The Best Cuban Foods and Recipes

Cuba is a country that has a blend of different cultures and the Cuban cuisine reflects it. Cuba is famous for its lovely beaches, diving, and lifestyle and dancing. But, in spite of the influences of various countries like Spain, China, Africa, Portuguese, France and Arabic, Cuba has been successful in creating a unique flavor to its cuisine. Visitors to Cuba are fascinated by the cuisines of Cuba.

Cuban food makes use of local root vegetables like yucca, malanga and boniato. Cuban food also predominantly uses chicken, pork and beef although sparingly marinated in citrus juice and is mildly roasted to get a tender form. These dishes although simple to make, are delicious and are preferred by the visitors and locals alike.

Cuba is also known for simpler snacks and lighter treats that are made of lightly fried pork cuts, kebabs known as pinchos and the Cuban hamburger that is spiced with potatoes and onion known as fritas. But vegetarians can be starved, if they happen to visit Cuba because vegetarianism is literally unheard of, for reasons more than one in Cuba, except for a handful of rice and bean dishes and some local fruits.

Mango and guava are the fruits that are used for a variety of dishes and jellies. Rice dishes are also produced by Goya, rice and black beans and tasteful yellow rice. The meals are served with a variety of sauces and spices. Although tea is a favorite drink in Cuba, the tastes of light and dark coffee and cappuccino are just out of this world.

Meats are available in meals and desserts are served along with a cup of coffee or tea. Coffee takes a unique place in the Cuban culture and drinking coffee is done as rituals or social events. Cuban coffee is often served in smaller containers as against the traditional mug of steamy coffee because Cuban coffee is stronger than many other commercial coffees. The after dinner Cuban coffee is prepared in an espresso maker or perked on a stove top.

Cuban desserts are the sweetest in the world. Cuban sandwiches are made with Cuban bread that is slightly roasted and contains roast pork, ham pickles and cheese and mustard and make a delicious lunch food. Costillitas is a typical Cuban food made with citrus, garlic and herbs and cooked till tender and served with black bean and rice. Ropa vieja is one of the most popular dishes of Cuba, made from beef and vegetables in a sauce and locals say that it tastes better a day after preparation when the flavors mingle together. So, the Cuban cuisine contributes to one of the reasons to visit Cuba along with its attractions of beaches and dance.