Lonely Planet Experiences: Old Havana Street Eats
Havana, Cuba
From USD 44.00
Office phone number: +53 5338 7373



Lonely Planet Experiences: Old Havana Street Eats
Havana, Cuba





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
If you’ve ever heard the stereotype that Cuban food isn’t good, then we’re here to prove you wrong! Brush aside that outdated thinking and dig into delectable street snacks and beloved local treats on this delicious food tour through Old Havana. We’ll nibble on treats like guava-filled doughnuts, corn fritters, churros and more, and walk it all off with a 2-hour stroll around town. Along the way, you’ll meet and chat with local entrepreneurs who are setting up shops thanks to the new regulations permitting independent business. Welcome to the new (and tasty!) Cuba!
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Sample some of Cubans’ favourite local snacks, like churros, fritters and even pizza with locally produced cheese
- Learn about Cuba’s culinary culture both pre- and post-revolution
- Chat with local entrepreneurs and learn how new government policies are opening the country to independent business
- Explore the iconic neighbourhood of Old Havana, including the lively pedestrian street of Calle Obispo
- Get a lesson in Cuban life, from navigating the dual currency system to managing the availability of supplies
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks.
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- This tour supports local food vendors and exposing them to tourists significantly increases their income. Supporting private businesses, and not state-owned companies, is an important economic driver for local residents.
- This tour also raises awareness about the difficult socio-economic situation in Cuba and how it impacts local residents. During this tour you will learn about the dual currency system, how local people get supplies, about public vs. tourist transportation and private vs. state businesses, as well as what goes into opening a private business and getting a license to operate.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of the Jose Mari statue in Central Park. (There is only one statue inparquecentral). Estatua a José Martí
- Starting time: 10.00 AM, 3.00 PM
- Ending point:
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, street food samples (note that inclusions depend on what is available that day, but snacks could include churros, croquetas, pizza, a sandwich, ice cream or other treats), one drink.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, transportation to/from the meeting point/end point.
Cuba may have a bad rep when it comes to its culinary scene, but we’re here to tell you all that is changing! Away from the mass-produced buffets of the country’s beach resorts are tasty treats being served by indie street vendors and shops, which are now allowed to operate under new government rules for local business.
So these days, if you’re hungry in Havana, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But that being said, supplies are still often difficult to come by in Cuba, so you never really know what you’re going to get! Sometimes items that were available one day might not be there the next, so locals know just to go with the flow. We’ll do the same on this Havana food tour – we’ve got our favourite spots picked out, but we may have to change our stops depending on availability. No matter what, though, we promise it’ll be a tasty time!
We’ll start our Havana food tour with an overview of the local business economy, from how locals cope with the ever-changing availability of goods to the differences between “tourist” and “local” currencies. But don’t worry, we won’t linger too long, because your first snack awaits! We’ll dig into delicious cangrejitos — fried dough filled with guava and shaped like crab claws, to give us a sugary rush and send us on our way!
Next up, we’ll visit a shop with a story. As we dig into a savoury, fish-filled crepe (crepe de pescado empanisado, if you’re practicing your Spanish skills!), you’ll meet the owner: a Japanese woman who married a Cuban. You’ll get to hear her story and learn what it was like for her to move to Havana and create a life here amid all the changes.
One of the most popular snack foods in all of Cuba might come as a surprise: it’s that iconic American meal, the hamburger! But because beef is so rare in Cuba (in fact, there’s a serious prison penalty for those who kill cows, that dates back to the revolution — be sure to get the story from your local guide!), true Cuban-style hamburguesas are made from other meats, typically ground pork or chorizo.
We’ll then grab some papa rellena (stuffed, fried mashed potato balls) or maybe some croquetas (fried, breaded balls filled with meat, cheese or vegetables), which are popular among Cuba’s exile community and commonly found in Cuban restaurants in the USA. Alternately, we may pop by a little stand we love, that serves frituras de maiz (corn fritters) — remember, the availability of items can change daily in Cuba, so we’ve got a few different options for stops we can take you to! While you’re snacking, your local guide will share with you all the #localsknow secrets of which restaurants serve the best frituras and croquetas in Old Havana.
There’s a strong Chinese influence and history in Cuba, and we’ll learn all about it with a stop for fried rice (with or without pork). You’ll learn about the popularity of cajitas (cardboard boxes) and cardboard spoons for food orders.
We’ll then grab a refreshing fruit shake, called a batido, from a young entrepreneur in his 20s. He’ll talk with us about the economic reforms that have come into place in 2011 and 2013, which granted licenses for locals to open businesses such as his. You’ll also learn about typical Cuban fruits such as mamey (a creamy, sweet fruit) and guanabana (soursop), and other popular drinks such as sugarcane juice, or guarapo.
Have you heard about the famous “peso pizza” of Cuba? Mentioned in almost every guidebook to Havana, the peso pizza shop is an iconic street food stop, so of course we’ll pop in! Pizza is very popular in Cuba, and we’ll chat about the local production of Cuban cheese.
Finally, it’s time for dessert! Churros are found everywhere on the streets of Havana, a throwback to the country’s Spanish influence. We’ll learn some of the history of Spain and Cuba, and sample these deliciously crispy, fried delights. As we walk, we’ll pass by the famous Museo de Chocolate. We won’t stop in, but we’ll point it out to you so you can come back later and browse at your leisure after the tour (our pick: get the rum-filled chocolates!).
And if your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, we’ve got one last tasty treat: coconut ice cream. Our favourite seller is Alex, a guy who is super fun and campy (ask him about his dreams to go to Canada). We’ll talk about the intense popularity of ice cream in Cuba (don’t be surprised if you see people eating it even in the morning!), and how gourmet ice cream parlours are popping up. Ice cream sandwiches, cones and ice pops are all favourites among locals. While you’re in Cuba, be sure to try mantecado ice cream — a Spanish-style shortbread that makes for a totally unique flavour!
We’ll finish our Havana food tour here, but before you go, be sure to ask your local guide for tips on what else to see and do (and where else to eat!) while you’re in town.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, street food samples (note that inclusions depend on what is available that day, but snacks could include churros, croquetas, pizza, a sandwich, ice cream or other treats), one drink.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, transportation to/from the meeting point/end point.
Dress standard: Please bring water and proper sun protection.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Closure of sites: All stops are subject to change due to the ever-evolving situation of private businesses in Cuba. If any stop is not available, it will be substituted by a similar and equally awesome vendor. Slight detours may be necessary. Due to Covid-19, some services and stops on the tour may change based on local government regulations.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians but we are unable to accommodate vegans or gluten-free customers. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@havanaurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +53 5338 7373
Email address: info@havanaurbanadventures.com
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