| Cuba is famed for its beaches, diving, lifestyle and | | | | This chicken and rice dish is actually popular throughout |
| dancing. But one aspect of the Cuban holiday which is | | | | Latin America - its principally made up of rice, chicken, |
| often overlooked is the Cuban cuisine, which is | | | | vegetables, herbs and saffron. It's not a million miles |
| unfortunate because the mixture of cultures combine | | | | from Paella, but in Cuba, the dish has a slight variation |
| to make a truly unique combination of flavours and | | | | whereby it includes garlic and tomato - it can be highly |
| textures. The country's cultural influences are so | | | | spiced, but not spicy hot. This one is worth trying for |
| diverse as to create a unique flavour to the food - a | | | | the authentic Cuban experience, as it's a popular |
| mix of Spanish, Chinese, African, Portuguese, French | | | | Sunday lunch dish on the island. |
| and Arabic. | | | | Moros y Cristianos |
| Yet these global influences are completed by | | | | This dish translates as "Moors and Christians", and its |
| indigenous local food stuffs - yucca, malanga and | | | | name is supposed to hark back to times when Moors |
| boniato are local root vegetables routinely used in | | | | and Christians lived alongside each other on the island. |
| Cuban food. The main meats used in Cuban cuisine | | | | The basis of this recipe is black beans (the Moors) and |
| are chicken, pork and beef (though the latter is subject | | | | white rice (the Christians) and the dish is found |
| to rationing as government property, so is harder to | | | | throughout the Caribbean. Of course, the Cuban |
| find) usually marinated in citrus juices and slowly | | | | version is delicately spiced giving it a unique localised |
| roasted until tender. It's simple, but delicious, and | | | | flavour. |
| something that will see you hunting out the best | | | | Ropa Vieja |
| restaurants throughout your Cuban holiday. | | | | Don't let the Spanish translation of this put you off ("old |
| Cuba is also home to even simpler snacks and light | | | | clothes) - Ropa Vieja is one of the more popular |
| treats. Masitas de Puerco Fritas (lightly fried pork cuts, | | | | dishes in the Caribbean, and as ever the Cuban |
| slow cooked until tender), Pinchos (kebabs) and Fritas | | | | version leads the way in terms of delicate spicing. The |
| (the Cuban hamburger, spiced with shoestring | | | | basis of the dish is shredded beef, vegetables in a |
| potatoes and onion) all put this country's fast food to | | | | sauce (usually tomato based). As with much Cuba |
| shame not only in terms of value, but flavour. So | | | | cuisine, local belief is that it tastes better on the day |
| below is a quick list of some of the dishes to look out | | | | after preparation, when the flavours have had greater |
| for while enjoying a holiday in Cuba. | | | | opportunity to mingle. |
| A quick note of warning for vegetarians, before I begin | | | | Cuban sandwiches |
| though: You're likely to be considerably less gushing | | | | These make a wonderful lunch food - and were made |
| about Cuba's food than your carnivorous friends. The | | | | popular on the island in the 1930s with sugar cane |
| concept of vegetarianism for ethical, health or religious | | | | workers. Using Cuban bread (similar to French and |
| reasons is virtually unheard of. You should still be able | | | | Italian loaves), the sandwich is lightly toasted and |
| to find something, either from the large quantities of | | | | typically contains roast pork (sometimes marinated in |
| local fruit or the handful of rice and bean dishes | | | | garlic or citrus), ham, dill pickles and swiss cheese and |
| available, but Cuban cuisine is unlikely to be a highlight | | | | mustard. Once you have had one of these you will |
| of your vacation. | | | | crave them for the rest of your days! |
| Chicharrones | | | | Costillitas |
| These are hot thick belly cuts of pork with skin, a layer | | | | These are mouth-watering babyback ribs, marinated in |
| of fat and meat. The flavours and textures to combine | | | | typical Cuban fashion with citrus, garlic and herbs and |
| for a tasty (though not necessarily good for you!) | | | | then cooked slowly for the best part of an hour to |
| snack. You may find these sold in Cuba's markets and | | | | guarantee tenderness. They are then typically served |
| cafes, and are the perfect antidote for a growling | | | | with black bean and rice. |
| stomach while exploring. | | | | I've barely scraped the surface of Cuban food and |
| Masitas de Puerco Fritas | | | | drink here - the beverages, for example are unique |
| As mentioned above, these are pork chunks slow | | | | and the deserts (unsurprisingly for an island with so |
| cooked until tender and then fried lightly in their own oil. | | | | much sugar cane) are some of the sweetest I've ever |
| Often these are served with sliced onions and 'mojo' | | | | tasted. Hopefully this should convince you that a |
| sauce. Surprisingly filling for something considered a | | | | holiday in Cuba can be just as focussed on the food |
| lighter snack! | | | | as a vacation in one of its more culinary renowned |
| Arroz con Pollo | | | | holiday rivals. |