Street foods in Havana that are 'a pity not to eat'

 Havana, the capital of Cuba, is not only famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture and vibrant culture, but also a paradise of unique street food. Street food in Havana carries a unique combination of tradition, history and creativity, clearly reflecting the daily life of Cuban people.

8 irresistible street foods in Havana 
 

1. Cuban Coffee

When it comes to  street food in Havana , the first thing that comes to mind is coffee. Sharing a cup of coffee with an old friend or a new acquaintance may not seem like a new experience, but in Cuba, where new acquaintances quickly become old friends, coffee is more than just a drink. Here, coffee is an indispensable part of daily life. There seems to be no one who does not drink coffee, and the preparation of coffee in Cuba is just as important as the drinking of it.

For starters, the milk added to a classic café con leche is always hot, never cold. In a café Cubano, the sweetness is not the result of sugar being added later, but rather a special blend of espresso and sugar that is brewed from the start. And if you really want to partake in this coffee ritual, you should cement your new friendship by dipping your thickly buttered toast in your coffee before enjoying your breakfast.

If you need a little energy while exploring the city, keep an eye out for coffee vendors on bicycles or in small shops. They will be happy to sell you some 50/50, a super sweet mix of coffee and sugar that is guaranteed to wake you up and get you ready to continue your adventure.

 

Cuban coffee. Photo: @weaverscoffee

2. Cinnamon Churros

When most people think of churros, the image of European churros usually comes to mind, especially the kind of churros that come with thick, gooey dipping chocolate that you can find in Barcelona and Madrid. However, if a Canadian gets a whiff of Cuban churros, they’ll think of cities like Ottawa or Montreal! This is because Cuban churros are usually served with a thick coating of sugar and cinnamon and almost never contain chocolate, which is more similar to the Canadian BeaverTail.

BeaverTail is a large, flat, deep-fried pastry, often coated in sugar and cinnamon. If you have a vivid imagination, you might notice that it is shaped like a beaver’s tail. The combination of crispy and chewy dough and warm, rich cinnamon scent makes the streets of Havana smell delicious and charming, not unlike the feeling when you stand on the ice skating canals in Ottawa. American visitors will definitely love this combination of sweetness and the faint scent of cinnamon. So don’t hesitate to order a double portion to fully enjoy this unique flavor. A  street food in Havana that you should not miss. 

 

Cinnamon Churros. Photo: @asassyspoon

 

3. Mature

Churros aren’t the only Cuban snack that offers a delicious combination of crunch and chew. Another example is maduros (fried plantains), which are not only delicious but also seemingly healthy. After all, they’re only fried once, unlike the less ripe tostones, which are fried twice. Don’t let that fool you, though. Maduros can be served sweet or savory, with a versatility that makes them an ideal addition to many meals. You can enjoy them with a rich avocado sauce drizzled over ice cream, which is about as delicious a combination as you can imagine. They can also appear on brunch plates, pairing perfectly with ham and eggs. Maduros are also the perfect side dish to share with friends and family, whether they’re simply tossed with salt and pepper or topped with caramel and sugar. With so many different ways to prepare it, you'll never get bored with this dish!

 

Maduros Snack. Photo: @bonappetit

4. Hawaiian Pizza and Coconut Cake

Next on our list of  delicious street foods in Havana is Hawaiian Pizza and Coconut Cake. If you love the combination of salty and sweet, you can’t miss trying Hawaiian pizza. These are small Hawaiian pizzas that are thin and firm enough to be folded up and eaten like tacos. While there may be some debate about whether pineapple should be on pizza, Cubans love this dish and know that pineapple definitely deserves to be on pizza! 

However, if you are looking for larger savory pizzas to share, you will have a hard time finding them as they are not very common and you usually only see them in personal sizes. But don’t worry, there is another dish that is also great for sharing with family and friends, even though it is not pizza!

This particular dessert is pie de coco, a pastry that is typically filled with shredded coconut. Although each pie de coco is quite small, its sweet taste means that you only need a little bit to enjoy the wonderfulness of this dessert. The combination of crispy crust and shredded coconut creates a perfect culinary experience for those who love the sweetness in every bite.

 

Hawaiian Pizza. Photo: @breville

 

5. Pru

Pru is an original Cuban root beer that features a unique blend of herbs and spices. Originally originating from eastern Cuba, Pru has become an integral part of the local culinary culture. Today, it is widely produced and consumed across the island, attracting the attention of those who love this unique beverage.

Pru is brewed from a dark brown herbal mixture, including raíz de china - a climbing plant with flowers and berries from the sarsaparilla wood, along with Jamaican allspice and Cuban cane sugar. These ingredients create a unique flavor, unlike any other root beer. For years, locals have claimed that Pru is not only a delicious drink but also a cure for a number of ailments, including hypertension and other health problems.

Just two years ago, scientists officially recognized Pru as a detoxifying and health-enhancing medicine, confirming what local people have long known. This not only proves Pru’s value in traditional medicine, but also opens the door for it to become more widely known around the world as a health-promoting product.

 

Pru drinking water. Photo: @todocuba.org

6. Fruit Bowls

Batidos de frutas is a must-have on the list of  street foods in Havana . A cleverly blended smoothie made from tropical fruits is a very popular drink in Havana. Cuba is famous for its abundance and variety of tropical fruits, from bananas, guavas, mangoes to mamey. These fruits are not only a rich source of vitamins but also make great ice creams and batidos (smoothies) with fresh and attractive flavors. 

Among them, mamey stands out with its own unique characteristics. The mamey fruit is deep peach in color with a smooth, avocado-like flesh. The taste of mamey offers a perfect combination of mild sweetness and a hint of caramel, creating a unique culinary experience. In particular, you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of batido de mamey or a cup of mamey ice cream when coming to Cuba. These are desserts that are not only delicious but also bring a feeling of comfort and cooling, making your trip more memorable.

 

World Fruit Smoothies. Send: @cubahoracu

Havana street food is an integral part of the Cuban cultural and culinary experience. With its variety and unique flavors, street food here not only satisfies the taste buds but also gives visitors a deeper understanding of the daily life and creative spirit of the Cuban people.