Dining in Cuba

When in Cuba, try everything

From L-R: Sheyla, Deb, Mei, Grace and Dee at the Hotel Nacional patio overlooking the Havana Malecon enjoying a Mojito.

From L-R: Tamales a Caballo (very traditional cuban dish), Shrimp on a garlic sauce, congris, Cuban salad, Fry fish, steak, pork serve over summer squash.

Cuba is known for its delicious cuisine and traditional dishes. You will be dining at privately own restaurants. Whether you are sitting outdoors enjoying the noisy streets of Cuba or inside of one a Cuban Owned restaurants, this is a feast you'd yearn after you depart the island.
Every dish has its own merit, and one can’t help it but to eat everything on the plate even if you are full. Well, maybe not all of it, you may end up taking a little bit home for later.
A culinary experience

Every time a group travels to Cuba with us, a welcome dinner is a must at one of the privately owned restaurants or "Paladar" like we called them in Cuba. We want everyone to experience a home cooked meal by new entrepreneurs in Cuba. Paladares in Cuba go back to way before I left the country 17 years ago when people wanted to have a better dining experience for guests and tourists.
Back then, quite a few business owners were imprisoned because it was illegal to have a privately owned restaurant. Of course, all that changed when the government decided to give people the opportunity to have their own business licenses and create an income for themselves instead of them providing a source of income. Now, there are Paladares everywhere with all kinds of cuisines. From seafood, to Italian, to Chinese, to traditional Cuban food, it's all there for you to have an amazing culinary experience.

This was the first time that I was able to go to Cuba for Mother's day. I sent off the ladies for a tour of Old Havana with my brother and I got to spend the afternoon with my mom. We all got together to have dinner at Waoo restaurant right across from the Havana Libre Hotel that evening. Although, there were two of us that didn't eat meat in the group, the restaurant was able to offer us a couple of (meat free) delicious meals.

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Sheyla Paz with Marianela (owner of a Casa Particular) and breakfast she prepared for our clients

Vegetarian Tacos
At the mother's day dinner, Deborah who is vegetarian was able to order a delicious set of tacos. She said there were delicious and the sauce very spicy. Cuban food is not spicy but given the fact that it was tacos, I guess you could expect the hot sauce.

I love reconnecting with old friends and being able to help them with their own business. This time around, we stayed at Casa Marianela in el Vedado. The great thing about it was that she offered a delicious, colorful and very fulfilling breakfast made every day with fresh fruit, eggs, toast, natural juices and coffee. The ladies said that she provided the best breakfast of all places we stayed.

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From left to right: Fricase de Res served over yuca, roasted veggies and Cuban black beans; Vegetarian Tacos (Havana Style), Ropa Vieja served with Congris and salad; Pork stake served with Summer Squash, Vegetarian Pasta on Alfredo Sauce and parmesan cheese, Spaghetti with vegetables in a tomato Sauce.

Want to Try Italian Food?
At the Casa where we stayed in Matanzas, the owner recommended a very small Paladar called Fetuccini. That was the best Italian food I've ever had in Cuba. In Havana, I have tried the Tamales a Caballo... That was super delicious and of course, we all had mojitos to accompany our meals! 
Are you ready to go savor all of Cuba has to offer? Then, click on our tours tab and select your favorite and off we'll go into the horizon to another unforgettable tour to Cuba. It's time to mark that bucket list item off and maybe go back again to create more beautiful memories ;-)

​You can be there!
Cubans take enormous pride in their cultural heritage and clearly consider throwing a great party to be part of that tradition. Be there to celebrate with us during the Havana Carnaval. Only a few spots left, secure yours TODAY!

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