What Food To Try in Havana and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Havana for 2024.
National currency: Cuban Peso, symbol — (international currency code CUP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Havana cafes and restaurants
$6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.75
$15
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $15
$5.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $3
What to Try in Havana
Must-try Dishes
Arroz con Pollo - Rice with Chicken - A flavorful dish made with seasoned rice, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables. Locals often enjoy it during family gatherings or Sunday lunches, served in large platters for sharing.Pan con Lechón - Pork Sandwich - This popular street food features slow-roasted marinated pork served on crusty bread with onions and a splash of citrus sauce. You’ll find vendors grilling pork outside during lunch hours, and it's a perfect snack after an afternoon at the beach.
Ropa Vieja - Old Clothes - Shredded beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions, usually served with rice and black beans. This classic dish is a staple dinner choice that families serve during gatherings or celebrations.
Vaca Frita - Fried Cow - Marinated flank steak that’s boiled, then grilled to achieve a smoky flavor and crispy edges. Enjoyed by locals at dinner, it’s common to pair it with rice and plantains along with a side of garlicky mojo sauce.
Yuca con Mojo - Cassava with Garlic Sauce - Boiled cassava served with a tangy garlic and citrus sauce, perfect as a side or light main dish. It’s often eaten at casual meals and barbecues, especially during gatherings or on hot days.
Picadillo - Ground Beef Hash - A savory mix of ground beef, olives, raisins, and spices, typically served with rice and black beans. You’ll find it is a popular lunch dish, often enjoyed on weekdays when families need something hearty and satisfying.
Moros y Cristianos - Black and White Rice - A beloved combination of black beans and white rice cooked together, seasoned with spices. This dish is usually enjoyed at dinner, highlighting a blend of cultural influences, and perfect for family feasts.
Tamal en Hoja - Tamale in a Leaf - A seasonal variation made with masa dough filled with meats or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It's commonly enjoyed during celebrations, and you might find them being sold on the streets, especially around holidays.
Desserts & Drinks
Café Cubano - Café Cubano (strong espresso) - A potent shot of finely ground coffee, typically sweetened as it brews for an intense, rich flavor. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, often having lively conversations over it in their favorite cafés. Mojito - Mojito (refreshing cocktail) - A zesty blend of rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, served over ice with a mint sprig for garnish. Perfect for warm evenings out at the Malecón, where it's common to sip while listening to live music.
Guava Smoothie - Batido de Guayaba (creamy fruit shake) - A luscious mix of ripe guava, milk, and sugar, blended to a creamy consistency. You'll often find locals cooling off with this vibrant drink during the hot afternoons in the parks.
Pastelito - Pastelito (flaky pastry) - A buttery pastry filled with savory ingredients like guava and cheese or spiced meat, baked until golden. These are often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or snack, best paired with your morning coffee or café con leche.
Flan - Flan (caramel custard dessert) - A silky smooth vanilla custard topped with a rich caramel sauce, making every bite a sweet delight. It’s commonly served at family gatherings or celebrations—try it during special occasions for the authentic touch. By the way, don’t forget to ask for it chilled!
Food and Groceries in Havana
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.42 |
| Oranges | $0.62 |
| Potatoes | $1.27 |
| Apples | $4.12 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.86 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1 |
| Imported Beer | $1.48 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $4.5 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.9 |
| Cigarettes | $1.5 |
| Rice | $0.82 |
| Local Cheese | $3.67 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
A recent stroll through the vibrant streets of Vedado during lunchtime revealed a very standard piece of Havana dining culture: locals tend to eat around noon, which is when the workday pause occurs, and it's fascinating to see the sidewalks buzz with small groups seated outside eateries. You can find workers tucking into their lunches, often a generous plate of rice and beans with some savory meat, all sharing their conversations with animated hand gestures.
Meal times in Havana usually start with breakfast around 8 AM, a light affair often consisting of coffee accompanied by some bread or a pastry. Lunch tends to be the main event, typically served from 12 PM to 3 PM, while dinner is much later, generally around 8 PM or even 9 PM. You’ll see many enjoying a satisfying meal, often at a paladar—a privately-run restaurant—where a hearty lunch of something like picadillo or pollo asado can range from 200 to 600 CUP (Cuban Pesos), dependent on the location and the specific dish.
The dining scene varies notably by neighborhood. In Havana Vieja, some paladares serve more budget-friendly meals, whereas in upscale neighborhoods like Miramar, the prices can escalate sharply, potentially reaching 1,000 CUP for more intricate, gourmet offerings. Tipping is a common practice here too; around 10% is considered polite, adding that little extra gesture of appreciation for your meal.
Payment can be unusual from what many typically expect. While some places might accept credit cards, cash is king in most small establishments. ATM access is limited, and there are various local exchange rates to navigate if you're using foreign currency. Locally, many often prefer to pay in CUP to avoid additional service charges associated with card payments.
An authentic local habit you’ll notice is the communal style of dining; it’s common for friends or families to share dishes, turning the meal into a slight event. However, tourists sometimes miss the essence of it all and opt for the more solitary dining choices—perhaps choosing a single dish without sharing—robbing themselves of the joy of a shared experience.
Thinking ahead, if you plan to dine in at peak hours, especially during lunch when there’s a rush, arriving early or making a reservation can save you a wait. Choosing to eat later in the afternoon can also make for a more relaxed experience without the crowd jostling for tables.
Interestingly, with recent conversations among the younger locals, there’s an increasing trend towards casual dining spots that embrace global cuisines. This shift is a nod to changing tastes while keeping traditional Cuban flavors at the heart of the experience. Keep an eye on how this evolution might shape Havana’s culinary scene in the nearby future.
Meal times in Havana usually start with breakfast around 8 AM, a light affair often consisting of coffee accompanied by some bread or a pastry. Lunch tends to be the main event, typically served from 12 PM to 3 PM, while dinner is much later, generally around 8 PM or even 9 PM. You’ll see many enjoying a satisfying meal, often at a paladar—a privately-run restaurant—where a hearty lunch of something like picadillo or pollo asado can range from 200 to 600 CUP (Cuban Pesos), dependent on the location and the specific dish.
The dining scene varies notably by neighborhood. In Havana Vieja, some paladares serve more budget-friendly meals, whereas in upscale neighborhoods like Miramar, the prices can escalate sharply, potentially reaching 1,000 CUP for more intricate, gourmet offerings. Tipping is a common practice here too; around 10% is considered polite, adding that little extra gesture of appreciation for your meal.
Payment can be unusual from what many typically expect. While some places might accept credit cards, cash is king in most small establishments. ATM access is limited, and there are various local exchange rates to navigate if you're using foreign currency. Locally, many often prefer to pay in CUP to avoid additional service charges associated with card payments.
An authentic local habit you’ll notice is the communal style of dining; it’s common for friends or families to share dishes, turning the meal into a slight event. However, tourists sometimes miss the essence of it all and opt for the more solitary dining choices—perhaps choosing a single dish without sharing—robbing themselves of the joy of a shared experience.
Thinking ahead, if you plan to dine in at peak hours, especially during lunch when there’s a rush, arriving early or making a reservation can save you a wait. Choosing to eat later in the afternoon can also make for a more relaxed experience without the crowd jostling for tables.
Interestingly, with recent conversations among the younger locals, there’s an increasing trend towards casual dining spots that embrace global cuisines. This shift is a nod to changing tastes while keeping traditional Cuban flavors at the heart of the experience. Keep an eye on how this evolution might shape Havana’s culinary scene in the nearby future.