At a Cuban party, the food is the main event. There's a roast pig with crackling skin, a big pan of rice and beans, yuca soaking up garlicky mojo, and a cake waiting on the side. It's also a lot of cooking for whoever is hosting.
The Alfonso family has cooked for West Palm Beach celebrations from the same Southern Blvd kitchen since 1986. Here's how to put together a Cuban party menu, what to serve for different occasions, and how to hand the cooking off to us.
The Classic Cuban Party Spread
Most Cuban party menus follow the same pattern: one star dish, rice and beans, a couple of sides and something sweet. Get those right and everything else is a bonus.
The centerpiece: roast pork
Nothing says celebration like lechón asado, a whole roasted pig. Ours are seasoned the traditional Cuban way and roasted on-site in a specially designed oven that cooks the meat evenly and turns the skin crispy. Pigs come in a range of sizes, so they work for a family dinner or a wedding. Read more about ordering a whole roast pig.
Planning something smaller? Tell us your headcount and we'll suggest what fits.
Rice and beans
No Cuban party table is complete without black beans and rice. Serve them as congrí, with the beans and rice cooked together, or as white rice with a pot of black beans on the side so guests can add as much as they like.
Sides that disappear first
- Yuca con mojo: tender boiled yuca topped with mojo, a sauce of garlic, citrus and onions.
- Fried plantains: sweet, caramelized maduros made from ripe plantains, or crunchy, salty tostones made from green ones. Either way, the kids will find them first.
Something sweet
Every party needs a cake. Our bakery makes Cuban cappuccino cakes and pastries for birthdays, baby showers, quinces and office parties. See what else comes out of the ovens at our Cuban bakery.
The finish: cafecito
A Cuban party isn't over until someone passes around little cups of Cuban coffee. It's strong, sweet, and good for at least one more hour of conversation.
Match the Menu to the Occasion
Birthdays and quinceañeras
Go big. Put a whole roast pig in the middle, surround it with rice and beans, yuca and plantains, and finish with a custom cake. Quinces run long, so ask us about bites guests can eat while they mingle.
Office lunches and meetings
Keep it easy to serve and easy to eat. Roast pork, rice and beans and a side set up buffet-style, and nobody goes back to their desk hungry. For a smaller team, it's often simpler to order online from the regular menu. Pressed Cuban sandwiches travel well.
Holiday parties and Nochebuena
Christmas Eve is the biggest night of the year for many Cuban families. If you want roast pork on the table without spending the day in the kitchen, reserve as early as you can. Weekends and holidays book up first.
Baby showers, graduations and family reunions
Daytime parties with guests of all ages need a spread with something for everyone: roast pork, rice and beans, plantains for the kids, and a table of pastries and cake.
Tips for Ordering Catering
- Start with a headcount. Tell us how many adults and kids are coming and whether it's a light lunch or a full dinner. We'll help size the order from there.
- Book early. Call as soon as you have a date, even if the guest list isn't final.
- Plan for leftovers. Cuban food is often even better the next day, so rounding up is rarely a mistake.
- Ask about timing. Confirm when your order will be ready and how to serve it, so you're not scrambling when guests arrive.
- Mention dietary needs. If some guests don't eat pork, tell us ahead of time and we'll suggest other dishes.
How to Order Catering From Capri
- Call (561) 655-1602 with your date, your headcount and the kind of event you're planning.
- Build the menu with our team: a whole roast pig, classic sides, pastries and cakes, sized for your crowd.
- Enjoy the party. We confirm the details with you ahead of time, so you can focus on your guests.
Want Cuban home cooking every week, no party required? Take a look at Cantinas Semanales, our weekly meal service. You can see all of our options on the catering page, or call (561) 655-1602 to start planning.