Cuba is a nation with a complex, engrossing past. US nationals were unable to travel to the Caribbean Island for many years due to the trade embargo. But when the limits were lifted in 2016, everything was different. And even though the guidelines changed once more in 2019, it is still feasible to travel to the enigmatic island of Cuba. As rules and limitations are subject to change, be sure to research them before making travel arrangements.
You feel like you’ve been taken back to the 1950s the moment you arrive in Cuba, even though you’re just a hundred miles from the United States. There are live street performers on every corner, classic convertibles lining the streets, and decaying Spanish facades, so it’s little wonder it has drawn so many visitors from around the world.
When should you go to Cuba?
There isn’t always a good or bad time to visit Cuba because of its balmy, tropical environment. The nation does, however, have two distinct dry and rainy seasons. In Cuba, the wet season lasts from June through November, while the dry season is from December to May when you can anticipate clear skies and bright days.
Cuba has the potential to be affected by a hurricane between August and October, so it’s advisable to stay away from the area completely, despite the fact that a little rain might not seem so horrible. However, as more tourists express interest in visiting Cuba, hotels quickly fill up during the dry season, indicating that more people are ready to take a chance.
What to aim for?
Spanish is the official language of Cuba, and over 90% of its citizens are native Spanish speakers. The Cuban Peso (CUP), which is also known as the Cuban Convertible Peso, is the country’s official currency (CUC). ATMs & Credit Cards: At this time, they do not accept US credit or debit cards. This includes attempting to withdraw money from a Cuban ATM using a US debit card. However, if you are using a card from another region, such as Canada or Europe, it’s possible that it will work, but there will be a 3% fee for each transaction. Although there is a growing network of ATMs, US-issued cards won’t work there.
Best Foods of Cuba
Cuban cuisine is among the best in the world and is a distinctive fusion of African, Spanish, and Caribbean elements. Cuban food is a reflection of the island’s vibrant and varied heritage. Although it is clear that Spanish colonial influences are present, the cuisine is not exactly what you would find in Madrid. Slaves from Africa and Haitian French colonists both had their own culinary ideas. Its diverse population developed unique tastes on an island that offers incredibly fresh fish and luscious fruits straight from the vine.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is one of the best dishes in this place. If you adore beef, you’ll savor a tender braised skirt steak served over fluffy white rice and fried ripe plantains that have been cooked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. By the way, fried plantains are absolutely delicious and addicting! In all honesty, plantains are one of my all-time favorite foods, and they are unquestionably among the best dishes to sample while visiting the country.
Vaca Frita
Fresh herbs are added to the succulent skirt steak Vaca Frita, which is cooked until it is soft. It smells amazing and tastes really delicious. Even better, it tastes amazing and has a lot of zings when peppers and onions that have been marinated in lemon are added. It will definitely make your lips pucker as you eat it.
Guava Basted Ribs
In all honesty, this is some of the best food to gorge on if you’re hungry. It’s the kind of dish that completely fills you up and completely satisfies your taste buds. The ribs should now be cooked to be glossy, but occasionally they can look dry. Just make sure you thoroughly cover it in guava BBQ sauce before you dig in.
Black Bean Soup of Cuba
Cuban black bean soup is too good to pass up and is made with black beans and oregano in the customary blend. Even better, bacon enhances the flavor of everything. Although it is optional in this classic treat, in my opinion, it is essentially required.
Tamales
Even after generations of experience, making tamales the traditional way is one of the few native cuisines that have persisted in Cuba. Tamales are often made using freshly ground corn and a tonne of seasonings. All of this is prepared, cooked, and served for consumption in maize leaves. These may be found all around Cuba, and they rank among the best foods and cuisines you should try.
Boliche
Now, boliche is a classic dish made from a beef eye round roast that has been packed with chorizo sausages, which makes it smell as amazing as it tastes. The meat is gently cooked in water with lots of onions for flavor throughout the cooking. Boliche is typically eaten with a lot of rice, yuca, and those delicious fried plantains. It is undoubtedly among the top Cuban foods to sample.
Deviled Crabs
Fresh blue crab meat cooked in a local herb sauce and then fried. Technically speaking, this is one of the best dishes of Cuba that wasn’t even made in Cuba. Actually, Cuban immigrants in Tampa, Florida, invented it. Fortunately, it hasn’t stopped people from bringing it back so that everyone can enjoy it. It tastes pretty good. despite the fact that it is not present everywhere.
Tostones
In scalding hot oil, a tostone should be fried twice for perfection. The tastiest meal of this place on the island is made with this and generous amounts of seasoning. The first fry is now present to make sure the interior is fully done. The crisp outside crust that makes it lovely and crunchy is then added during the second fry. Salt is then sprinkled on the tostone.
