Cultured Palate: Dishes from Cuba

For decades, Americans have been separated from our Cuban neighbors by travel blockades and other governmental restrictions. However, the American government recently loosened the restrictions and rules, and the Cuban government in turn is offering their citizens a chance at exit visas for the first time since 1961. With these newly porous borders, tourists are jumping at the chance to explore a country that’s been closed off for so long.

If you’d like to explore Cuba through its tastes and traditions, now’s the perfect time. In order to facilitate your Cuban culinary exploration, we’ve gathered together some of the best dishes to try.

1. Cubano

The Cubano sandwich is one of the most iconic dishes in Cuban cuisine – but it may not have even been invented in Cuba. This delicious pressed sandwich, which layers Cuban bread with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami, originated in small Florida cafes that catered to Cuban immigrant workers. In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, Cubans often worked in Key West, and it’s believed they brought this sandwich with them. It was a common staple of cigar factory and sugar mill workers, and eventually, the recipe solidified into what we eat today.

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