[Lesley D]

A. Hidalgo,

Thanks for the support. Much appreciated

Originally Posted by A.Hidalgo

As usual you are a wealth of info and the link is great. Gracias.

I have always been curious to know more about un paladar ever since I learned about this word used in Cuba for a specific type of restaurant. It was a few years ago when reading a text that I discovered the word. Of course, my first reaction was paladar. It just made no sense in the paragraph I was reading. Of course, I was thinking of the common meaning of the word. Once again reading proves to be one of the best vocabulary building tools because out from discovering a new word it also inspired me to find out more about los paladares in Cuba.

Here is a definition from a Cuban website:

Paladar es el nombre con el que se conocen a los restaurantes privados en Cuba. Esa original denominación procede de una de las series televisivas brasileñas que tanto gustan a los cubanos. Un paladar es un restaurante privado, es decir, que está instalado en una casa particular, en el jardín de una mansión, en el comedor de un piso o en la planta baja de una casa. Varios paladares sirven raciones generosas de comida criolla de excelente calidad. Es muy aconsejable probar algunos de ellos. Por lo general, la cocina es copiosa, fresca y económica

Restaurantes en Cuba - Listado de restaurantes en Cuba

From what I understand, los paladares are a good option to a normal restaurant and offer excellent local food. What are some of the typical local dishes in Cuba? El congrí, frijoles negros con arroz, los tostones (ruedas de plátano fritas y escachadas) y el tamal, maíz molido con o sin carne de cerdo hervido dentro de la hoja de maíz.

As well plenty of seafood and fruit are offered. Source the website above.

Therefore, the next time you are in Cuba you may want to go to un paladar and sample la comida criolla. Cuban food is great. I have eaten dishes outside of Cuba so I could only imagine how the taste is if I were to eat a plato fuerte en la Habana.

Cultural nuances/ differences

I often hear people complain about restaurants and service when they go to other countries and Latin America is not the exception. Although some of the complaints or observations may be valid, my opinion is you the traveller, tourist, or foreigner, define yourself as you may must make some adjustments too. Many complain about the language barrier, the service, not being able to read the menu etc. However, my response is: you are the foreigner. Why don’t you make the cultural adjustment and show some interest in the country you are visiting? It would help to learn the name of some of the local dishes in advance so that when you get the menu you know some basic words and names of food. Know the local dishes at least. As well, learn how to ask for something politely. In Spanish, quisiera saber, me podría decir xxx, convey a much more polite tone in comparison to quiero xxx, me puede xxx.


-LDG.