These Cuban words are sprinkled throughout this site. They are words that you'll encounter in Cuba.
Batido – A street drink made of ice, fresh fruit, milk and sugar
Bolsa – the black market; illegal market featuring low-priced goods
CADECA – Short form of Casa de Cambio or Money-changing booth
Café Americano - American-style coffee served in a coffee cup with milk
Café con leche – An espresso is poured into a cup and topped with hot milk
Casa del habanos – Cigar Shop
Casas particulares – Government-approved accommodation in a private home
Chicharrones – Pieces of pig fat are fried till crisp and delicious; crackling
Coquito acaramelado – Boiled sweet made of cocoa, sugar and coconut
Cubita – Brand name of one of Cuba’s most popular coffees
Ensalada – Salad, usually slivered cabbage with carrot and tomato. Any dish prepared and served cold to accompany meals and drinks, or to replace a meal with family/friends at meetings or celebrations.
Guarapo – Juice extracted from the sugar cane and served with “ground” ice; also any extremely sweet or sweetened drink.
Guardabolsa, Guardabolsos – Sign at the bag check before entering a shop. Sign and office with pigeonholes to have the customers’ bags kept while owner is in shop.
Guayabera – A traditional man’s linen loose lightweight shirt popular in Cuba, Miami, Panama and the rest of the tropical Caribbean.
Habaneros – Natives of the city of Havana
Habano or puro – Authentic Cuban cigar
Jinetera/jinetero –Literally means jockey but is slang for a hustler
Jugo natural – A drink made from boiled fruit plus sugar
Maní – Roasted and unshelled peanuts (sold in a white paper cone)
Paladar (una/la) - A government-approved restaurant run from the family home
Raspadura – Boiled sugar sold in chunks similar to maple sugar
Refresco – A sugary drink similar to Kool-Aid
Un cafecito – The intense espresso served with sugar and beloved by Cubans
