| An exotic land in the Caribbean greets you with the | | | | which refers to buttered and toasted Cuban bread. |
| striking rhythm of 'Salsa'; you look across pleasant | | | | This is broken to be dipped in 'Cafe con Leche', which |
| tropical weather and breath-taking beaches. Your | | | | is a combination of strong espresso coffee with |
| senses are slowly enveloped with the rich aroma of | | | | warm milk. Ham 'Croquetas', which is smoky and |
| freshly brewed cafe cubano and lit cigars. If you are | | | | creamed ham, is another hot favorite. |
| already intoxicated, you can imagine what the rest of | | | | Cuban lunches would typically have 'Empanadas' - a |
| this sensuous Cuban island can do to you. | | | | common bakery finger food item. You would also |
| It is said that the Cubans love their men, solid and | | | | have chicken or meat turnovers, or Cuban |
| strong; the children, round and chubby; and their | | | | sandwiches. Interestingly, Cuban sandwiches are quite |
| women, curvy and sensuous. It isn't a surprise then, | | | | popularly exported to the U.S, and usually consist of |
| that hearty meals would constitute a very integral | | | | cheese, ham, bacon, pickles, mayonnaise, egg and |
| part of their daily routine. As part of their culture, | | | | bread. Quite a mouthful! For Dinner, Cubans would |
| every Cuban is expected to deeply relish and take | | | | have a dish of meat, chicken or fish, which is |
| pride in the succulent variety, quantity and seasoning | | | | accompanied by white rice, black beans and maduros, |
| of their food. | | | | and a salad of tomatoes, onions or avacados. |
| Cuban cuisine has been highly influenced by Spanish, | | | | Mouth-watering Cuban desserts may vary from the |
| Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic and African cultures. In | | | | typical flan which is caramel-flavored custard, to |
| times of festivity, Cubans would have three exciting | | | | bread or rice puddings, with shots of cafe cubano. |
| terms for you--Roast Pig, Congri and Beer. The | | | | Other delicious varieties are those like the guava |
| traditional roast is made by marinating a pig with salt, | | | | marmalade with yellow cheese slices or yucca crullers |
| garlic and sour orange juice, and slowly roasting it | | | | in anise-flavored syrup. |
| above a charcoal fire. | | | | It is said that you would not be true to Cuban |
| 'Congri' is a mixture of white rice and black beans. | | | | cooking, if you did not lavishly and frequently use |
| The cultural feast is not complete without iced beer, | | | | Olive oil. Cubans use olive oil for almost all their |
| and other accompaniments like 'Yucca' that has been | | | | sauces. Sofrito is another flavor base that is used a |
| garnished with chopped parsley, onion and lemon, | | | | lot. It consists of onion, garlic, oregano, green pepper |
| 'Malanga' a root vegetable like corn fritters, fried | | | | and ground pepper which are quick-fried in olive oil. |
| banana patty and tomato salad with lettuce. | | | | So, if you are ever out to try a real Cuban meal, you |
| Popular Cuban breakfasts usually consist of 'Tostada', | | | | will know exactly what to ask for. |