What to Eat in Cuba: A Guide to Local Flavors

Cuba isn’t exactly a destination people rave about for its food, and many travelers are surprised by how limited the options can be. That’s why it helps to know what to eat in Cuba before you arrive.

While meals can be hit or miss, there are a few things worth trying if you manage to find them. And when it comes to drinks, Cuba truly delivers. From fresh juices to some of the best cocktails you’ll ever have, that part of the experience is worth getting excited about.

This guide will help you set your expectations and give you a better idea of what to look out for during your trip.

Cuba Food Guide: a Brief Intro

Before diving into what to eat in Cuba, it's important that you know a bit about the country's situation, and what the cuisine is all about.

 Eating & Drinking as a Tourist in Cuba

Eating and drinking in Cuba is certainly different for tourists than it is for locals! First, we're going to go over some frequently asked questions, so that you can have a better understanding of what to eat in Cuba, and what the situation looks like.

Is it Hard to Get Food in Cuba?

Cuba is certainly in a really bad place, and I've probably never seen scarier looking supermarkets in my life, Honestly, it's super sad, and the cuisine can't really thrive like it could because there is simply a lack of resources on the island.

That being said, no- you will certainly not starve there. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, especially in the top places to visit in Cuba, where tourists frequent.

If you're on the road though, don't expect to find a ton of options. You'll really want to stick to eating at well-established restaurants in this country, and not grabbing something on-the-go from a tourist stop. Want to get something from a market? Think again - there are just some canned goods, and you also need a special card to pay.

Is Food Good in Cuba for Tourists?

We're going to be honest - the food did not impress us in Cuba. Did we have some great meals? Yes. Did we have some experiences that were pretty awful? Also, yes.

As we said, resources are scarce, so you won't always find freshly cooked, flavorful meals everywhere you go. This is something you just need to be ready to accept. Locals certainly cook better, and yet surprisingly, some of the best meals we had were in the government-run restaurants.

We'd recommend sticking to Cuban food though. There's not a great chance you'll find excellent Italian food for example, and this is partially due to ingredients. We did however have some pretty good Spanish food in Viñales! Now, drinks? That's where it's at. This is definitely a destination to drink your calories in.

Is it Cheap to Eat in Cuba?

Cuba may just be one of the most affordable countries to eat in. We regularly were eating lobster and fresh seafood catches for around $7, which was by far the most expensive food we had.

Drinks such as daiquiris, piña coladas, and cocktails typically run around $1, and if you eat at government-run establishments you'll find meals typically go for around $2. (Do keep in mind that these are prices when you exchange at the black market rate)

What Not to Eat or Drink in Cuba

Eating and drinking in Cuba can be hit or miss! As far as what not to drink, basically you'll just want to steer clear of tap water, as it's not suitable for drinking. When it comes to food, you'll want to just be weary of tourist traps.

If someone stops you on the street and has a "restaurant recommendation" it will often be to a place that's overpriced with not great food.

Other than that, you'll also want to be aware of staying healthy. Cuba is a hot country, and sometimes you'll see food being sold outside. Try to stick to food like this earlier or in the day, or if you know that it's just been cooked. Deli meats are also not typically of the best quality, but this is really just a personal preference, not a safety precaution.

Traveling by bus from Varadero to Trinidad? The driver may bring you to a tourist stop - DO NOT get the sandwich!

 Cuban Cuisine

Now you know about Cuba's situation and how to approach eating and drinking in this country. Now let's dive a bit into the cuisine!

It's important to realize that the Cuban food you may be used to in NYC or Miami is most likely not what you're going to be eating in Cuba. Flavors are much more powerful in the US, and due to different ingredients the plates will also be a bit more limited. 

What is the National Dish of Cuba?

The national dish of Cuba is Ropa Vieja, and is definitely one of our favorite dishes they have. If you're looking for what to eat in Cuba and enjoy meat, then this will probably be one of your go-to meals!

Is Cuban Food Spicy?

While many Caribbean islands are known for using spice, Cuban cuisine is a bit different. If you come from a place with a lot of sauces or spices in your food, chances are you'll think the food is bland. We'd personally recommend bringing a travel-friendly bottle of hot sauce with you to add a bit of zing to your plate.

 What Do Cubans Usually Eat for Breakfast?

Cuban breakfast is pretty basic. Fruit and freshly squeezed juices are popular, along with coffee and some packaged cookies or a muffins.

 If you're in a big hotel or going out to eat, then you also may find eggs, plain bread, and some basic cheeses and deli meats served. However, this is certainly not the norm like you may be used to, and should not be expected.

If a host offers you breakfast, expect little, and appreciate a lot. 

What to Eat in Cuba (& Drink!)

Now that you know a bit about Cuban cuisine and what it's like dining out in Cuba, let's get into the fun stuff! Here are some things you should absolutely try while exploring the island.

 What to Drink in Cuba

Before getting into what to eat in Cuba, we really need to start with what to drink in Cuba! We absolutely could have just drank our calories most of the trip, because this island truly knows how to stay hydrated (and also dehydrated ).

Daiquiris

I swear- Cuba truly ruined me. After having a daiquiri there, you truly won't be able to have another one again, especially if you're used to having a sugary mix included in the process.

Daiquiris are native to Cuba, and are made in the absolute simplest way possible - fresh fruit, rum, and ice blended into frozen heaven.

The original is actually lime, not strawberry like we typically believe in the US! It's super refreshing and light. There are usually a few other flavors offered, and my personal favorite is the mango, because the mangos in Cuba are as good as it gets.

Mojitos 

Did you know mojitos are also a classic Cuban cocktail? Made with white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, this is another perfect drink to sip on while enjoying the breeze on a rooftop. If you're going to Havana, then make sure you get one at La Bodeguita del Medio!

Cuba Libre

It's no surprise that the Cuba Libre also came from Cuba. This traditional drink is simple- rum, coke, and a twist of lime.

Canchanchara

We're truly confused about how Canchanchara has not become more widely-known. It's Cuba's oldest known cocktail, and was Fede's go-to drink where ver we went. Made with aguardiente (or rum), honey, and lime juice, it's another simple but strong and delicious drink to try while visiting.

Freshly Squeezed Juices

Cuba may not have a lot in terms of food, but the country certainly isn't lacking in fruit! Take advantage of the island's fresh, tropical choices by having a cold, freshly squeezed juice.

What to Eat in Cuba

Now that you're ready to drink your way through the island, let's get you fed. There aren't a ton of iconic dishes to try, but we're ready to show you what to eat in Cuba, so that you can leave feeling satisfied.

Ropa Vieja

Translated to "old clothes" Ropa Vieja is Cuba's national dish, and is probably the most flavorful food you'll find while visiting. The dish has shredded beef, tomatoes, and peppers, and is typically served with rice, beans, plantains, or a mix of it all.

Croquetas

Looking for a greasy little snack to have with your drink? These crispy fritters filled with a creamy mix of bechamel (and usually ham) are delicious, and can be found on many menus of both restaurants and bars throughout the country.

Tostones

Looking for another great snack? Fried plantains are super popular all over the Caribbean, Central America, and around the island of Cuba, and in many places you can find them made into little cups and stuffed. We had some with crab and they were really good!

Frituras de Malanga

We didn't find a ton of street food in Cuba, but this is definitely one of the ones we found more often. Its fried dough which is topped with powdered sugar, and is a great treat if you want something sinful and sweet.

Lobster

We probably ate more lobster during our 2-week trip in Cuba than we had in our entire life combined. Why you ask? It's fresh, delicious, and super affordable in Cuba. Running at around $7, it's probably 2-3 times the price of other dishes, and still worth every cent.

 Fresh Fish

Other than lobster, you'll find a lot of fresh fish on menus in Cuba. Take advantage of these delicious catches. They're typically fried, but you can also request them to be grilled on occasion.

 Lechon Asada

Pork is super popular in Cuba, and in certain places you'll actually see them cooking an entire pig on the side of the road! It's called lechon asada, and you'll also often find it sold as a sandwich.

 Mamey

I found my new favorite fruit, and unfortunately I've only ever seen it in Cuba . Mamey is a local fruit that has a thick consistancy, almost like a buttery sweet potato or avocado, but is super sweet. It's truly unique, and a must-try while visiting.

We had ours at a random fruit market our driver stopped at on route to Viñales from Havana, so we'd recommend simply asking locals where to find fresh fruit so you can try some.

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What to Eat in Cuba: FAQ

Now you know what to eat in Cuba, but perhaps you have a few unanswered questions still - and that's okay! Here are some other frequently asked questions we found across the web, along with the answers.

Cuba Food Guide: Final Thoughts & Tips

Now you know all about what to eat in Cuba, and what the food & drink scene is like. But in case you missed anything, here is a bit of a recap, along with some other helpful tips while eating and drinking around the island:

Cuba is home to the best daiquiris in the world, especially in Havana.

A great local drink that is underrated is canchanchara.

 Mamey is a local fruit you need to try while in Cuba.

Government-run restaurants are the most-affordable eateries.

Tipping in restaurants in big cities is typical, and is around 10%.

Tap water is not potable on the island, so make sure to stick to bottled water.

Seafood is the best option when you're close to the coast.

 Resources in Cuba are limited, so it's hard to find variety in the food & drink scene.

If a local tries to "show you a restaurant", it's probably a tourist trap.

Credit cards are rarely accepted, and if they are you will not be able to use an American one.

Cuba is known for its incredible live music in their bars and restaurants - don't miss out!

 Wifi in Cuba is horrible - it is not common for there to be Wifi in restaurants, and if they do have some, it most likely won't be strong at all.

What's Next?

Now that you know what to eat in Cuba, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting the country! Here are some of our other guides we recommend to help you getting acquainted with this Caribbean island:

 How to Get to Havana: Your Complete Guide for Traveling to Cuba's Capital

 10 Best Places to Visit in Cuba for an Unforgettable Trip

 Is There Wifi in Cuba in 2024? The Ultimate Guide for Internet in Cuba

 Ultimate Havana Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, & Explore

 The Top Restaurants in Havana: Complete Food Guide for Cuba's Capital

 Scooters in Cuba: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting

...and more coming each week!

So are you ready to experience the best drinks and what to eat in Cuba that's worth it? We hope our Cuba food guide helps you experience the best the country has to offer, and that you leave satisfied.

Want to learn more about traveling in Cuba? We have a ton of other Cuba Travel Guides, as well as new articles coming each week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can stay up to date with our most recent content, as well as get special discounts on our shop.

Ready to start planning a fun trip around Cuba? Well, we're here to help! We're dedicated to help save you both time and money on your trip, so that you can fully enjoy your visit while we take care of the hard parts. Want more info? Take a look at some of the travel planning packages we have, or email us today to learn more!

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