The Cuban Sandwich: A Cultural Culinary Journey
The Cuban sandwich, or sandwich cubano, is a beloved culinary icon with a rich history deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of cultures that converged in the Caribbean and the United States. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of significant Cuban migration and trade.
Cuban landscape
Charles Dewolf Brownell, Sky – Northern Cuba, 1853–66, Oil on board, MMA 2019.8
Europe to the Americas
SS AURANIA, Cunard Shipping Line. Typical early 1900's passenger steam/sail ship.
A Cuban Classic
The sandwich's roots lie in Cuba, where Spanish immigrants introduced pork and ham to the local culinary scene. Over time, it evolved into a convenient and satisfying meal for workers, incorporating readily available local ingredients. While there's ongoing debate about its exact birthplace—Cuba or the Cuban-American communities in the United States—it undeniably reflects the island nation.
A Taste of Cuba in Florida
Ybor Factory Building, in Tampa, Florida
As Cuban immigrants flocked to Florida, particularly Tampa and Key West, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in the cigar industry, they brought their culinary traditions with them. Tampa's Ybor City, a melting pot of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian cultures, became a hotbed for the Cuban sandwich. It quickly gained popularity as a portable and hearty lunch for cigar factory workers.
The Essential Ingredients
A traditional Cuban sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures, composed of:
- Cuban Bread: A long, crusty loaf, slightly softer and airier than French bread.
- Roast Pork (Lechón): Marinated with citrus and garlic for a tangy and savory flavor.
- Ham: Typically a sweet-cured ham.
- Swiss Cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that complements the other ingredients.
- Pickles: Dill pickles provide a tangy, crunchy contrast.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a touch of tanginess and binds the flavors together.
William Nicholson, The Square Book of Animals: The Learned Pig, 1899
A Mustard Choice
Honey Mustard
Stone Ground Mustard
Spicy Brown Mustard
Dijon Mustard
Cuban Style Mustard
Revolution
The Cuban Revolution (1953–1959), which brought Fidel Castro and his allies to power, not only reshaped Cuba’s political and social landscape but also played a role in spreading Cuban culture abroad.
As political upheaval led to waves of emigration, Cuban exiles carried their traditions with them, including the beloved Cubano sandwich. This culinary staple, with its layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread, became a symbol of cultural resilience. It thrived in Cuban-American enclaves like Miami, serving as a delicious reminder of home for those displaced by the revolution.
Looking for something to drink with your sandwich
