It’s that time of day. You are both hungry – leftovers-for-dinner, woke-up-late-and-no-breakfast hungry – and tired of ordering in the same old takeaway. You already know all the menus, the specials of the day, the weekly meal deals… You turn to your phone, searching for new options, new venues, but nothing quite wins you over. Want to stop your stomach from grumbling? Here are some home-made Cuban alternatives fit for a Miami Food Tour.
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Go Full Cuban
Your lunch hour is your break hour; your “forget-everything-but your-stomach” hour. You can opt for a plate of “arroz con pollo” – rice with chicken – which includes onion, garlic, and beans, and spices like black pepper, oregano, and cumin, all topped with tomato sauce. You can also try “ropa vieja”, or “old clothes” – but don’t go rushing to your wardrobe! This typical Cuban dish consists of a stew of shredded beef with onion, pepper, garlic, tomatoes, and a bit of olive oil and vinegar, accompanied by rice and black beans. Another, similar recipe is “vaca frita” or “fried cow”, which also includes shredded beef, only this time boiled, marinated in garlic, and fried. Not enough meat for you? Then try the “lechón asado” (roast pork), a slow-cooked marinated treat slathered in garlic and citrus, or the “picadillo” (ground beef), sprinkled with chopped vegetables and spices. If fusion is more your style, check out “maduros” (sweet plantains), which are fried and topped with a little olive oil. “Tostones”, meanwhile, offer a double-fried, to-go take on these crispy fried plantains.
The best places to try out these dishes in Miami are Versailles or La Carreta, located in Little Havana, Puerto Sagua in South Beach, or Sergio’s in various locations across town.
The sandwich strategy
If you are an “I-don’t-have-space-on-my-desk”, “have-to-eat-in-a-rush” kind of person, then sandwiches are the right option for you. And the Cuban sandwich is unrivalled in this field.
First off, the Cuban bread may look like a mere baguette, but has a pinch of butter or olive oil that makes all the difference. Then comes a minimum of two slices of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickled cucumber, and yellow mustard.
Where should sandwich-lovers seek out this special treat? If you are near Little Havana, try Sanguich De Miami. Close to Miami Beach? Why not go to Havana 1957 or Las Olas Café. On your way to a meeting and in a hurry? Pull in at Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop.
One for the road
Easy on the mouth and hands, Cuban snacks are tasty and don’t leave a mess. This is especially true of “empanadas”, which can be either fried or baked with a variety of fillings – from spicy meat to cheese and ham or vegetables. The finest specimens in Miami can be found at Half Moon Empanadas, Bunbury, Milly’s Empanada Factory, or The Empanada’s.
Why not give “croquetas” a try too? These unique balls or sticks are fried and filled with ham or chicken and can be found in Doce Provisions and Dos Croquetas, as well as the afore-mentioned Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop and Sergio’s.
Time for dessert
Still need a boost to go back to work? Give “tocino del cielo” a shot – the dessert, literally “bacon from heaven”, is a typical milk-based flan. Speaking of unusual sweets, make sure you try a cake roll known as “Gypsy’s Arm” (“Brazo Gitano”), made on an airy base of eggs and caramelized sugar, with a guava filling and candied fruit topping.
Looking for a neater alternative you can eat on the go? Cuban pastries have got you covered, from capuchinos (made from egg, vanilla, and sugar) to meringues (like a cake topping without a cake underneath; also known as “merenguitos”). Also worth a try are the chocolate-or-vanilla-custard-filled “señoritas”, and “coquitos”, coconut-based cookies. And last but not least, Cuban “pastelitos” are baked pastries filled with every possible flavor, from guava to jam, cream, or coconut.
Where should you go to satisfy this craving? Versailles, Isla Canarias, Las Olas Cafe, Pastelmania Bakery, Karla Cuban Bakery and El Palacio de los Dulces are all worth getting to know if you’re in Miami.
The stay-awake aftermath
Need something to keep you going? Concentrated, thick, sweet Cuban coffee is your go-to option. Here’s what you can find on the menus of Little Havana:
- The “cafecito”: If you are used to espresso machine coffee, the “cafetera” (coffee-maker) equivalent may pleasantly surprise you. Add “espumita” (sugar mixed with coffee) as the cherry on top, and you have your single-serving Cuban “cafecito”.
- The “colada”: this is a great choice for groups of friends hanging out together. Instead of ordering a “cafecito” each, order a “colada” to share! The content is similar, but the “colada” is larger and comes with cups for sharing among friends. Just don’t try and drink it all by yourself!
- The “cortadito”: no scissors or knives involved here – rather, the beverage is “cut” into half coffee and half milk – not as strong as the “cafecito” and not as sweet as its close relative, the “cafe con Leche”.
- The “cafe con Leche”: mix steamed milk, sugar, and Cuban coffee – a great way to start the day or perk up your afternoon.
Which Miami coffee shop to choose from? We recommend checking out Old Havana’s Cuban Bar and Cocina, and La Colada Gourmet in Little Havana, David’s Cafe Cafecito or Cortadito Coffee House in Miami Beach, Tinta y Cafe in Coral Gables, and Amelia 1931 in Kendall.
Try a new and tasty option tailored just for you today. Whether you’re looking for a full-course meal or just a quick bite to go, don’t overlook Cuban food on your lunch break. Make it something to look forward to!