El Oriental de Cuba

Hearty Cuban cuisine on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Daily/weekly specials. Breakfast, sandwiches (a Cuban perhaps?), and bountiful plates. How about a frozen tropical shake? Several tables but may have a wait during peak times. The variety plates are the way to go. Pick your meat/seafood and sauce and chose 3 sides: steamy white rice, yellow rice with lentils (counts as 2), creamy red/black beans, and green/sweet plantains. The rice is molded and perfect to dunk into the black beans. Sweet plantains are not overpowering, not too greasy, and have a delicate char. Shredded beef is tender with a thick tomato sauce, peppers, and onions. The haddock is meaty for a white fish, served with a thinner and slightly spicy tomato sauce, peppers, and onions. Garlic or coconut sauce is also available with the haddock. Roasted pork is also available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.