Cubano

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.

SS Mauretania arriving at Havana harbour (1930)

The RMS Mauretania (1906)

The RMS Mauretania (1906), a celebrated Cunard Line ocean liner, visited Havana as part of its service history, particularly during the early 20th century when luxury liners expanded their routes to include the Caribbean. Known for her speed, elegance, and dominance of the Blue Riband, the Mauretania brought an air of sophistication and modernity to Havana's bustling port. Her presence underscored Havana's prominence as a destination for wealthy travelers seeking the vibrant culture, nightlife, and tropical allure of Cuba during its golden age of tourism.

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

CMoA 2010.639

Popularity and Spread

The Cuban sandwich grew in popularity as Cuban communities expanded in the U.S., particularly in Miami. Over time, it became a staple of Cuban-American cuisine and a celebrated dish in Florida. Today, it’s a favorite across the United States and beyond, often customized with regional variations.

Cultural Significance

The Cuban sandwich is more than just a meal; it represents a cultural exchange and the resilience of immigrant communities. Festivals and cook-offs celebrating the Cuban sandwich, such as the annual Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa, highlight its lasting impact on culinary traditions.

Though its exact origin is debated, the Cuban sandwich stands as a testament to the fusion of flavors and histories that define Cuban and Cuban-American identities.

The best mustard for a Cubano sandwich is typically yellow mustard, as it provides a tangy yet mild flavor that complements the other ingredients—ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles—without overpowering them.

Other Mustard Options for Variation:

Dijon Mustard: Adds a slightly spicier, more sophisticated tang for a gourmet twist.
Spicy Brown Mustard: Provides a robust and zesty kick if you prefer bolder flavors.
Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, for those who like a sweeter profile in their sandwiches (though this is less traditional).
Stone-Ground Mustard: Adds a rustic texture and a deeper flavor for those who enjoy the mustard's graininess.

For a traditional Cubano, stick with plain yellow mustard. If you're experimenting, try pairing the mustard with the sandwich's flavors and your taste preferences.

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.

Cuba Libre

Fidel Castro’s view of the Cuba Libre cocktail is not explicitly documented, but its symbolic ties to Cuba's history and U.S. influence likely made it a complicated icon under his regime. The cocktail originated in the early 20th century, during a time when the U.S. had significant economic and political influence over Cuba following the Spanish-American War. Its name, meaning "Free Cuba," was a rallying cry for Cuban independence, but the drink's American components—rum and Coca-Cola—became emblematic of U.S. cultural dominance.

Under Castro's socialist government, which sought to reduce U.S. influence and foster national pride, symbols tied to American imperialism were often criticized or reframed. Coca-Cola in particular, as a product of a major American corporation, would have been viewed with suspicion. However, the Cuba Libre remained popular as a cocktail, with the rum—produced by Cuban distilleries like Havana Club—highlighting Cuba's own contributions to global culture.

The classic Cuba Libre is a simple yet iconic cocktail that blends the flavors of rum, cola, and lime. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 oz (60 ml) light or dark rum
4 oz (120 ml) cola
Juice of 1/2 lime
Lime wedge for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Fill a Glass: Add ice cubes to a highball glass.
Add Rum: Pour the rum over the ice.
Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass.
Top with Cola: Pour in the cola and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish: Add a lime wedge to the rim for garnish.
Serve and Enjoy: Sip and enjoy this refreshing drink that carries a hint of Cuban history in every glass!

Cerdo asado, jamón ahumado, pepinillos y queso con un toque de limón y libertad, entre dos rebanadas

Cubano | Libre

The Cuban Sandwich: A Cultural Culinary Journey

Cuban landscape

Europe to the Americas

SS Mauretania arriving at Havana harbour (1930)

The RMS Mauretania (1906)

A Taste of Cuba in Florida

The Essential Ingredients

Home Made Classic

Popularity and Spread

Cultural Significance

A Mustard Choice

Revolution

Cuba Libre

Looking for something to drink with your sandwich

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Cerdo asado, jamón ahumado, pepinillos y queso con un toque de limón y libertad, entre dos rebanadas

Cubano | Libre

The Cuban Sandwich: A Cultural Culinary Journey

Cuban landscape

Europe to the Americas

SS Mauretania arriving at Havana harbour (1930)

The RMS Mauretania (1906)

A Taste of Cuba in Florida

The Essential Ingredients

Home Made Classic

Popularity and Spread

Cultural Significance

A Mustard Choice

Revolution

Cuba Libre

Looking for something to drink with your sandwich

Ingredients:

Instructions:

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