What can you eat at Cuban Restaurants?
Over the decades, Cuban cuisine has been influenced by a number of other cuisines including Spanish, Caribbean and African. This is reflected in the menus at many Cuban restaurants. Here’s a run down on some of the most popular main course dishes to be found in Cuban restaurants today.
Cuban style roast pork – this traditional favorite is comprised of succulent pork marinated in a sauce made from garlic, lime and orange juice. The meat is extremely tender and the sauce adds a kick to the flavor of the meat’s juices.
Grilled pork chops – the chops are often tenderized with the juices of limes and oranges and then garlic, and herbs are added to enhance the flavor. The meat is so tender it falls off the bone.
Chicken with rice – this dish highlights the Spanish influence on Cuban cuisine. The rice is combined with wine and olive oil to give it extra flavor and then garlic, tomatoes, succulent pieces of chicken and a mixture of herbs are added.
Baked codfish – this dish usually uses bacalao which is codfish that has been preserved by drying and salting. The fish is baked with wine, olive oil and lime juice and service with potatoes and onions.
Cuban breaded steak – this is another Cuban classic and a great way to enjoy steak. The meat has a light coating of crumbs and is lightly fried to keep it tender. It is usually served with potatoes or rice.
Cuban sandwich – this is a traditional sandwich from the region, and is both delicious and filling. Served on white bread, the sandwich contains shaved roast pork, shaved smoked ham, provolone cheese, yellow mustard and dill pickle.
Picadillo – this is a Cuban style hash that contains shredded beef, green pepper, tomatoes, green olives, garlic and capers. It is usually served over rice with fried plantains.
Fried snapper – the natural flavor of this delicious fish in enhanced with onions, peppers, cilantro and mango salsa.
Garbanzo with pigs feet – in this dish the garbanzo beans are served with tomatoes, garlic and herbs. The pigs feet are salted and boiled until tender and served with potatoes.