National Cuban Sandwich Day
Succulent pork, juicy pickles, tangy mustard, pressed to perfection, all nestled between crispy bread. A sandwich so delicious, it transports you to Havana.
How to Celebrate Cuban Sandwich Day
National Cuban Sandwich Day is focused primarily on the stunning simplicity and tremendous tastes of the wholesome food. Nobody participating in the day really needs to ask “how can I celebrate it?”, because the answer is obvious: eat a Cuban sandwich.
There’s no rules or regulations on when or how the sandwich should be eaten. However, participants that ordinarily enjoy this type of sandwich on a regular basis can take their enjoyment to the next level by investing in better ingredients.
The beauty of a Cuban on a daily basis is that it tastes great even with budget ingredients and a quick assembly. However, premium meats and cheeses combined with a few extra minutes of preparation can truly unlock a new taste sensation.
For the perfect Cuban Sandwich, try:
- 1lb roast pork shoulder (boneless)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1tbsp ground cumin
- 1tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/4tbsp dried red chili flakes
- 1 sliced medium onion
- 1 cup fresh OJ
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 long Cuban bread roll
- 3tbsp Dijon mustard
- 8 thin slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup bread and butter pickles
- 8 thin slices deli ham
- A drizzle of olive oil
Cook this in the dutch oven for optimal results. Vegans, vegetarians, or dairy intolerant participants can look for alternative recipes.
Meanwhile, the celebrations for German, Italian, Cuban, and American history and influences from the 19th century until the modern day can be enjoyed too. Ultimately, National Cuban Sandwich Day is an event that is best enjoyed with friends, family, and new acquaintances.
This could manifest itself by visiting a local public National Cuban Sandwich Day event, simply ordering the sandwich at a restaurant, or hosting a party at home or in the garden. Flags, bunting, face painting, and music from the different cultures associated with the sandwich are all great options.
There is no single right or wrong option, and it can be enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or tea. As long as the sandwich provides delicious tastes and warming comforts, National Cuban Sandwich Day can be considered an enormous success.
Does any sandwich fill the soul with joy quite like a Cuban sandwich? Probably not.
While most people will enjoy the tasty treat on a semi-frequent basis, National Cuban Sandwich Day is the perfect time for hungry participants to show the humble yet heroic creation the love and attention it deserves – and there’s a lot of reasons to love it.
The Cuban sandwich is truly one of those magical foods that can be enjoyed by anyone (dietary needs aside) at anytime.
Whether it’s a budget-friendly lunchtime meal for laborers or an evening treat for a business owner doesn’t matter, there’s never a bad time to enjoy the sandwich. However, there is a best time to appreciate it, and that’s National Cuban Sandwich Day.
Want to know more? Let’s tuck in.
History of National Cuban Sandwich Day
National Cuban Sandwich Day is a day to celebrate the traditional pressed Cuban sandwich and its many variants, which have spread from Tampa, Florida’s Ybor City neighborhood to restaurant menus in all corners of the world.
The Cuban sandwich is a history lesson pressed between two pieces of bread.
Perhaps no other food represents the United States’ history as a melting pot at the turn of the century better than the Cubano, which combines elements from three different immigrant groups that came together, surprisingly, in the deep south. Also, it’s delicious!
A traditional Cuban sandwich consists of ham, mojo pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and dill pickle slices on crispy-but-not-too-chewy Cuban bread, all heated in a press, though National Cuban Sandwich Day celebrates all variations.
Cuban Sandwich Fun Fact
While an early cousin of the Cuban sandwich was born in Cuba proper, the Cuban sandwich as we know it today originated in Tampa, Florida’s cigar-producing neighborhood of Ybor City in the late 1800s (then known as Cigar City, the “cigar capital of the world”) and caught on by the early 1900s.
It was popular among workers in the district’s many cigar factories.
While it’s called a “Cuban” sandwich after the Cuban immigrants who settled in early Ybor City and influenced the sandwich the most, the ingredients are also a nod to the southern Italian bricklayers and the German cigar workers who also immigrated there.
Salami was added via the Italian bricklayers, who found that placing a hot brick on top of the sandwich for a few minutes pressed it flat and made it taste better. Mustard was a condiment and flavor preferred by the Germans.
It also didn’t spoil in the Florida heat. That’s why there’s no mayonnaise on a traditional Cuban sandwich–refrigeration was scarce in tropical Tampa in the early 20th century.
National Cuban Sandwich Day FAQs
What makes Cuban bread unique and essential for the sandwich?
Cuban bread has a distinctive crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.
Bakers in Tampa, like La Segunda Bakery, perfected this style in the early 1900s. The bread is traditionally baked with a palm leaf strip on top, which helps create its signature crust.
Did the Cuban sandwich have any connection to cigar factories?
Yes, Cuban immigrants working in cigar factories in Tampa and Key West popularized the sandwich in the late 19th century.
Its compact size made it an ideal meal during their quick lunch breaks. Workers often shared the sandwiches, making them a communal meal.
What is the longest Cuban sandwich ever made?
The longest Cuban sandwich on record was over 200 feet long, created at Tampa’s Cuban Sandwich Festival.
Volunteers and chefs joined forces to prepare the massive sandwich, using hundreds of pounds of ingredients. This quirky feat celebrated the sandwich’s local heritage in a big way.
Why is mustard always included in a Cuban sandwich?
Mustard was a practical choice when refrigeration was scarce in the early 20th century.
Unlike mayonnaise, it doesn’t spoil easily. Over time, its tangy flavor became a key feature of the sandwich’s taste profile.
Are there vegan or vegetarian versions of the Cuban sandwich?
Yes, modern twists on the Cuban sandwich include vegan or vegetarian alternatives.
Plant-based fillings like jackfruit, marinated tofu, and dairy-free cheese mimic traditional flavors. These creative versions allow more people to enjoy the iconic dish.
Why do some regions leave out salami in the Cuban sandwich?
Miami’s version of the Cuban sandwich skips salami, unlike Tampa’s.
This is because Italian immigrants influenced Tampa’s recipe, while Miami’s version remained closer to Cuban roots. Both variations reflect their city’s cultural history.
Did pirates in Florida inspire the sandwich’s ingredients?
Some legends link the sandwich’s use of cured pork and cheese to pirate provisions.
Cured meats and hard cheese were staples for sailors, as they lasted during long voyages. While not proven, the story adds a fun twist to its history.
How do different countries celebrate Cuban Sandwich Day?
In the U.S., people host cook-offs and make regional versions of the sandwich. In Europe, Cuban ex-pat communities use the day to share their heritage. The holiday is a fun way to unite food lovers worldwide.
Is there a rivalry between Tampa and Miami over the sandwich?
Yes, Tampa and Miami often debate who makes the “real” Cuban sandwich. Tampa’s version includes salami, while Miami’s doesn’t. This friendly rivalry highlights regional pride in their culinary traditions.
Was the Cuban sandwich ever featured in pop culture?
The sandwich gained fame in the film Chef (2014), where it was central to the plot.
The protagonist sold Cuban sandwiches from a food truck, sparking a renewed appreciation for this classic dish. It showcased its universal appeal.
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