Travelers, has this ever cross your mind? As long as I can travel to my dream destination, I don’t care if I like the food.
Before I went to Havana Cuba, I did some research and uncle Google said the food in Cuba was a challenge to most travelers.
As someone who’s not a picky eater, I was very confident that I could survive that 15-day Cuba trip.
Generally, the food in Cuba tastes bland.
If you’re lucky, you’ll end up in a cafe or restaurant with food that tastes as good as it looks. On my 5th day, I started to hope that I would be luckier.
On the 10th day, I started to crave Chinese, Western, Japanese – anything but Cuban food!
What You Need to Pack to Survive Cuban Food
Alright, mi amigos… remember to pack CONDIMENTS in your luggage!
The only condiment that was with me all the time was BonCabe (an Indonesian brand of dried chili powder). You can’t find dried chili powder in Havana or any part of the country!
You can also pack condiments like mayonnaise, tartar sauce, herbs or garlic chili sauce in case the one that you ask from the waiter doesn’t satisfy you.
Alcohol is Cheap, Take It Easy
A glass of cocktail for USD3-4? You’ll find yourself having at least a glass of alcohol in a day.
Alcohol here is cheap, therefore, remember to take it easy for the sake of your health.
Beware, if you have an alcoholic drink in every meal, you’ll end up spending a lot of money.
Even a bottle of mineral water in Cuba is USD1 (RM4). To minimize your spending, bring a filtered water bottle.
Also read: Why You Need to Own a Filtered Water Bottle
Some Places with Great Food in Cuba
You don’t always have to order Cuban food when you’re traveling there.
There are places that serve European and Mexican food, especially in Havana Cuba.
Too bad that I can’t remember all the names of the places that I’ve been, but here are some of them:
Chachon 162 – Havana
TripAdvisor travelers highly recommended this place not only because of the yummy food, but also the decoration.
This small, beautiful cafe is designed with a vintage, Harley Davidson vibe!
Address: Calle Chachon, 162, Esquina a Callejon de Espada, Havana 10100, Cuba
O’Reilly 304 – Havana
When you’ve had enough of Cuban food, indulge yourself with delicious Mexican food at O’Reilly 304! They serve a few selections of tacos.
My favourite? Beef taco, chicken taco, and their banana chips!
Address: Habana & Aguiar, Havana, Cuba
La Colonial – Baracoa
Baracoa is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities. La Colonial is one of the most popular restaurants there. The food is clean, nice, healthy and affordable.
Generally, the food in Cuba costs around USD5-8 (depending on what you order).
Address: Marti # 123, Baracoa 97310, Cuba
Meson La Cuchipapa – Bayamo
This soup is quite big and will satisfy your hunger (if you’re a petite woman like me). It tastes like lentil soup, with cassava, meat and vegetable.
The crispy, fried banana chips are complementing the soup really well. The best thing?
This restaurant has AMAZING CHILI SAUCE!
Address: Parada entre Jose Marti y Donato Marmol, Parque de los Coches, Bayamo 85100, Cuba
Restaurante 1800 – Camagüey
Who’s up for fresh, affordable seafood? Can you imagine that big plate of seafood combo costs less than RM50?? I couldn’t even finish my meal!
Although it tastes a bit bland, I wasn’t complaining, hehe…
Address: Plaza San Juan de Dios # 113, Camaguey 70100, Cuba
Mesón del Príncipe – Camagüey
When I and Robert were wandering around the town, we decided to try one of the restaurants recommended by our tour guide.
Mesón del Príncipe is the most memorable restaurant in Cuba for me because the food almost made me cry.
It’s the only place that cooks fish fillets right. The beef is so tender and juicy. And that prawn?
Believe me, it tastes like udang masak sambal aka spicy prawn (but not that spicy) <3 <3 <3
Address: 7 Astilleros, Camagüey 70100, Cuba
La Redaccion – Trinidad
This restaurant serves delicious European fusion foods. The interior design is vintage and cozy.
Remember to take a look around the place and please, visit their antique toilet!
Address: Calle Gutierrez 463, Entre / Simon Bolivar & Francisco Javier Zerquera, Trinidad 62600, Cuba
Helad’oro – Havana
The only gelato that gets approval from me. Gracias mi amigos, Jenna and Nicole, for suggesting this heavenly place ❤️❤️❤️
After my 1.5-hour antique car ride with Robert, we dashed to Helad’oro. It was my last day in Cuba, filled with wonderful memories and great gelato, my favourite dessert!
Address: Calle Aguiar 206, Empedrado y Tejadillo, Havana, Cuba
La Bodeguita del Medio – Havana
This is the most sensational bar in entire Cuba!
People flock to La Bodeguita del Medio because many celebrities and famous people like Pablo Neruda, Nat King Cole, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and many more were its frequent visitors.
You come to La Bodeguita del Medio not because of the drink. It tastes just ok, is overpriced, always has a long queue and the bar is super small.
However, you won’t be able to resist visiting and taking a selfie, hehe!
Address: Empedrado No. 207, Havana, Cuba
Alright, amigos… I’m not crafting this post to make you write Cuba off your travel list. Havana Cuba or Cuba, in general, offers exotic experiences.
If you’re a fan of history (hello Mr.Castro and Mr.Guevara!), antique cars, Latin culture and beautiful buildings – go for it!
Also read: “Cuba Tour: From Ballet Schools to Art Galleries in Camagüey”
Also read: “Visitting Che Guevara Maosoleum in Santa Clara & Cienfuegos Day Trip, Cuba”
