A Guide to Find the Best Cuban Food in Tampa
Tampa is sure known for its sunny beaches and theme parks, but this city’s soul lies in Cuban history. If you are to visit Tampa soon (which is a great idea for many reasons btw), we wouldn’t want you to miss on the Cuban food here.
This blog post will guide you to find the best Cuban food in Tampa. Stick to the end to be an expert in finding the best Cuban delicacies in the Sunshine State.
The Cuban Influence of Food in Tampa
Tampa–the birthplace of the legendary Cuban Sandwich, has a Cuban-inspired food scene that dates back to the 1880s. This was when Cuban immigrants began settling in the area, primarily in Ybor City.
Soon after, Ybor City started creating a buzz for Cuban culture and the cigar-making industry. To this day, Tampa is insinuating Cuban culture deep within its food culture’s roots, with Ybor City serving as the epicenter for Cuban cuisine.
Must-Try Cuban Dishes
The Cuban food in Tampa is one of the reasons it attracts tourists; it’s simply spectacular. The blend of Cuban flavors is as interesting as its history. Let’s quickly check the must-try Cuban dishes you need to bite your teeth into.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja steals the crown in the list of best Cuban food in Tampa. This dish’s shredded beef is layered in rich tomato sauce and sprinkled with fresh seasoning. Although Spain birthed Ropa Vieja, Tampa kept its arms open, making it a local and tourist favorite. Tampa cooks this slowly to make the beef tender and juicy until it becomes succulent.
Vaca Frita
If you love crunching in their food, this dish will become your favorite in one bite. The name of this dish translates into ‘fried cow.’ The first step to prepare this delicacy is cooking shredded beef (flank steak in most cases) twice.
Step one is to stew it till it becomes tender, and step two is to fry it until crispy. Vaca Frita is a twist on the Ropa Vieja and is loved as the best food in Tampa for its irresistible mix of textures and flavors.
Arroz con Pollo
Cuban food in Tampa didn’t leave comfort dishes behind, and Arroz con Pollo is a testament to this. Many people call this dish as the Cuban soul food. Arroz con Pollo is a mix of rice, chicken, tomato sauce, and sofrito in a blend of garlic, onions, and bell peppers. This blend is typically the base of many Cuban recipes but hits the best in Arroz con Pollo.
Picadillo
You’ll find variations of Picadillo on menus across the Philippines and Latin America, but where it originated remains a question. Every variation of this aromatic hash is cooked with extreme pride, but the Cuban version in Tampa is both flavorful and a breeze to cook.
The literal English meaning of ‘Picadillo’ is to chop or mince ingredients finely.
While we’re talking about Picadillo as a Cuban food in Tampa, we’re talking about ground meat, tomatoes, olives, capers, and raisins together, often added with crispy potatoes.
This dish goes well with black beans and rice and can also be used as a filling in other dishes, like empanadas. To sum it up, Picadillo is as versatile as the Cuban people.
Cuban Coffee
A coffee better than Cuban coffee hasn’t existed until now. Cuban coffee (Cafecito) is a sweet espresso first beaten with natural brown sugar until creamy foam forms. Once the right consistency is achieved, more espresso is poured. This coffee is made using a Moka pot and is loved by locals and visitors as a tradition.
Flan
A meal of Cuban food in Tampa is only complete with an order of a Flan. This dessert is a custard topped with caramel. To make Flan, milk is condensed and evaporated to make it thick, creamy, and sweeter. This dish originated from Rome, but it was made what it is by the Spanish people. The history and taste of this dish are rich, and nothing else could be a better end to a feast.
Where Will You Find the Best Cuban Food in Tampa?
We bet learning about the Cuban dishes mentioned above has palpated a craving to try them immediately. So here is a list of places where you will love trying Cuban food in Tampa.
A Personal Cuban Restaurant in Your Home
No, don’t scoff just yet. We’re serious. You can turn your home into the best Cuban restaurant with just a tap. How? Hire a personal chef in Tampa through CookinGenie.
CookinGenie is a platform that helps people connect with personal chefs who are experts in cooking various cuisines, and Cuban food is sure one of those.
You can easily hire a Tampa personal chef through CookinGenie’s app or website. A personal chef will arrive on your selected date and time and cook you a meal better than any restaurant in Tampa.
We haven’t disclosed the best part yet. These chefs also shop for the ingredients required to cook the dishes. To give you a ‘better than a restaurant experience,’ they also clean the kitchen like no one lit the stove.
There are no long queues, no reservation hassles, and no going through the whole ‘what should I wear’ fiasco. CookinGenie brings the ultimate dining experience right inside your home.
But if you still wish to go out and try, here’s a list of the best restaurants in Tampa to try some great Cuban food:
- Luv Child– Great spot for lunch and some pictures for the gram. Must-try Tampa foods are Cubano, Big Papi, and Lima.
- The Floridan– Winner of the International Cuban Sandwich Festival for three times.
- Palm Avenue Sandwich Shop—This is where you can try an authentic and flavorful Cuban sandwich. Other great dishes are deviled crabs and Cafe con leche.
- Box of Cubans—People love this place for breakfast or a lunch rendezvous. The menu highlights are the Cuban Sandwich, Mojito Pork Sandwich, and media noche.
- Cuban Foodies is located near the Oldsmar and serves great La Vieja Sandwiches, Vaca Frita, and Rope Vieja.
Treat Your Taste Buds in Tampa
Tampa’s vibrant Cuban food scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and culinary prowess. With this guide, you’re now equipped to navigate the city and discover the most popular food in Tampa. So, as you plan your visit to this sunny city, treat your taste buds to the best Cuban delicacies Tampa has to offer.