- Tostones: These are made from green, unripe plantains. They are sliced, fried, smashed flat, and fried again. They are savory, starchy, and usually served with salt and garlic sauce.
- Maduros: These are made from very ripe, black-skinned plantains. They are sliced and fried until the natural sugars caramelize. They are sweet, soft, and provide a perfect balance to salty meats.
Yuca con Mojo
Yuca is a starchy root vegetable, similar to a potato but with a more fibrous texture. In Cuban cuisine, it is boiled until tender and then smothered in a warm sauce made of olive oil, sautéed garlic, and lime or sour orange juice. It is a very traditional side dish that pairs well with roast pork.
Appetizers and Snacks
If you are ordering from a bakery or a walk-up window (known as a ventanita), you should look for these small bites, often referred to as picaderas.
- Croquetas: These are small, breaded, and fried logs filled with a creamy paste of ham, chicken, or fish. They are a favorite snack for any time of day.
- Empanadas: These are fried pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef (picadillo), chicken, or sometimes guava and cheese.
- Papa Rellena: This is a mashed potato ball stuffed with seasoned ground beef, breaded, and deep-fried until golden brown.
- Pastelitos: These are flaky puff pastries. While some are savory (filled with meat), the most popular are sweet, filled with guava paste or a combination of guava and cream cheese.
Cuban Coffee and Drinks
Coffee is a central part of Cuban culture. When ordering coffee, it is important to know the specific names for the different preparations, as they are all very strong and highly sweetened by default.
The Coffee Menu
- Cafecito (Cuban Espresso): A small, potent shot of espresso brewed with sugar to create a sweet foam called espumita on top.
- Colada: A large container of Cuban espresso meant for sharing. It comes with several small plastic thimble-sized cups so you can pour shots for friends.
- Cortadito: A standard Cuban espresso topped with a small amount of steamed milk. It is similar to a macchiato.
- Café con Leche: This is the Cuban version of a latte. It consists of a shot of espresso served alongside a large cup of hot, steamed milk. It is often served at breakfast with toasted Cuban bread (pan tostado) for dipping.
Refreshing Beverages
If you want a cold drink, try a Batido, which is a tropical fruit milkshake. Popular flavors include mamey, mango, and papaya. You can also look for Cuban sodas like Jupiña (pineapple flavored) or Materva (a herbal soda made from yerba mate).
How to Place Your Order
If you are at a sit-down restaurant, you will typically order a main entree which includes rice, beans, and one additional side like plantains or yuca. If you are at a ventanita, you can simply point to the pastries or croquetas in the display case and order your coffee by name.
When ordering a sandwich, it is common to be asked if you want it “pressed.” Always say yes, as the heat and pressure are what give the Cuban sandwich its signature texture. Most places will also offer mariquitas (thinly sliced plantain chips) as a side for sandwiches.
Conclusion
Ordering Cuban food is an invitation to explore a rich culinary heritage. By starting with classics like Ropa Vieja or a Cubano sandwich and pairing them with sides like maduros and black beans, you can enjoy a balanced and authentic meal. Don’t forget to finish your experience with a strong Cafecito or a sweet guava pastelito.
For more tips on exploring international cuisines and understanding food labels, check out our other helpful guides on SearchAndHelp.com.