Influence of recent political and economic changes in Cuban cuisine
- Submitted by: Juana
- Havana
- Society
- Business and Economy
- 12 / 31 / 2015
Since the Cuban President Raul Castro introduced reforms in 2011, tourism is growing and - although the majority of Cubans still work for the state - it is now easier than ever for people to start their own businesses.
Many have chosen to put their efforts into setting up paladares - small restaurants, often run from someone's home. The most lucrative paladares are those that cater to the growing number of tourists, and this has led both to a reinvention of traditional Cuban dishes and the development of a new fusion cuisine.
Others provide for their fellow Cubans, still living on very low salaries, nutritious meals at ultra-low prices. We see the challenges of getting the simplest ingredients and how state food subsidies remain essential to enable many people just to survive.
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