Cuban cuisine facts for kids

Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken)

Cuban cuisine is a delicious mix of different food traditions. It mostly comes from Spanish cooking, but also has ideas from African and other Caribbean cuisines. This means Cuban recipes use similar spices and cooking methods found in Spanish, African, and even Taíno (Cuba's native people) foods. You'll find a blend of these cultures in every bite! There's even a little bit of Chinese influence, especially in Havana, and some Italian ideas too. When Spain ruled Cuba long ago, Cuba was a busy trading port. Spanish settlers brought their cooking traditions from different parts of Spain to the island.

What Makes Cuban Food Special?

Because Spain ruled Cuba for a long time, Spanish cooking is a big part of Cuban food. But other cultures also added their flavors! The Taíno people, who lived in Cuba first, shared their knowledge. Africans brought to Cuba also added their cooking styles. Even French colonists from Haiti influenced some dishes.

Cuba is an island, so seafood is a very important part of its food. Also, Cuba has a tropical climate. This means many tasty fruits and root vegetables grow there. These fresh ingredients are used in many Cuban meals.

A common Cuban meal often includes rice and beans. They can be cooked together, which is called "congri" or "Moros y Cristianos" (black beans and rice). If they are cooked separately, it's called "arroz con frijoles" (rice with beans).

The Famous Cuban Sandwich

A typical Cuban sandwich (picture from South Florida)

The Cuban sandwich is a very popular lunch item. It became famous because cigar workers traveled between Cuba and Florida a long time ago. This was especially true in Key West and the Ybor City area of Tampa. Now, you can find this sandwich in many Cuban American communities.

This tasty sandwich starts with lightly buttered Cuban bread. Inside, you'll find sliced roast pork, thin slices of Serrano ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard. In Tampa, some people also add Genoa salami. This is probably because Italian immigrants lived near Cubans and Spaniards in Ybor City. Some restaurants might add tomatoes and lettuce, but many traditionalists think this is not how a true Cuban sandwich should be made.

After putting it together, the Cuban sandwich is often pressed in a special grill called a plancha. This grill heats the sandwich and squishes it down, making it warm and crispy.

Popular Cuban Dishes and Foods

Ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce base), black beans, yellow rice, plantains and fried yuca with beer

Popular Cuban Drinks

• Batido - A milkshake that comes in flavors like guanabana (soursop fruit) and trigo (wheat).
• Cafe Cubano - Strong Cuban espresso coffee.
• Cuba Libre - A mix of rum, Coca-Cola, sugar, and lime.
• Daiquiri - A cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and syrup. Sometimes it has fruit too.
• El Presidente - Another popular rum cocktail.
• Guarapo - A sweet juice made from pressed sugar cane.
• Hatuey beer - A Cuban beer.
• Ironbeer - A Cuban soft drink.
• Malta (soft drink) - A non-alcoholic malt drink.
• Materva - A Cuban soft drink.
• Mojito - A refreshing drink with rum, mint, sugar, lime, and club soda.
• Jupiña - A pineapple-flavored soda.
• Cortadito - Cuban espresso with steamed evaporated milk.
• Carajillo - Cuban espresso mixed with Liquor 43.
• Cuban Piña Colada - A version of Piña Colada made with aged rum, lime, pineapple, and sugar.

See also

In Spanish: Gastronomía de Cuba para niños