Hi all!
I was just thinking that one of the things that reviewers of Cuba often complain about is food. However, I generally find that most references are to food at AI's.
I have developed a particular love for Cuban food and thought that it might be good to let people know of some good eateries that we've all found away from our AI experiences. I have often travelled with newbies who say to me, "Where can I get a real Cuban dinner?"
Whether it's a paladar or a government restaurant, let's have 'em guys! :p
Here's some info on some of the different types of restaurants one might find in Cuba that might help get this ball rolling, there are:
Paladares - one of Cuba's versions of private enterprise. A paladar is a restaurant operated in a Cuban home. The first paladar I ever went to, I found out about from Cubans who worked at the hotel I stayed at. Now, you can find them all over the web, advertising their menus and price lists. By whatever method/ means you find yourself in a Cuban home for dinner, you can be sure that you will leave very much fulfilled by the company, the great food and the experience! Prices are comparable to State-Run Restaurants because of the high tax that Cubans have to pay to operate out of their homes.
Casa Particular - if you are staying in a Casa Particular, there is very little different that I could say about the food from Paladares. Except that the price for food is often included in your stay, depending on the number of meals you eat there per day. Also, the food is usually great and you have more flexibility around asking specifically for what you want to eat!
State-run Restaurants - where you'll pay highly in CUC's for mediocre to great food, however, you will be filled! These facilities vary greatly and I'm sure that many of you have some experiences to tell us about.
Cuban Peso-Cafeterias - interesting places these are! Usually marked by a rectangular yellow sign with brown lettering out front. These Cafeterias generally cater to local Cubans and are priced in CUP - although, usually once you are found out to be a tourist, all pricing is in CUC! I have eaten at one great little place on the Malecon in Havana called "El Golfo", that serves the best fish with morros y cristianos and salad for $6 CUC - including cervesa, coffee and dessert!!! Watch out at these places though because most of what's on the menu is not available, so be sure to just outright ask what is available BEFORE you spend half an hour going through the menu! However, once you figure out what they have, you can be sure of good Cuban fare at a very reasonable price.
Window Stalls -
Often these are simply an open window on the side of a Cuban home that sells sandwiches, snacks and pizzas. Prices are really cheap and it's best if you plan to pay in either CUC or CUP - it'll depend on the merchant. Food here is great for a snack while walking around in the hot sun all day!
Pizzerias-
Now this is an interesting thing for an Italian to be writing about on Cuba!
Pizza in Cuba has no remote resemblance to what I grew up eating in my parents pizzeria! However, it can be an interesting and cheap adventure in culinary art!
Pizza is available in many places across Cuba (see all restaurant types above!) and with very creative toppings. Most of the best pizza that I've eaten in Cuba comes from one of 2 places: a Window Stall or an AI (believe it or not!). Pizza in Cuba, like everywhere else, is usually cheap and cheery and will get you through a hot afternoon or satisfy those midnight munchies after a long day of Cuba Libre!
Again, be prepared to pay in either CUC or CUP, depending where you're buying from.
Roadside Stalls - in more rural places, you'll find a makeshift booth on the side of the road selling anything from espresso to sandwiches to full meals with chicken and rice and beans! These are ususally catering to local farm workers who are travelling to and from work. I've only ever paid in CUP at any of these stands.
In more urban centres like Havana, you'll find people sitting on wood crates on the side of the street with sandwhiches for sale. I've only ever eaten one of these once and all I can say is that it was horrible! But, that doesn't mean that I won't try again another time! The same principle applies to these folks - use CUP and remember they are generally catering to local workers - not tourists.
I hope these descriptions provide an introduction to Cuban eateries and entice all of our well-seasoned Cuba travellers to post a few of their favourite ones.
If you are posting about an eatery, please provide as much detail as possible: Name, location with coordinates, average price for meal and currencies/ credit cards accepted.
¡Buen Apetito!
Charmainiac
Disclaimer - the above are my opinions and experiences alone. If yours are different, great! Please post and let's share the wealth of knowledge and experience around here.
Topic: Re: Cuban Restaurants - Other than AI's (Read 3481 times)