The cuisine of Varadero and Cuba in general, is characterized as a friendly merger. It produces the three-fold: Spanish, African and Caribbean. The Spanish conquest introduced the palate of the Cuban species such as legumes, rice, citrus and beef. For their part, African slaves who came to work for the sugar cane plantations provided ways of cooking and some representative species such as yams. Finally, the Caribbean area were integrated species and all varieties of fruit, so there was a combination of flavors as diverse as exquisite, which now bears the name of Cuban cuisine.
The most representative dish of all is the melting pot Creole, a soup that has vegetables and meats of various kinds, which stands out for its variety of ingredients used in their manufacture. Other famous dishes include corned beef, the Eastern congri, and the “Moors and Christians”, yucca con mojo and a variety of rice preparations and of course, fish.
Among the desserts can not fail to mention the Guenguel, prepared from ground corn, cinnamon and sugar, bananas and plantains too rich and donuts. While between drinks are the champola with soursop, milk and sugar cane juice molasses, and of course, coffee. However, as far as alcohol is concerned, there is no doubt that there is a single star: the daiquiri, which was the favorite drink of Ernest Hemingway and today, the many tourists and visitors, so it has become an undeniable reputation world.
To prepare the classic daiquiri need white rum, Key lime juice and a little sugar, but in Cuba and in many bars in the world has been innovating with the daiquiri flowers, and many fruit daiquiris. You should also consider visiting the bars of Varadero, which can not leave without trying a glass of Cuba Libre, which is a mixture of rum and a Coke.
Also, Varadero offers a chance to experience the flavors, tastes and colors of the Cuban cuisine. Within the city has many restaurants dedicated to local food, but also to other cuisines. There are restaurants specializing in seafood, others in red meat and other items. The important thing is how to select the type of food they offer and also the location of place, it is not the same as having a dinner after the beach in a small Cuban restaurant where you can sample tapas and laugh at home with friends who share a unique evening in a romantic place situated by the sea.
Below is a list of places to eat or drink more representative of Varadero.
The Vicarage
Located in the city center, this restaurant offers its customers a large selection of the best local and international cuisine. His specialty is shrimp and lobster, but you can also enjoy excellent dishes based on pork or fish. The most expensive dish costs $ 13 instead. It also offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, consisting of a huge hut where food is served, plus a large garden. The hours are from 10:30 am until 11 d night.
The little cabin
This quaint restaurant / bar is located on the beach so their customers can not only enjoy the food, but also with a beautiful view of the sea of Varadero. Their specialty is seafood and meats, and its opening hours is from noon until 10 pm.
La Campana
If what you want is to test the best of traditional Cuban food, this is definitely the restaurant to be targeted. Is located in the famous park Josone, and also offers a large selection of Cuban drinks.
La Guantanamera
Guantanamo word alludes to many realities in the island of Cuba. First, it refers to any woman who is born in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba, in second place, refers to the famous song attributed to Joselito, who has become the second country anthem, and finally in place to exercise in Varadero, that Guantanamo is synonymous with good cuisine.
This wonderful restaurant with a splendid sea view, has a rustic and quaint. Is installed near the Plaza América Convention Center and specializes in Cuban cuisine, especially in traditional rural cuisine of the area.
Lai Lai
For lovers of oriental food, this restaurant offers the best in soups, shrimp, rice and other Chinese dishes. Located in a big old two-story house and the price of dishes ranges from 5 to 8 dollars. Their hours of operation ranges from 12 noon to 11 pm every day.
Withdrawal
This restaurant serves the best of international cuisine and is located in the heart of the park Josone, Josone in the old house belonging to Joseph Uturrio great administrator. The venue was opened in 1942, and has now been remodeled to give life to this beautiful restaurant. The decor of the place is as good as the food, there are several open spaces where customers can enjoy the greenery that decorate the park and one of its biggest specialty is lobster. The opening hours is from noon until eleven o’clock at night.
