What Food To Try in Varadero and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Varadero for 2024.
National currency: Cuban Peso, symbol — (international currency code CUP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Varadero cafes and restaurants
$5.5
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 Varadero
Must-try Dishes
Arroz con Pollo - Rice with Chicken - Flavorful rice cooked with tender chicken, bell peppers, and saffron for a vibrant color. Locals commonly enjoy this dish for lunch, often on Sundays when families gather to eat together.Pan con Lechón - Pork Sandwich - Slow-roasted marinated pork served on crusty bread, topped with tangy pickled onions. It's a popular street food option enjoyed during the day; just be sure to specify how much pork you want, or you might end up with less than expected!
Vaca Frita - Fried Cow - Marinated flank steak that's grilled, then pan-fried until crispy, served with onions and lime. This dish is popular for dinner and is best enjoyed with a cold beer at a local eatery, fully embracing the lively atmosphere.
Ropa Vieja - Old Clothes - Shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and onions, served with rice and black beans. An iconic local specialty, it's typically savored at home or in casual restaurants, known for its deep, hearty flavor that represents Cuban comfort food.
Yuca con Mojo - Yuca with Garlic Sauce - Boiled yuca served with a zesty garlic and citrus sauce, bringing a surprising kick to this classic side dish. Locals often enjoy it as a main course paired with grilled meats, especially during gatherings or celebrations.
Malanga - Taro Root (Seasonal Variation) - A versatile root vegetable cooked until tender and often mashed with garlic and olive oil. It shines particularly in the cooler months, appearing on many family tables for dinner, providing warmth and comfort.
Pescado Frito - Fried Fish (Local Specialty) - Freshly caught fish, most commonly snapper, seasoned and fried until crispy. Typically served with rice and fried plantains, it's a staple at seaside restaurants, with locals relishing the ocean's bounty while swapping stories.
By the way, keep an eye out for food markets in the early morning; you'll experience fresh local dishes at their peak right after they've been made!
Desserts & Drinks
Colada de Café - Café Cubano (Cuban coffee) - A potent espresso shot sweetened with sugar, often prepared with a frothy top. Locals enjoy this strong brew throughout the day, especially in the morning, and it's common to see friends gather at home or in the nearby cafes to socialize over a cup. Mojito - Mojito (rum cocktail) - Refreshing mix of white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water served over ice. It’s a popular choice on hot summer afternoons, and locals prefer it at beach bars, sipping while enjoying the sunset. (Be careful when ordering—you might get a “mojito sin alcohol” if you’re not specific!)
Guarapo - Guarapo (fresh sugar cane juice) - Sweet, frothy drink made by squeezing fresh sugar cane, often served chilled. It’s widely consumed on hot days, especially near the beach, and locals enjoy it for its refreshing taste and energy boost.
Guayaba Pastry - Pastelito de Guayaba (guava pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with a sweet guava paste, often dusted with powdered sugar. These are popular snacks at any local bakery, particularly enjoyed during morning coffee breaks or as an afternoon treat.
Coconut Sorbet - Sorbete de Coco (frozen delight) - Creamy, icy dessert made from fresh coconut, sugar, and lime. Often served during local festivals or hot summer days, it’s the ultimate cooling treat that you can find at various beachside stands. (Locals sometimes add a splash of rum for an adults-only version.)
Food and Groceries in Varadero
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.46 |
| Oranges | $0.66 |
| Potatoes | $1.27 |
| Apples | $3.23 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.81 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1 |
| Imported Beer | $1.54 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $4.5 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.85 |
| Cigarettes | $2.4 |
| Rice | $0.82 |
| Local Cheese | $3.84 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through Varadero, it’s common to spot a local lunch crowd flocking to street vendors around noon. Usually, there’s a long queue at the stands serving fresh seafood or hearty pork sandwiches, indicating that lunch really kicks off here between 12 PM and 2 PM. This rush isn’t just for tourists; locals often grab a quick bite in their short lunch breaks, where they find delicious options for around 100 to 200 CUP (Cuban Pesos).
In contrast, dining areas closer to the resorts might charge you up to 800 CUP for a similar meal, which showcases the price variance you’ll see. You’ll notice that dining in the central areas like Boulevard de Playa or Calle 62 tends to be pricier compared to side streets where local businesses thrive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of dining near the beach for convenience, but the flavor and value truly shine in those tucked-away spots.
Payment customs here can feel unique to those used to more straightforward systems. Cash is king in Varadero, especially as many places still don’t accept credit cards or only accept local currency. Always ask if they accept the CUP, as some eateries cater primarily to tourists with prices listed in CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), which can lead to confusion. Oh, and before I forget, it’s customary to round up your bill to the nearest ten or twenty CUP as a tip, which feels customary but adds up—especially if you eat out often.
As for local dining habits, people often share meals, which creates a social atmosphere. Plates of rice and beans, accompanied by fried plantains or pork, are frequently served family-style when dining with groups. It’s also essential to know that restaurants can have varying operations. Some close for a siesta after lunch and reopen for dinner service around 7 PM, so timing your visits is vital.
If you're dining in a more upscale restaurant, it's wise to make a reservation, particularly on weekends when crowds swell. You might be surprised how fast tables fill up. With various dining styles permeating Varadero, from the unpretentious local stands to more refined dining establishments offering creative twists on traditional dishes, there's no shortage of variety.
Seeing how different areas of Varadero cater to different dining experiences is also fascinating. The transitions in pricing and service are remarkable indicators of how the local food scene is evolving, shaped by tourism and the preferences of the local population. With more dining options sprouting up that cater to both locals and tourists alike, it will be interesting to witness how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
In contrast, dining areas closer to the resorts might charge you up to 800 CUP for a similar meal, which showcases the price variance you’ll see. You’ll notice that dining in the central areas like Boulevard de Playa or Calle 62 tends to be pricier compared to side streets where local businesses thrive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of dining near the beach for convenience, but the flavor and value truly shine in those tucked-away spots.
Payment customs here can feel unique to those used to more straightforward systems. Cash is king in Varadero, especially as many places still don’t accept credit cards or only accept local currency. Always ask if they accept the CUP, as some eateries cater primarily to tourists with prices listed in CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), which can lead to confusion. Oh, and before I forget, it’s customary to round up your bill to the nearest ten or twenty CUP as a tip, which feels customary but adds up—especially if you eat out often.
As for local dining habits, people often share meals, which creates a social atmosphere. Plates of rice and beans, accompanied by fried plantains or pork, are frequently served family-style when dining with groups. It’s also essential to know that restaurants can have varying operations. Some close for a siesta after lunch and reopen for dinner service around 7 PM, so timing your visits is vital.
If you're dining in a more upscale restaurant, it's wise to make a reservation, particularly on weekends when crowds swell. You might be surprised how fast tables fill up. With various dining styles permeating Varadero, from the unpretentious local stands to more refined dining establishments offering creative twists on traditional dishes, there's no shortage of variety.
Seeing how different areas of Varadero cater to different dining experiences is also fascinating. The transitions in pricing and service are remarkable indicators of how the local food scene is evolving, shaped by tourism and the preferences of the local population. With more dining options sprouting up that cater to both locals and tourists alike, it will be interesting to witness how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.