Popular Cuban Food

Considering Cuba's rather unique location in the Caribbean, it has developed a one-of-a-kind national cuisine that has Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. While many other Spanish nations cook food similar to each other, Cuban food is more heavily influenced by African cooking techniques and spices. Therefore it has a slightly different taste that is highlighted by spices and ingredients used in Caribbean food. The following are some of the more popular dishes that come from Cuba.

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is the national dish of Cuba. It is a thick soup that has a main ingredient of pork. Added to the soup is a variety of roots and vegetables.

Moros y Crisitianos

This is a popular Cuban side dish that is influenced heavily by Creole cooking. It is simply rice and black beans that are cooked together, the beans with an onion, garlic, green pepper gravy.

Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is a dish made of shredded pork shank. It is marinated and cooked in a creole tomato sauce and typically served with a rice dish.

Croquetas

These tasty finger foods are made from a ham, chicken, fish or cheese paste that is molded into cylinders, breaded and then deep fried.

Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich was made among the cigar rolling community in Cuba. It consists of pork, Serrano ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard that is pressed between two pieces of Cuban bread.