Once upon a time, grabbing a few snacks to head out on road trips across Cuba, meant buying peanuts in newspaper cones (maní), peanut bars (barra de maní), fresh coconut or guava flan (pie de coco/guayaba) and, if you were lucky, coconut balls (coquitos).
But, during the pandemic, Cuba gave the go-ahead to a number of private businesses which enabled a new kind of store to open on the island: the mini supermarket or corner store. These are real finds and are dotted all over the capital. Armed with the right addresses, you’ll be able to pick up a whole range of things for a road trip out to the provinces or for a snack while out and about in Havana.
Here’s our pick of the best places to pick up snacks in Havana.
Home Deli is pretty much like a deli you’d find in most countries. Inside, there’s an airy feel where you can browse the shelves and pick up treats such as Cuban chocolate bars by Antonero and packs of Italian biscuits. Fresh products include banana bread, focaccia, muffins, doughnuts, packs of serrano ham, ham and cheese slices, even ice cream. It even has gluten-free nacho chips for sale. Home Deli has three outlets in Havana but the most central is in el Vedado neighbourhood at Calle 12 508 between 21 and 23 streets (daily 9am-9pm). An alfresco café at the entrance here offering pizza, calzone, sandwiches and coffee makes a nice pitstop, too.
Bodegón 21 is much smaller but packs a lot in to its tiny, unsigned store, in el Vedado. Pick up delicious yogurt drinks made with mango or guava by Cuban brand Santa Ana, goat yoghurt, cheeses, and packed cold cut such as sliced ham and salami. Bodegón 21 also sells olives, fresh baguettes, and tasty homemade cheesecakes in small tubs. You’ve got your pick of fresh meats and sausages, too, hanging behind the counter. Fresh salad items are available to make up your own packed lunch. (Calle 21 409B between F and G streets; daily 9am-9pm).
paZillo Fresh is another great option for those staying in el Vedado. It’s stacked with a lot of liquor as well as bread, bread rolls, biscuits, crisps, protein bars, imported yoghurt pots and ice cream. It offers a popular range of fresh Cuban fruit juices (Olygon), too. Its on-site café is always busy, too. (Calle 4 between 3ra and 5ta streets; daily 9am-11pm).
Searching for healthy options? Verde Verde (Green Green) is a health-focused store in the Playa neighbourhood. Head here for the best selection of dried veg, fruits, nuts and seeds, tasty granola and protein bars as well as bottled smoothies, matcha latte and yoghurt drinks. You’ll also find cakes, tarts, muffins, packaged salads and dried noodles to take on the road. (Calle 3ra between 26 and 28, Miramar; daily 8.30am-8pm).
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