Latin American cuisine is a mix of flavorful, rich and diverse ingredients, meats, sauces and seasonings – united in the form of snacks, street dishes and traditional meals. Cuban street food is no different. Cuba has a unique street food culture of its own, with a variety of dishes to be enjoyed from stalls throughout the country or from the traditional street food carts. Even though cooking at home is still the norm, with Cuban street food, you get an entirely different experience with a unique set of dishes.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Cuban street food snacks and bites. We’ll explore the dishes, their recipes and the places to find them. Read on to discover the iconic Cuban snacks that fill the streets and make Cuban cuisine so delicious.
The Basics of Cuban Street Food
Cuban street food is a mix of dishes that vary from city to city. But there are a few specialties that can be found all over the country.
Local produce is used in all Cuban meals, but street foods reflect the diversity of produce used. Many of the recipes found in the streets are regional, with a large part being vegetarian, meaning the traditional flavors and ingredients used in Cuban dishes are reflected in these snacks.
The street cart vendors typically make small items like empanadas, sandwiches or sliders. Restaurants tend to focus on full meals or mix-and-match sorts of lunch plates. But the best Cuban street food is often found in the cities that are known for a special dish.
Authentic Cuban street food can be found in any Cuban city, but they may range in quality. It’s best to go to established vendors or better yet – ask a local to point you to their favorite spot.
10 Of The Best Cuban Street Food Snacks and Bites
- Medianoche
Medianoche is a popular Cuban sandwich typically served late at night or in lunch menus. It is essentially a pressed sandwich with slow roasted pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard on sweet bread. It’s often served with a side of salad or plantain chips. Similar to a Cubano, the Medianoche puts a twist on the traditional sandwich with its sweeter white bread.
- Tamales
Tamales are a particularly flavorful Cuban snack, often served with a side of hot sauce or chili pepper. These delicious cornmeal snacks are filled with a variety of meats, like beef, pork, fish, and chickpeas, as well as onion, bell pepper, garlic and cumin. They’re a popular street food and can be found in cities across the country.
- Frituras
Frituras are traditional Cuban snacks made with fried dough. They can take many different forms like miniature empanadas, croquettes, and the quintessential frituras de malanga – sweet, star-shaped fritters made with taro root, cinnamon and sugar.
- Croquetas
Croquetas are a common sight throughout Cuba and are one of the most popular street foods. These deep fried snacks are made with mashed potatoes, fish or beef, Parmesan cheese and a variety of other ingredients. They’re small but tasty and perfect as a light snack.
- Cuban Sandwich (‘Cubano’)
The Cuban sandwich, or ‘Cubano’, is a quintessential Cuban snack. It’s made with ham and slow-roasted pork, mustard, dill pickles and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread. This sandwich is often pressed to ensure all the ingredients combine together nicely to create a flavor explosion in a single bite.
- Mamajuana
Mamajuana is a Cuban dish and is considered as an essential Cuban street food snack. It’s made with a mixture of ground cornmeal, red beans, and yuca that’s seasoned with spices and herbs like garlic, oregano, and cilantro. It’s served as a side or as a dip – a deliciously salty and spicy snack.
- Buñuele
The buñuelo is a traditional Cuban snack, made of deep fried dough and spiced with a mix of cinnamon, sugar and allspice. Although ingredients can vary, most buñuelos are made with a pastry dough and filled with a mixture of sweetened guava paste and grated coconut.
- Churros
Churros are a classic Latin American snack that are a staple in Cuba as well. These sweet and crunchy treats are made of fried dough and often filled with sweet fillings like cajeta or nutella. They’re served hot and are a popular street food snack, served with fruit slices, bananas or plantain chips.
- Maduros
Maduros are another traditional snack in Cuba. These fried plantains are served sweet and are a favorite among locals. Maduros can be served as part of a meal or as a snack. They’re simply made with fried plantains, butter and cinnamon, and are best when served hot.
- Empanadas
Empanadas are a traditional Latin American dish that can be found in many regions throughout the world. In Cuba, these savory snacks are often filled with ground beef, potatoes, spices and other ingredients. They’re usually served as appetizers or snacks, and are a great way to start any meal.
Cuban street food is a reflection of the country’s diverse indigenous cultures and its mix of Caribbean, African and Spanish flavors. From medianoches and tamales, to buñueles and empanadas, there’s a variety of creative dishes that make Cuban street food a must-try. So the next time you’re in Cuba, make sure to try some of these delicious snacks – you won’t be disappointed.
