Actually going to Cuba to savor the country’s cuisine can be tricky, but luckily Habana Cuba in San Jose is a fine local stop where you can taste the island’s authentic, hearty specialties.
Habana Cuba always feels comfortably warm inside, regardless of the weather. White tablecloths are splashed with colorful plates and napkins, while photographs depict Old Habana—with classic American cars cruising the streets and all. Everything basks in the glow of pleasant lights and lively colors, creating a tropical sensation.
The underlying basics of Cuban cooking are generally similar to familiar Mexican or Spanish cuisine, but with a unique blend of spices and big, bold flavors that make it a gastronomically special treat. A lively way to begin your meal is with a mojito, the enduring Cuban libation that mixes mint, rum, sugar, lime juice and soda water. Another favorite drink, the Bellini, goes tropical here, with champagne splashing into mango or guava juice, instead of the standard peach.
Habana Cuba’s signature meat dishes can be ordered individually, or try the Surtido—a sampling of three: Pechuga de Pollo a la Plancha, garlic-marinated chicken breast served with grilled onions; Lechon a la Cubana, slow roasted citrus pork; and Carne con Papas, steak and potatoes simmered in tomato sauce. The dishes are accompanied by rice which absorbs the savory sauces like a sponge, creating a variety of textures and flavors.
Other favorites include the vegetarian tamale topped with either sofrito or yucca, and the Ropa Vieja, shredded beef with onions and green bell peppers. For seafood, the garlic prawns and Cuban-style paella are both excellent choices.
The side dishes that accompany the entrées are as memorable as the main dishes themselves. Salads (tomato or avocado) are served with a tangy vinaigrette; while the chicken soup is a rustic and hearty broth, with the meat still on the bone. The frijoles negros (black beans) are outstanding, while the platanos maduros (sweet, deep-fried plantains) are crunchy and caramelized on the outside, yet soft in the center, tasting like a healthy candy bar.
Traditional desserts include rice pudding, flan and guava shells with cream cheese. For a singular sweet, the tres leches combines pound cake with three types of flavored milk, rum and vanilla ice cream. Enjoyed along with a Café Cubano, this is just the right touch to end your Cuban culinary voyage.
