Local Cuisine

From Ceviche to Picadillo: Latin Cuisine at a Glance

In Little Havana for dinner? Many restaurants list menu items in English for the benefit of norteamericano diners. In case they don't, though, here are translations and suggestions for filling and delicious meals:

Arroz con pollo -- Roast chicken served with saffron-seasoned yellow rice and diced vegetables.

Café Cubano -- Very strong black coffee, served in thimble-size cups with lots of sugar. It's a real eye-opener.

Camarones -- Shrimp.

Ceviche -- Raw fish seasoned with spice and vegetables and marinated in vinegar and citrus to "cook" it.

Croquetas -- Golden-fried croquettes of ham, chicken, or fish.

Paella -- A Spanish dish of chicken, sausage, seafood, and pork mixed with saffron rice and peas.

Palomilla -- Thinly sliced beef, similar to American minute steak, usually served with onions, parsley, and a mountain of french fries.

Pan Cubano -- Long, white crusty Cuban bread. Ask for it tostada?toasted and flattened on a grill with lots of butter.

Picadillo -- A rich stew of ground meat, brown gravy, peas, pimientos, raisins, and olives.

Plátano -- A deep-fried, soft, mildly sweet banana.

Pollo asado -- Roasted chicken with onions and a crispy skin.

Ropa vieja -- A shredded beef stew whose name literally means "old clothes."

Sopa de pollo -- Chicken soup, usually with noodles or rice.

Tapas -- A general name for Spanish-style hors d'oeuvres, served in grazing-size portions.