What to eat in Havana?

1. Ajiaco

This dish, originally from Colombia, quickly became a must-have in Cuba. What does it contain exactly? It's a stew in which vegetables (often potatoes and sweet potatoes) are simmered with pieces of meat, like pork. Everything is left to simmer over low heat, before being served hot. The secret ingredient? Cassava is regularly used for island cooking. In fact, it's the ingredient found in every drawer or cupboard in Caribbean kitchens. Very rich in vitamins, it provides an important supply of magnesium, iron and calcium.

2. Lobsters

Cuba is an island. Island means ocean, and ocean means mollusks and fish to taste. Indeed, seafood is often found (to our great joy and that of pesco-vegetarians) on Cuban plates. So taste without further delay the delicious lobsters caught around the island. Spiced, seasoned or grilled, nothing beats ending a beautiful day of walking on the beach than tasting a lobster dish accompanied by fresh lemon juice. The firm and dense flesh of the animal distinguishes it well from other sea "shrimp", such as the lobster for example.

3. Moros Y Cristianos

This traditional Cuban dish based on rice and beans tends to please visitors, who place it directly at the top of the list when it comes to the best dishes discovered on the island. The tradition is to accompany it with meat: usually pork or chicken. But many enjoy eating it with fish. Present on all menus at the top of restaurant menus, it will be easy for you to taste...And for cheap! Sometimes, a slightly spicy sauce is added. As you wish...

4. Cuban-style Stuffed Pineapple

If there is indeed a typically exotic fruit on this earth, it's pineapple! Its virtues are so numerous: in addition to having an anti-inflammatory action, it's an excellent source of vitamin C (it's not for nothing that almost all juices available in organic sections are pineapple-based), but it also contains a lot of iron and phosphorus. Cuban-style stuffed pineapple goes perfectly with meat (yes, believe us, it's worth tasting), as well as a spicy sauce (of course). During cooking, a little butter and sugar are added, and you're done!

5. Café Cuba Serrano

Often consumed in early afternoon, serrano coffee is exquisite proof that Cubans have magnificently benefited from and known how to explore the many assets of their cultural heritage. By the way, did you know? Many very famous roasters are Cuban. The island's coffee has a strong character, it's a grand cru, and just asks to be tasted. During your visit to the capital, take a moment to sit at a terrace table, and sip this little marvel, whose ground beans are like gold nuggets.

6. Ropa Vieja

Spanish specialty, ropa vieja is part of the essential meals of Cuba. Described in the islands as "a typically Creole meal", it consists of pieces of beef cut into thin strips, cooked in a broth with typically Cuban flavors. It is eaten with a good portion of rice. Very easy to prepare, you just need to have the right recipe on hand, to cook the local sauces! The moment for you to learn more by asking the chef for advice, or to go to the local market in Havana.

7. Crocodile meat

Yes, you read correctly. After all, you're traveling, might as well do it sincerely by tasting dishes, and especially meats never tasted before, right? Crocodile meat is not easy to find in Cuba, but when restaurants have it in stock, they don't hesitate to display it on their menu board as "dish of the day". It must be said that it attracts quite a few curious people too...You're certainly wondering what the taste is like? Many say they had the sensation of eating veal (yes, veal). Accompanied by a slightly spicy pineapple sauce, here's a meal you're likely to remember.

8. Guarapo

If you're not a big fan of coffee, know that in Cuba, one of the national drinks is guarapo. Somewhat similar to an infusion, it's nevertheless an energy drink, based on sugarcane juice (which we also find in rum from neighboring islands), but also containing traces of nuts and sap. Typically Cuban, this juice has a rich history, centuries old. Over a glass, learn more about Cuban traditions and customs. To be consumed without moderation!

9. Arroz Con Pollo

Who here doesn't love chicken? This white meat that goes so perfectly with all garnishes and all sauces, makes stomachs swoon and is found in many cuisines: for example in French gastronomy or even Spanish. In the capital of Cuba, arroz con pollo consists of chicken cooked with rice, mixed with saffron and cumin. Hence the pretty yellow color that catches the eye, and which immediately makes the dish original. Many enjoy mixing it with pieces of tomatoes, and peas. A balanced and varied meal!

10. Picadillo

Let's finish this ranking with picadillo (with such an endearing name). It's made with ground beef, mixed with pieces of tomatoes, raisins, and olives. It's usually accompanied by white rice (yes, the one and only), which goes perfectly with the meat. This traditional Cuban dish is eaten a lot in Latin America and neighboring islands, for example the Bahamas. Very appreciated by tourists, it's also a festive meal that is regularly found on wedding table banquets, or during birthdays.