The street food in Cuba is sold by small business owners who are trying to make it in a very difficult economy.  The Cuban government has allowed certain types of businesses to be privately-owned, and food carts is a very popular area for Cuban entrepreneurs.

Eating at a posh new restaurant in Havana, that’s aimed at comparatively rich foreigners is one thing.  Yes, many of the spas, clubs and restaurants are privately owned and they stand for the success story of Cuba’s transformation to a slightly more capitalistic economy.  However, for every tourist restaurant that makes it, there are a dozen carts selling street food in Cuba…that don’t make it.  They are selling to their fellow citizens, who more than likely don’t have any money.  They have a heavy tax burden and no start up money.

If you’re traveling to Cuba and venture out walking around Havana or whatever city you’re in, you’ll see the street food almost everywhere.  Just look for big umbrellas, which shade the owner as he or she tries to make capitalism in Cuba work.