El Paladar De Hacienda Iznaga

We had lunch at El Paladar de la Hacienda Iznaga. They serve typical Creole cuisine such as rice, beans, good tubers, and roasted pork, which they call "pork." The juices, like tamarind, guava shake, and coconut with meringue, are delicious. I would like to comment on what a Paladar is. A Paladar is a private and popular restaurant very common in Cuba, found in all towns no matter how small. In fact, in Havana, there are some well-known Paladares that are highly sought after. The meals served at Paladares are much cheaper than at restaurants, as they are a private activity and do not pay taxes. The food is plentiful and very natural, with fresh fish being served. The dining area is rustic and the tables are simple. There is no menu, typically offering a couple of dishes to choose from. Theoretically, this activity is prohibited but tolerated. Since they cannot advertise the establishment, there are young people who promote it during peak meal times in exchange for a tip, sometimes even escorting customers to the location. When traveling to Cuba, it is a must to eat at a Paladar at least once, as it is part of the Cuban way of life.

I had lunch at Hacienda Iznaga, where I enjoyed traditional Creole cuisine such as rice, beans, viandas, and pork. The roast dishes were delicious, especially the tamarind and guava whipped juices. They also had coconut with meringue for dessert. The restaurant is popular in Cuba and can be found in many cities. The dining room had a rustic feel and they did not have a menu; instead, they offered a couple of dishes to choose from. While advertising the restaurant is prohibited, there are individuals who promote it during meal times for a tip. When visiting Cuba, dining at a "paladar" is a must to experience the local way of living.