From coconut pies to pineapple pizza. And nothing costs more than $1.50.
In the Cuban capital of Havana, roadside stands sell quick, delicious, and exceptionally cheap Caribbean staples, ideal for a quick snack. I recently spent four months there, so I tried almost all the offerings and found the best ones. Prices are in moneda nacional, a currency doled out by the government, which Cubans can use to buy basics (like fruits and vegetables or hygiene products) and street snacks like these. The other currency, the convertible peso, is how you pay everywhere else.
Image by Desmond Boylan / Reuters
Pork Burgers (Hamburguesa de Cerdo)
What it is: A ground pork patty, griddled to medium-rare and laid on lettuce, tomato and pan suave, a soft roll.
Price: 30 moneda nacional.
That means: $1.20.
Eat it like a local: Topped with a pineapple ring or cream cheese and strawberry marmalade. Wash it down with watermelon juice.
Coconut Pie ("Pie" de Coco)
What it is: Ultra-sweet shredded coconut baked into pie crust.
Price: 3 moneda nacional.
That means: $0.15.
Eat it like a local: From the bicycling-vendor after a shot of 50-50 coffee (50% coffee, 50% sugar).
Guava Milkshake (Batidos de Guayaba)
What it is: Peeled fresh guava blended with milk and sugar.
Price: 3 moneda nacional
What that means: $0.15
Eat it like a local: Finish it in less than two minutes, or before it gets hot and melty.
