Follow Your Nose: Sniffing Out Authentic Cuban Flavors in Miami's Little Havana
Follow Your Nose: Sniffing Out Authentic Cuban Flavors in Miami's Little Havana - The Birthplace of Cuban Sandwiches
No trip to Little Havana is complete without sampling an authentic Cuban sandwich, and there's no better place to find one than at Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop. This unassuming hole-in-the-wall joint is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich in Miami. According to local legend, Enriqueta's original owner - Cuban immigrant Enrique Lastres - invented the sandwich over 80 years ago after arriving in Florida.
Walking into Enriqueta's feels like stepping back in time. The tiny shop is jam-packed with customers waiting eagerly for their piping hot Cubanos. Regulars sip cafecito at the counter while energetic Spanish chatter fills the air. Despite its no-frills appearance, foodies from all over Miami flock here for a taste of nostalgia.
The signature Cubano sandwich features thinly sliced roast pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, all pressed between slices of perfectly crisped Cuban bread. The mingling of sweet, salty and tangy flavors in each bite is simply sublime. Pro tip: ask for extra mojo sauce on the side to really take your Cubano to the next level.
Another must-try is the pan con bistec - tender, garlicky beef steak served open-faced on toasted Cuban bread and dressed with sautéed onions. It's the ultimate comfort food, made even better when paired with a side of rice and beans or tostones.
While you're waiting for your food, don't forget to order a cafecito to sip on. The dark roasted espresso is served sweetened with sugar and hits the spot perfectly. The servings here are generous, so come hungry!
Beyond the food itself, part of what makes dining at Enriqueta's so special is absorbing the quintessential Little Havana atmosphere. Patrons chatter away in Spanish, dominos clatter on tables, Cuban music drifts through the air. For a transportive culinary experience, it doesn't get much more authentic than this.