[Sun]

Originally Posted by guihong

Don't I know it!

This might be a silly question, but I've had Cuban cuisine and I was in heaven. Is that related to Puerto Rican in any way?

No not related. Some native ingredients can be found on both islands. Much was brought to the islands from those who settled there.

Cuban food largely is influenced by the southern Spanish and Africans, where Puerto Rican food has influences from the indigenous Taino people as well as the Spanish and Africans. To a lesser degree the French, Italians, Dutch and Chinese also influenced the Island but none as significantly as the Spanish and African people. Much of this was due to occupation and slave trade.

Sadly the history of many local foods on the Islands, wind up tied to the history of which group was exploiting and oppressing another group. Some influences are the result of trade routes.

Cuban food has changed over the years due to the trade embargo with our nation. There is not much beef to be had for example. Root vegetables that were common food for the African people have long been a part of the Cuban diet. As are rice, beans, pork fish, common staples also in Puerto Rican food.

So yes the two cuisines have some things in common yet they have varying styles and expressions.

The Cuban food that you will find in south Florida will be very different than what you will eat if you were to visit Cuba.