Every year, the Cuban Sandwich Festival attracts top chefs, talented home cooks, and food enthusiasts eager to showcase their take on the beloved Cuban sandwich. This iconic dish has a storied history and a loyal following, but who took home the prize for the best Cuban sandwich this year? Let’s dive into the highlights of the competition, the winners, and what made their sandwiches stand out.
What Is a Cuban Sandwich?
Before we get into the details, let’s answer a simple yet important question: What is a Cuban sandwich? A Cuban sandwich, or sandwich cubano, is a traditional pressed sandwich that originated in Cuba and became a staple in Cuban-American communities, especially in Florida. The classic version features layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. The bread is lightly buttered and pressed until warm and crispy, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that has won hearts around the world.
This Year’s Competition Highlights
The Cuban Sandwich Festival’s Best Cuban Sandwich Competition is one of the most anticipated events of the festival. Chefs and vendors from across the region compete for the coveted title, bringing their unique flair to the classic recipe while adhering to its essential components.
This year, the competition was fiercer than ever, with participants from Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and beyond. Each contestant aimed to impress a panel of judges made up of culinary experts, food critics, and even local Cuban celebrities. The criteria for judging included:
- Authenticity: How well the sandwich adhered to traditional Cuban sandwich components.
- Flavor: The balance and richness of ingredients.
- Presentation: The visual appeal of the sandwich.
- Creativity: Unique twists or interpretations that enhanced the dish without straying too far from tradition.
And the Winner Is…
This year’s top prize went to La Tradición Cubana, a family-owned restaurant from Tampa that wowed the judges with their perfectly balanced Cuban sandwich. Their secret? A commitment to tradition paired with high-quality ingredients sourced locally and an authentic preparation process that honors the sandwich’s origins.
Their sandwich featured slow-roasted pork marinated in a family recipe, freshly baked Cuban bread with the perfect crunch, and house-made pickles for a fresh, tangy kick. The judges praised the balance of flavors and the sandwich’s beautifully crisped exterior, declaring it a perfect representation of the Cuban sandwich.
Honorable Mentions
While La Tradición Cubana took the top spot, several other participants received recognition for their exceptional sandwiches:
- Sabor Tropical (Orlando): Known for their creative addition of a spicy mustard aioli that added a unique kick while keeping the sandwich true to its roots.
- Havana Nights Bistro (Miami): Their sandwich featured double layers of pork, providing an extra meaty experience that judges couldn’t get enough of.
- Caribe Café (Ybor City): A fan-favorite vendor that brought a bold twist by using freshly smoked ham in their Cuban sandwich.
The People’s Choice Award
While the judges’ panel chose the official winner, festival attendees had their say too. The People’s Choice Award went to Abuela’s Kitchen, whose sandwich emphasized the homemade touch. From their bread baked in-house to their slow-cooked pork marinated in citrus and garlic, their sandwich resonated with the crowd, proving that nostalgia and tradition are always a winning combination.
What Makes a Winning Cuban Sandwich?
The key to creating the best Cuban sandwich lies in perfecting each component. Here are the essential elements that set a winning sandwich apart:
- The Bread: Authentic Cuban bread with a crispy crust and soft interior is non-negotiable.
- The Pork: Juicy, flavorful roast pork is the star of the sandwich.
- The Ham: Thinly sliced and tender, the ham adds a complementary layer of flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Its mild flavor and creamy texture balance the tangy pickles and mustard.
- Pickles and Mustard: These elements add brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the meats and cheese.
- The Press: Properly pressing the sandwich ensures a crispy crust and a melty, cohesive filling.
Looking Forward to Next Year
With this year’s competition setting the bar so high, food lovers are already anticipating what next year’s Cuban Sandwich Festival will bring. Will another contender rise to the challenge and claim the title? Or will this year’s winners return to defend their crown? One thing is certain: the love for the Cuban sandwich will continue to unite chefs and food enthusiasts in celebrating this iconic dish.
If you’ve ever wondered what is a Cuban sandwich, the festival is the ultimate place to discover not only its history and flavors but also the passion and skill that goes into perfecting it. Don’t miss your chance to taste the best and see who takes home the top prize next year!