Welcome to the culinary paradise of Chicago, where you can embark on a mouthwatering journey through the vibrant flavours of Cuba.
When it comes to indulging in the Best Cuban Food Chicago has to offer, this city does not disappoint.
From classic dishes like the iconic Cuban sandwich to delectable desserts and refreshing mojitos, Chicago boasts a thriving Cuban food scene that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Havana.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and beloved establishments where you can savour the authentic tastes of Cuba in the Windy City. Prepare to embark on a flavorful adventure as we explore the Best Cuban Food Chicago offers!
What is the best Cuban food?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single best Cuban food. The cuisine is diverse, and so are the opinions around which dish should be considered the best. Some say it’s arroz con pollo, while others swear by Lechon as their favourite Cuban food. We compiled a list of our top 5 favourites for you to try this week!
- Arroz Con Pollo (rice with chicken)
- Lechon Asado (Roasted pork shoulder)
- Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce with peppers and onions
- Picadillo Cubano or Frituras De Pollo (ground beef mixed with olives, raisins, potatoes, plantains & onion fried.
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Top 10 Best Cuban Food in Chicago
Cuban food is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavours. It’s the perfect meal for lunch or dinner with friends. In Chicago, many restaurants serve Cuban delicacies, so here is the list of our top 10 favourites!
1. Frontera Grill:
As one of my favourite places to eat in Chicago, I have tried most items on their menu (and they all taste amazing). The restaurant has been around since 1987, and it does not disappoint.
All dishes are cooked fresh from scratch with local ingredients sourced whenever possible. This place has a great ambience too!
2. La Cubana:
This restaurant offers both traditional Cuban cuisine and South American fare, such as empanadas and ceviche. It is frequently voted the best Latin restaurant in Chicago. The food is authentic and fresh. You can’t go wrong!
3. Fuego Taco Bar:
Located at Fullerton and Western, this place has some great tacos made with slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in orange juice and garlic topped with plantains and cilantro-lime crema.
Their Cubano sandwiches come on sourdough bread filled with ham, cheese, pickles, mayo & mustard.
4. Nana:
This place is renowned for its authentic Cuban cuisine, including a great variety of tapas. If you’re looking for something light, then the fried yucca or plantains are perfect!
5. La Casa Del Chef:
No visit to Chicago would be complete without trying some deep dish pizza, and this place does not disappoint with their delicious pies topped with tomato sauce & cheese.
For an extra kick, try adding Italian sausage and pepperoni (which they have plenty of). The restaurant also serves pasta dishes, so it’s the one-stop shop if you want fast food that hits all your cravings in one shot!
6. Sabor Cubano:
Located on Archer Ave, this spot has been serving up Caribbean fare since 1990. It offers a great selection of seafood, chicken wings and burgers.
7. Juan’s Place:
Like the best Cuban restaurant in Chicago, I had to mention this place! The food is delicious and authentic here- you won’t be disappointed if you order any of their signature dishes like empanadas or picadillo (a beef dish).
8. Cafe Con Leche:
This quaint little cafe near the Willis Tower is an excellent spot for breakfast, delicious Cuban sandwiches, and the best coffee in Chicago!
9. Don Pedros Kitchen:
It offers some of the most authentic Cuban food around, with its signature dish being paella made from fresh seafood and chicken. They also provide traditional sandwiches like bistec empanada (breaded steak sandwich).
10. La Cubana:
If you’re looking for authentic Cuban food that will fill your stomach up, this is a great place to visit! They have an extensive menu with many different items that are sure to satisfy anyone’s craving.
Best Cuban food hot
Cuban food is hot. There’s a lot of spice, and you’re not always sure what to expect when ordering it. Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that make up the island nation’s identity.
You’ll find both sweet and savoury dishes on menus across the country-from croquettes to Lechon Asado with yuca frita or arroz congri (rice with black beans).
In this blog post, we’re going to explore some of Cuba’s most popular dishes: ropa vieja, picadillo de Carne (ground beef), chorizo con huevos (sausage with eggs), pollo guised o al horn.
What is the Cuban national dish?
The Cuban national dish, ropa vieja, is a stew that is made of shredded beef and vegetables. This dish was created by the Spaniards during their occupation in Cuba back in the 1500s.
The ingredients for this flavorful meal are meat stock, onions, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and cumin. Ropa vieja translates to “old clothes.”
This can be seen as an ironic name because, typically, it is served with white rice on top of it to make it more appealing visually.
A popular way to eat this delicious meal would be over a plate of black beans or avocado salad and plantains on the side!
What are traditional Cuban spices?
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, French, and Caribbean cuisines. This multiculturalism has created a unique style that is not like any other in the world.
One way that Cubans have maintained their own identity. While incorporating influences worldwide is through traditional Cuban spices.
Traditional Cuban spices create all types of dishes such as black bean soup, garlic chicken with potatoes, and onions.
Garbanzo beans stewed with tomatoes and peppers. These uniquely spiced dishes come together to create an authentic flavour profile you will not find anywhere else in the world!
What is a traditional Cuban Christmas dinner?
A traditional Cuban Christmas dinner is a festive occasion. When the family gathers, they eat fried plantains pork with black beans for appetizers while singing carols. The main dish varies depending on region but generally
- Includes roast turkey or ham,
- Rice,
- Sweet potatoes,
- Peas
- Cornbread stuffing.
Desserts include yucca pie with cream cheese frosting and guava cheesecake.
This blog post will explore what a traditional. Cuban Christmas Dinner looks like by examining regional variations of dishes. Served in Cuba at this time of year. The history behind some of these traditions dates back to colonial times.
Why is Cuban food so bland?
I know what you’re thinking: “Cuban food is so bland.” But have you ever been to a Cuban restaurant? Of course not! You haven’t because they don’t exist.
We here at [restaurant] are changing all of that, and we want YOU on our team! If you love cooking and eating great food, then this is for you!
Our Cuban-style dishes will knock your socks off with flavour. Join us today and be part of the revolution in Cuban cuisine.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
We’re always looking for new ideas on how to help our readers find the best food in Chicago. So feel free to share your thoughts with us or ask any other question that comes up during your research process.
It was very interesting to know that roast turkey and rice is usually one of the most common Cuban cuisines. I’m craving to taste new flavors, because the pandemic deprived me of that opportunity. Now that I’m fully-vaccinated, I’ll make sure to eat in the best Cuban restaurant in the city.