Rice, beans, and slow-cooked meats define Cuban food. Ropa vieja, shredded beef in tomato-based sauce, is a central dish, often served with rice and black beans. Roast pork, particularly lechón, appears in both everyday meals and celebrations. Plantains are used in multiple forms, from fried to mashed. Sandwiches like the Cuban reflect a mix of local and external influences. Meals are built around simple ingredients with layered preparation.
