For CheapOAir. May 2016.

My perception of Cuban food while eating at restaurants in the US was limited to Cuban sandwiches, pulled pork, rice, beans, and a few meat staples. It was only when I visited Havana a couple of years ago that my entire perception of Cuban cuisine was proved to be false. It turned out that all the Cuban dishes I had been served were outdated. Yes, the ham and cheese Cuban sandwich became very popular with Americans in the 1950s but was hardly a staple anymore.

The myth that Cuban cuisine largely consists of pork and beef dishes was also busted. In fact, as the number of animals raised for meat dwindled on the island, seafood became the go-to choice of protein. In the past few years, locals have turned to organic farming, growing lots of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits that have now made their way into modern Cuban menus. I learned that there were lots of options for vegetarians too!

Read the full story on CheapOAir Miles Away blog