How to Read a Cuban Restaurant Menu

The menu in a Cuban restaurant may vary depending on the region of Cuba represented. Cuban food is a rich blend of Spanish, African and Caribbean dishes. Eastern Cuban food is more Caribbean and western Cuban food, such as the fare found in Havana, will evoke more European influences.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Begin reading a Cuban restaurant menu by learning a few Spanish food words. Pollo is chicken. Cerdo is pork. Chorizo is a type of sausage and the Cuban version is hot and spicy. Yucca is a very common root vegetable in Cuban cuisine, so start off your meal with a Fried Yucca appetizer.
2. Enjoy any main dish served with a "Sofrita." A Sofrita is made with onions, green bell peppers and garlic sautéed in olive oil and is served with a variety of meat and rice dishes. If you are fond of grilled food, order dishes labeled "A la Parilla" which means grilled or barbecue.
3. Choose the classic Cuban Arroz con Pollo. Arroz is Spanish for rice. The bright yellow rice, wine and aromatic spices give this chicken dish a distinctive Cuban flavor. Another great Cuban dish, familiar to first time visitors would be "Carne con Papas" (meat and potatoes).
4. Try a Frita, or Cuban hamburger, and Papas Fritas (thin "French" fries). Another classic dish is the Cuban Sandwich. The Cuban Sandwich is loaded down with slices of pork and ham, covered with melted Swiss cheese, pickles and served on a toasted Cuban bread.
5. Indulge in some delicious Cuban desserts. Flan is a very sweet custard with a caramelized syrup. Get it "con coco rallado" (with sweetened coconut). Also try the Merengue, which is a meringue made of whipped egg whites and sugar baked to perfection.
6. Drink a cup of Café Cubano, Cuban espresso, for a pick-me-up. This drink is very strong so if it is your first cup, ask for it "muy dulce," or very sweet.