Get to know Miami’s favorite–and most controversial–meal.
Cubans have been immigrating to Miami long before the Mariel Boat Lift of 1980 saw more than 100,000 people leave their home country for a new one. They’ve brought their hopes and dreams, along with their culture and cuisine.
No aspect of the Cuban migration to America has been more widely embraced than the Cuban sandwich, a staple at countless sandwich shops and restaurants across the country. Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, pickles, a few spices, and bread. That’s it. So how can something so simple generate so much debate?
To press or not to press? Soft bread or crusty? What about turkey and salami? Cuban sandwich devotees duke it out over these details. The difference of opinion has even sparked a sandwich feud between the cities of Miami and Tampa Bay.
While this article won’t put those hostilities to rest, it will guide you to the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami —according to Miami locals and Cuban sandwich experts—allowing you to decide for yourself which ‘wich is best.