Cuban food comprises multiple cultures itself. It includes a bit of Spanish, Caribbean, and African ingredients. The most dominant one being Spanish. A typical meal includes perfectly seasoned meat with rice, beans, plantains. Although Cubans are secretive about their recipes, there are many books available that give you an insight. You may find one cookbook more interesting than others, depending on your palate and preference. We have chosen some of the best Cuban cookbooks for you.
Best Cuban Cookbooks
| Image | Best Cuban Cookbooks | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and History | 99% |
 | 2. Memories of a Cuban Kitchen | 96% |
 | 3. Sabor!: A Passion for Cuban Cuisine | 92% |
 | 4. A Taste of Old Cuba | 89% |
 | 5. Cuban Flavor | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our Cuban Cookbook reviews.
1. The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and History
The Cuban Table is compiled by Ana Sofia Pelaez, an American-Cuban writer, and photographer Ellen Silverman. If you want a cookbook offering authentic recipes, this is the way to go. This book covers every aspect of Cuban cuisine, includes some of the best recipes. Ana Sofia Pelaez and Ellen Silverman compiled this cookbook by traveling Cuba, Miami, and New York, so you have firsthand recipes.
This book is about recipes and gives you a wonderful insight into Cuban history and culture. Along with every recipe and chapter, there is a story attached. The stories included give the recipes a personal touch and bring the reader closer to Cuban cuisine. The recipes in the book are detailed and well-explained, so you have no problem understanding. The simple explanations make it easy for a beginner and intermediate cooks to follow.
The Cuban Tale includes beautiful pictures as well, making it more attractive to the reader. The pictures are also an inspiration to aspiring cooks. This book includes over 110 recipes for you to try from. Every recipe you try will take you back to Cuba with its flavor and uniqueness. There are trips and tricks included in the cookbook directly from Cuban books. This book unleashes all the Cuban secrets.
Why do we like it?
- Detailed and easy to follow recipes.
- This book gives insight into the history and culture of Cuba.
- Beautiful pictures give inspiration to cooks.
2. Memories of a Cuban Kitchen
What is great about food is that it serves as a reminder. We associate food with memories, and that is what makes it so important. If you are of Cuban descent and miss being home, this book will transport you back. Memories of a Cuban Kitchen are filled with recipes that blend Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, and African cuisine. This book will remind of Cuba in its glory days.
Cuban cuisine is filled with traditional recipes, and this is the theme which this book follows. It includes 200 recipes, and each of these begins with a story. The way this book has been written and composed keeps the reader involved. What is great about this book is the variety of recipes. You find that this includes recipes for appetizers, entrees, and even drinks. You will find basic recipes such as marinades and fancy ones as well.
You will not need to make trips to the Cuban restaurant because, with this book, the restaurant will be your home. This book revives the old Cuban recipes that have been long lost. It has recipes for every occasion, so all your lunches and brunches are covered. Moreover, if you are a sweet tooth, this book has delicious dessert recipes too. Hence, this book covers authentic Cuban recipes and will make you fall in love with Cuban culture and cuisine.
Why do we like it?
- This book contains variations of recipes.
- Affordable option.
- The ingredients mentioned are easily available.
3. Sabor!: A Passion for Cuban Cuisine
Sabor!: A Passion for Cuban Cuisine is written by Ana Quincoces and revolved around hearty home-made recipes. These recipes the author learned from her mother when she used to help her in the kitchen. Hence, this book has a personal touch to it and will remind you of your childhood. This book is different from the rest because of its unique narration. The author has a feisty and lively tone, which makes the book quite interesting and exciting.
A Passion for Cuban Cuisine is like a Cuban secret that has finally been out in the open. This book contains recipes that are flavorful, authentic, and traditional. These recipes are straightforward and easy to follow. If you are a beginner at Cuban cooking, you will not be overwhelmed while looking at the recipes. Moreover, Ana provides tips and tricks, her favorite ingredient recommendations, which make it convenient. There is also a glossary for all the unfamiliar ingredients.
Ana Quincoces goes on to tell her family traditions, stories, and secrets. Hence, this book is more like a story you follow rather than an old-fashioned cookbook. This book also provides you with sample menus, examples of complementary dishes, and conversion tables to make measurements easy, along with stories and recipes. This book is a foolproof guide to Cuban food.
Why do we like it?
- The recipes are easy to follow.
- Lays more emphasis on traditional recipes.
- Includes helpful features like sample menus and glossary.
4. A Taste of Old Cuba: More Than 150 Recipes for Delicious, Authentic, and Traditional Dishes
A Taste of Old Cuba is written by Maria Josefa Lluria de O’Higgins and explores just what the title suggests: traditional Cuban food. This book is rich in culture and traditions and will guide you to perfect Cuban cuisine. You will find different recipes in this book that have been made in Cuban families for generations and have been passed down. Recipes alter with time, and there are many versions available. However, this book’s sole focus is on old recipes.
There are 150 recipes in this book for you to enjoy. This book increases your knowledge related to Cuban cuisine and culture as well. It covers many traditional cuisines, which Cuban cuisine is a blend of. This book includes classic recipes for any occasion, such as soups, stew, fried rice, beans.
The recipes included in this book have step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. So, if you are a beginner, you should have no problem. In fact, this book will help you grasp the essence of Cuban food and its culture. The author shares her stories from Cuba in its glory days which makes this interesting. The book also contains a glossary list for ingredients to make it easy for you to recognize.
If you grew up eating Cuban food, this book would take you down memory lane.
Why do we like it?
- This book contains original recipes.
- Classic recipes for every occasion.
- Step-by-step instructions.
5. Cuban Flavor: Exploring the Island’s Unique Places, People, and Cuisine
Liza Gershman has written the book Cuban Flavor. It is more than just a cookbook. If you are interested in Cuban culture and what it offers, we suggest you read this book. The author, Greshman, fell in love with Cuba on her first visit and decided to document this book. There are pictures in this book taken on Cuba’s streets, showing the raw side, which often does not make it to the screens.
Every recipe in this cookbook has a story. You will not just be learning the recipes but also the inspiration behind them. Every recipe’s creator is also introduced in the book, which is impressive to all the aspiring cooks. The recipes included in this book are flavorful, full of life, and well-seasoned. From appetizing entrees to delicious desserts, this book fulfills all your needs.
Cuban Flavor includes recipes that are easy to follow. The recipes are detailed and followed by pictures helping you envision your food. Most beginners tend to feel overwhelmed by long recipes, but you will feel at ease with how this book has been compiled. There are ingredient lists and well-researched insights.
This book will be the perfect addition to your coffee table as well as the kitchen. It can even be your travel guide when you decide to take a trip to Cuba with its vast information.
Why do we like it?
- This book gives an insight into the recipe makers.
- Also acts as a travel guide.
- Photographs in the book make it more interesting.
Cuban Cookbooks Buyer’s Guide
Whether you are an aspiring cook, a professional, or a home chef, the best way to polish your cooking skills is to invest in a good cookbook. Cuban cuisine has been around for quite some time, and if you love to cook, you want to try out recipes from around the world. What is great about Cuban cuisine is its versatility and the fact that it is a blend of other different cuisines, hence why it stands out from others.
Before purchasing a cookbook, it is best to do your research first to get the right one. There are many cookbooks available, but you need a book that promises authentic Cuban recipes. Otherwise, there is no point in it. You need to make sure that the author is reliable and that the kind of recipes you like are in that book. Here are some things you may want to look at while finding the best Cuban cookbook that fits your lifestyle.
Your preference
The first important thing you must consider is your preference for Cuban food. Due to its versatile cuisine, Cuban food includes many dishes, and many people dislike their cookbooks. If you are looking for something vegetarian and less meat, you should look for a cookbook focusing on that. If you cannot stand spiciness, then you should go for more mild recipes.
To help you decide, we suggest looking at reviews to know which book offers your preference. We do suggest keeping an open mind as Cuban food mainly comprises of seasoned meat and spicy foods.
Easy to follow
Most recipe books have detailed recipes, which is good except when it is not. The detailed recipes, using complicated words tend to confuse the reader, especially beginners. If you feel overwhelmed or it is your first time trying out Cuban recipes, we suggest getting a cookbook with step-by-step instructions. With instructions easily laid out for you, you will have less room to make an error.
If you are an intermediate cook and think you have the skills to counter complicated recipes, please purchase such a cookbook if you like it.
Recipe Pictures
There is no point in purchasing a cookbook if, in the end, you do not know how your dish is supposed to look. There are many books on the market that have no pictures. But pictures are important when it comes to cooking as they help you envision your recipe. You get an idea of how to plate your dish and present it. Especially if you are not familiar with a certain cuisine or you are trying out a brand-new recipe.
Pictures in cookbooks will let you know if the dish you have made is correct or not. There are many cookbooks available that have beautiful pictures, so be on the lookout for that.
Extra Features
Many extra features come along with a cookbook. You should make sure that you utilize your cookbook to the maximum. Some cookbooks include personal anecdotes which enable you to visualize and relate with the author. This makes cooking a more personal experience. Some cookbooks have a glossary for ingredients that help you learn new ones. There are also meal plans included, a measurement scale for easy conversion, which adds convenience.
Some cookbooks also have restaurant recommendations and places to try out. These features will make your cookbook stand out.
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