Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa have a savory filling with a rich history dating back to the immigrants working in the cigar factories of Tampa.
You can't come to Tampa without seeing the famous sandwiches on the menu of the most popular restaurants. I heard the story of the real Cuban Sandwich by a native of downtown Tampa. He started by telling me about the tens of thousands of Cuban, Spanish, German, Jewish, and Italian immigrants working alongside the cigar factories of Ybor City.
At the time, it was considered, the cigar capital of the world in the 1900's. Many came to work so they hand-rolled cigars at the factories. He mentioned to me that each ingredient represented each culture rolled into one sandwich. It was made to be 11 inches long to fit in the canteen lunch box.
Now, there are different origins of the Cuban sandwich that are thought but this one made the most sense to me. Not to mention, yellow mustard was such a German food back then and Genoa salami was definitely from Italy. Let's not forget that roasted pork is a Spanish favorite and how about the pan Cubano, which is so unique to the Cuban cuisine. The Jewish deli dill pickle makes it inside the sandwich for the final touch.
I loved this story and thought I would share it with you. Now let me tell you where to go if you visit Tampa Florida or if you just want to make it at home for a little taste of Florida's most famous sandwich.
Here are some places in Tampa where you can enjoy a traditional Cuban sandwich at a Cuban sandwich shop.
- Columbia Restaurant: Located in the historic Ybor City district, nothing give you more of a authentic cuban experience then the Columbia Restaurant is one of Tampa's oldest restaurant and most iconic eateries. They serve a classic Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between Cuban bread.
- La Segunda Central Bakery: This historic La Segunda bakery in Ybor City has been serving the best Cuban bread since 1915. They also make fantastic Cuban sandwiches using their freshly baked bread and high-quality ingredients not to mention Cuban empanada.
- West Tampa Sandwich Shop: A local favorite for authentic Cuban sandwiches, West Tampa Sandwich Shop offers a no-frills dining experience with delicious food. Their Cuban sandwich is simple yet packed with flavor.
- Brocato's Sandwich Shop: Another beloved spot in Tampa, Brocato's Sandwich Shop has been serving delicious Cuban sandwiches since 1948. Their version features tender roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread.
- La Teresita: This family-owned restaurant has been a Tampa institution since 1972, serving Cuban cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Their Cuban sandwich is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- The Floridian: a cozy café located in downtown Tampa, The Floridian is known for its variety of sandwiches on classic dishes. Their Cuban sandwich puts a modern spin on the traditional recipe and serves the best breakfast sandwiches.
- Flan Factory: A hidden gem owned by first-generation Tampeño, they make Cuban food to wake up your taste buds.But wait, they were also voted as the #1 Cuban Sandwich!
Now, if you're not in Tampa area and want to enjoy this classic midnight Cuban, which means it's served hot, here is a traditional recipe for making Cuban sandwiches at home.
Key Ingredient
- 1 Cuban loaves (or substitutes with French or Italian bread)
- ½ pound slow-roasted pork, thinly sliced
- ½ pound ham, thinly sliced
- ¼ pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
- Yellow mustard
- Butter or olive oil for grilling
How to Make Cuban Sandwich
- Prepare the Bread:
- If using fresh cuban bread, slice it lengthwise and lightly toast both halves on a griddle or in a pan. If using French or Italian bread, cut it into sandwich-sized portions and slice each piece in half horizontally.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of mustard on the bottom half of each slices of bread.
- Layer the sliced roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on top of the mustard.
- Press the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or a panini press over medium heat.
- Lightly butter the outside of the sandwiches or brush them with olive oil.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet or panini press. If using a skillet, you can press them down with a heavy pan or a spatula.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Once the sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat.
- Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve them hot.
- Optionally, you can serve them with additional pickles or mustard on the side.
Ybor Cuban Sandwich Festival
So if a sandwich is this popular, a festival is only fitting to honor the Tampa Cuban sandwich. This year the 13th Annual FORD Cuban Sandwich Festival was May 26th, 2024, at Centennial Park in the historic Ybor City.
A list of the best Cuban sandwiches are posted every year and we can vote on the best Cubans before the festival. It is a celebration of Cuban food with live music to enjoy while walking around with the aroma of mojo-marinated roast pork in the air!
More Latin Food to Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed our journey today with homemade Cuban sandwiches, packed with layers of delicious flavors and textures. Until next time my beautiful friends as my quest for the perfect bite continues. As they say in Cuba, "buen provecho" aka “May you benefit from this meal!
Cuban Sandwiches In Tampa
Ingredients
- 1 Cuban loaves or substitutes with French or Italian bread
- ½ pound slow-roasted pork thinly sliced
- ½ pound ham thinly sliced
- ¼ pound Swiss cheese thinly sliced
- 4 Dill pickles thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Butter or olive oil for grilling
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- If using fresh cuban bread, slice it lengthwise and lightly toast both halves on a griddle or in a pan. If using French or Italian bread, cut it into sandwich-sized portions and slice each piece in half horizontally.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread a generous amount of mustard on the bottom half of each slices of bread.
- Layer the sliced roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on top of the mustard.
Press the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or a panini press over medium heat.
- Lightly butter the outside of the sandwiches or brush them with olive oil.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet or panini press. If using a skillet, you can press them down with a heavy pan or a spatula.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
Serve
- Once the sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat.
- Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve them hot.
- Optionally, you can serve them with additional pickles or mustard on the side.
Lisa says
Love this sandwich
Lizzy says
Thank you, xoxo Lizzy