Cuba is a Caribbean island nation that has benefited from the production of cigars, sugar and banana. As it tends to be with most countries of the Americas that were conquered by the Spaniards, Cuban cuisine is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine. 

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Since Cuba is an island, their gastronomy has the presence of seafood and spices that grow thanks to its tropical weather. An element that always has to be in Cuban dishes is rice and beans, which Cubans combine it with meats like steak, chicken and pork (especially pork!). 

Unfortunately, in Cuba meat and such products are sold in rations (which makes it difficult for people in the island to use meats in their meals). But, Cubans that live in the United States do not have this problem and are able to recreate their typical dishes. 

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These Cubans that live in the United States and mostly use meats to create typical dishes are called Cuban Americans.  

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In summary, what differentiates Cuban cuisine and Cuban American cuisine is the access that chefs have to meat. We at Eat Latin Chicago decided to focus on Cuban American cuisine since it's the one that most of you will have a chance to try. 

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Another important aspect of Cuban gastronomy is their drinks. Cubans, and Latinos in general, are not shy when it comes to drinking. Hence, we at Eat Latin Chicago have also placed the most popular Cuban drinks in our To Eat and Drink section. 

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To Eat and Drink

• Sanduche Cubano

• Medianoche

• Pan con Lechon

• Arroz con Pollo

• Ropa Vieja

• Boliche

• Mojito Cubano

• Cuba Libre

• Cafe Cubano