Nativa: Five years savoring the essence of Cuba

Under the shadow of the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (Castle of the Three Kings of Morro), a gathering took place that combined tradition, flavor and the most authentic Cuban spirit. The Nativa gastronomic brand, belonging to the Gaviota Tourism Group, celebrated its fifth anniversary with an evening that commemorated its history and marked the reopening of the El Polvorín gastronomic center, located in this historic and privileged setting in Havana.

Nativa revisits Cuban culinary culture as part of Gaviota’s offers. Its menu, featured in hotel buffets, revives the traditional aspects of local cuisine through a fusion of Spanish, indigenous, African and Asian influences that make up the island’s heritage.

A tasting of the brand’s signature dishes and desserts brought the flavors of tamales and the sweetness of the cucurucho de coco. Casabe, a staple food declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, also took center stage. Its inclusion on the Nativa menu represents recognition of its role as a symbol of identity and social cohesion. This food represents the legacy of the Caribbean’s indigenous peoples and an age-old tradition that promotes sustainable development in communities, from cassava cultivation to its artisanal production.

The perfect ending to this culinary experience was a pairing of Partagás cigars with Cuban rum. At that moment, two national icons came together, encapsulating the spirit of the brand and paying tribute to rituals that have defined the island’s culture for generations. Cuban cuisine, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, finds a worthy ambassador in Nativa. The brand not only serves dishes but also tells the story of a people through its flavors. Dishes ranging from torticas de Morón to boniatillo and saoco (a traditional cocktail), are no longer just menu items but have become bridges to a richer and more flavorful understanding of Cuban national identity.

In these five years, Nativa has consolidated its mission: “to help you savor Cuba.” It’s an invitation to discover the island through its gastronomy, where every ingredient, technique, and presentation honors a heritage that adapts to the expectations of the contemporary traveler.