Cuban Coffee: Flavour, Brands and What to Bring Home
CUBAN COFFEE · DRINKS · SOUVENIRS
Cuban coffee is usually served short, strong and often sweet. In Varadero, travellers can try it at resorts, restaurants and cafés, then buy a sealed package as a practical souvenir.
Quick answer
Choose a clearly labelled, sealed package from a reliable shop. Check the condition and date when available, keep the receipt and review current Canadian declaration rules before returning home.
What is Cuban coffee?
The term usually describes a short, concentrated espresso-style coffee that is commonly sweetened during preparation. Taste and strength vary with the beans, roast, machine and preparation method.
For a milder drink, ask for café con leche or a cortadito. For a longer cup, ask whether an americano is available.
Brands travellers may see
| Brand | General profile | Buying tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cubita | One of the best-known Cuban coffee brands among travellers. | A convenient souvenir when the package is sealed. |
| Serrano | Often associated with a stronger profile. | Useful for travellers who prefer an intense cup. |
| Turquino | A name linked to the mountains of eastern Cuba. | An appealing Cuban-themed gift when available. |
| Unlabelled coffee | May appear local or informal. | Avoid it when you want a reliable souvenir. |
How to order coffee in Cuba
| Order | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Café cubano or espresso | A small, strong coffee that may already be sweetened. |
| Café con leche | Coffee with milk. |
| Cortadito | Espresso softened with a small amount of milk. |
| Americano | Espresso diluted with hot water. |
Where to drink coffee in Varadero
- Resort bars and buffets: convenient, but quality may differ between service points.
- Restaurants and paladares: ask what is available before ordering.
- Downtown Varadero: cafés and small bars may offer a different experience.
- Shopping areas and airport: practical for packaged coffee, but selection can be limited.
Buying coffee as a souvenir
- Choose factory-sealed packaging.
- Check the label, weight and date when visible.
- Avoid damp, damaged or unlabelled packages.
- Ask the price and payment currency before purchasing.
- Keep the receipt and protect the package from humidity.
Common mistakes
- Assuming resort buffet coffee represents all Cuban coffee.
- Buying an unsealed package because it appears more authentic.
- Expecting a specific brand to remain continuously in stock.
- Waiting until the airport when a specific brand matters.
Related English guides
Continue planning
FAQ
Which Cuban coffee should I buy?
Cubita, Serrano and Turquino are useful names to recognize. The best purchase depends on actual availability, packaging and your preferred roast.
Is Cuban coffee very strong?
It is commonly served in a small, concentrated format and may taste stronger than Canadian filter coffee.
Can I bring Cuban coffee back to Canada?
Generally yes for personal use, but declare it and consult current official Canadian import rules before returning.
Summary
Cuban coffee is a lightweight, practical souvenir when purchased in sealed, labelled packaging. Keep expectations flexible, compare brands and verify current declaration rules before travelling home.
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