The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers

Review
“A fascinating blend of Cuban history, American culinary history, and stories of some of our country’s best chefs carrying on the tradition of this great preparation. Who’d have thought a sandwich was a linchpin in our culture? Well done!”—Michael Ruhlman, author of Grocery: The Buying and Selling of Food in America
“A compelling, readable history that explores themes of exile, diaspora, industry, modernity, and culinary exchange.”—Sara Camp Milam, managing editor, Southern Foodways Alliance
“Traces the complex and often contested history of the Cuban sandwich. Readers will be left craving the Cuban sandwich in its different variants.”—Luis Martínez-Fernández, author of Revolutionary Cuba: A History
A delicious, multilayered tale of a legendary sandwich
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Best of the Bay Awards, “Best Approach to Pressing Matters”
How did the Cuban sandwich become a symbol for a displaced people, win the hearts and bellies of America, and claim a spot on menus around the world? The odyssey of the Cubano begins with its hazy origins in the midnight cafés of Havana, from where it evolved into a dainty high-class hors d’oeuvre and eventually became a hearty street snack devoured by cigar factory workers. In The Cuban Sandwich, three devoted fans—Andrew Huse, Bárbara Cruz, and Jeff Houck—sort through improbable vintage recipes, sift gossip from Florida old-timers, and wade into the fearsome Tampa vs. Miami sandwich debate (is adding salami necessary or heresy?) to reveal the social history behind how this delicacy became a lunch-counter staple in the US and beyond.

The authors also interview artisans who’ve perfected the high arts of creating and combining expertly baked Cuban bread, sweet ham, savory roast pork, perfectly melted Swiss cheese, and tangy, crunchy pickles. Tips and expert insight for making Cuban sandwiches at home will have readers savoring the history behind each perfect bite.

Publication of this work is made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.