¡Viva Cuba!

My guide books, as well as a number of friends, said that one doesn’t go to Cuba for food. But even though the island may not be a top destination for foodies, we always like to explore a country’s food and beverages in relation to the culture. We do not seek a five-star North America gourmet experience but rather an opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours. Here are some highlights of our Cuban culinary experience:

Arroz con frijoles, rice and beans: I know you will think it must be bland and boring, but this national dish (served typically with fried pork) is actually very flavourful and done to perfection. The touch of cumin in the beans adds a new dimension as well.

Ropa vieja: rich and nutritious dish of shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce

Garbanzada: chickpeas with chorizo-like sausage, veggies and tomato, made in an enormous paella dish over fire.

Rum: aged dark rum is one of my favourite beverages, so I was looking forward to tasking the famous Cuban drink. I was not disappointed. In order to truly appreciate the complex flavours, it is best to sip a good rum straight up, but for the faint of hearts, a mojito is a good refreshing cocktail which can be enjoyed in Cuba.

Coconut water from freshly cut coconut, on a sunny beach, with or without rum: no comments are needed here, I think.

So let me raise my glass of 11-year old Santiago de Cuba caramel-coloured rum, to taste the island and its lovely people. ¡Salud!