Havana: Going Beyond Classic Cars and World-Famous Cigars 🇨🇺

Welcome to Havana (or La Habana in Spanish), the intricate capital of Cuba. Here, the historic run-down buildings, eye-catching vintage cars, and bustling waterfront coalesce, holding onto the charm of a bygone era. Some parts of the city still feel part of that era, while others race ahead to showcase a new chapter of this Island’s story.

Cuba's history weaves colonialism, revolution, and geopolitics. Originally inhabited by indigenous Taíno and Ciboney peoples, the island was claimed by Christopher Columbus for Spain in 1492. Over the centuries, it passed between Spanish, British, and French control, witnessing the growth of sugar plantations and the brutal exploitation of enslaved Africans.

In 1898, the U.S. defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War, and Cuba gained nominal independence, but it remained under American influence through the Platt Amendment. This fragile relationship led to both economic dependence and political instability.

In 1959, Fidel Castro's communist revolution overthrew U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, sparking the Cuban Revolution. This revolution heralded a long period of communist rule, with Cuba aligning itself closely with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This alignment led to events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, where Cuba became a focal point of U.S.-Soviet tensions.

Despite decades of economic hardship and international isolation, Cuba maintained its socialist system. In recent years, it has undergone some economic reforms and a thaw in relations with the U.S., but its history remains deeply intertwined with the complex legacy of colonialism, revolution, and Cold War politics.

See this BBC page for a more detailed timeline of Cuba.

Stay connected

If you’re enjoying this content and wish to receive each issue to your inbox for free, please subscribe!

Cuban Cuisine 🇨🇺

Cuba’s cuisine is as complex as its history, and, at times, it can be underappreciated. Not long ago, Cuban food was mostly Eastern Bloc imports, and older Cubans will remember eating the likes of East German Sauerkraut.

In general, Cuban food is known as “comida criolla”, aka creole food, and involves various dishes eaten with friends and family. Creole food is not exclusive to Cuba; it is, in fact, a blend of cultures with influences from the Americas, Caribbean, West Africa, and Europe.

In modern-day Cuba, there has been a dramatic rise in privately run paladars (small, often family-run restaurants, i.e. not run by the government), making it easier to find great meals.

4 Must-Try Staple Foods  

Spanish cuisine is the most dominant influence in Cuban cuisine, with key influences including the prominence of beans, pork and garlic throughout local dishes. Spanish food is not known for its spiciness, which is also evident in Cuban cuisine, with African-influenced dishes often missing the spiciness they contain back in Africa.

Spanish influence can be found in Cuba’s national dish, ropa vieja, a hearty stew with shredded beef, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers, traditionally served with yellow rice. The name means “old clothes” from a Cuban tale where a poor man cooked his clothes, and they miraculously became a flavourful meat stew. Savour this classic at Habana 61.

Lechon Asado is a Cuban classic featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in tangy mojo sauce. Served with white rice, black beans, and crispy pork skin, it’s a succulent and traditional delight. The dish is a speciality at Ivan Chef Justo, set in an ancient house in Old Havana from 1766.

A Medianoche is a delectable Cuban sandwich, translating to “midnight,” as it’s typically enjoyed late at night after partying or finishing work. The sandwich comprises roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and dill pickles packed into sweet, egg-based yellow bread. It can be found throughout the city, but the popular spot Lo De Monik is worth noting.

Cuban black beans and rice features creamy-textured black beans simmered with aromatic spices, served atop white rice. It’s often accompanied by sweet fried plantains or crispy pork, and its versatility means it’s enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. Typically enjoyed as part of a Cuban lunch, try immersing yourself in a Cuban household for a unique lunch experience.

10 Further Recommendations 📝

1. Donde Adrian delivers a fine spread of quality local food at cheap prices.

2. Enjoy a drink with a view at Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski.

3. The tacos and daiquiris at O’Reilly 304 are top-tier.

4. Observe the buzz of Plaza Vieja with breakfast from Cafe Bohemia.

5. Enjoy tapas and live music at La Casa de La Bombilla Verde.

6. Partake in a cocktail making class at Jibaro.

7. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the ice cream from Pistacchio Havana.

8. Eutimia is an institution (with great vegan selections too!)

9. Take your time with a Cuban Espresso at El Café.

10. Sample exclusive flavours of Cuba at MonteFreddo baker.

Tip: Download AlaMesa for a listing of restaurants at all price points. Plus, its offline map feature is very helpful for getting around Havana.

A Recipe to Make at Home 🧑🏻‍🍳

A Classic Cuban Mojito

Go one step further: Take your cocktail making skills beyond this recipe with Cuban Cocktails: 100 Classic and Modern Drinks.

Promotion: Calling All Rugby Fans 🏉 

Ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, we'd like to let you know about Tackle Itinerary. Their content looks at the best places to stay, eat, and drink in the cities playing host to your favourite team, tackling your match day before it even begins. They also feature players and get their opinions on where they themselves eat and drink in the city they play in. Subscribe to their newsletter with one click here and follow their Twitter/Instagram for more of the above.