Cuban sandwich
A Cuban sandwich (Spanish: Sándwich cubano) is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West, two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida centered on the cigar industry. Later on, Cuban exiles and expatriates brought it to Miami, where it is also very popular. The sandwich is made with ham, (mojo) roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. Salami is included in Tampa, where there is a large Italian population, but is not usually included in South Florida.
| Alternative names | Cuban mix, Cuban pressed sandwich, Cubano, mixto |
|---|---|
| Type | Sandwich |
| Place of origin | Florida, US |
| Main ingredients | Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard |
| Variations | Salami in Tampa, no salami in South Florida Lettuce, tomatoes, & mayonnaise in Key West |
The Cuban sandwich is at the center of a long-running friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa. As part of that rivalry, the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich" was designated the "signature sandwich of the city of Tampa" by the Tampa City Council in 2012.