A Foodie's Guide to Latin American Cuisine in Miami
Miami cuisine is rooted in Cuban culture since many Cuban immigrants have taken roots in this South Florida city since the 1920s. At that time, Little Havana was just emerging but it has become the base for some of Miami's best cuisines today.
Sample some of the gastronomic delights in Miami with this guide below:
1) Versailles
In the middle of Little Havana on Calle Ocho lies a Miami Cuban restaurant called Versailles. This establishment has been around since the 1970s and it is considered as an iconic site in Miami.
Versailles serves the best cortado, otherwise known as Cuban coffee. If the restaurant is full, you can just visit the takeout window for a cup of the excellent drink.
2) Lokal
If you're hankering for burgers, Lokal is a favorite hang-out for both residents and visitors. The burgers are made from grass-fed beef, which has been grinded by hand daily. The burger's price is a bit expensive but its taste, flavor and quality stands out against other regular burgers.
3) El Rey de las Fritas
Miami also has a Cuban-inspired burger called the frita. Its beef is usually seasoned with cumin and paprika. The sandwich also comes with thinly sliced and crunchy fried potatoes packed inside the buns along with the patty, cheese, onions and eggs.
Fritas are best eaten with Batido de Trigo, which is similar to milkshakes. The most popular frita in Miami is at El Rey de Las Fritas in Little Havana or Bird Rd. or at the Hialeah.
4) The Vagabond Restaurant
For those with fancier tastes, you'll love the Vagabond Restaurant & Bar, which features a fusion of Latin American and Asian dishes created by Chef Alex Chang. "South Florida has such a diverse mix of fresh ingredients with everything from key limes to fresh black grouper available at my disposal," Chang said during the re-opening of the site in 2015.
The Vagabond can accommodate 120 guests and, with such a spacious area, it's also an art gallery that showcases different works from local artists.
5) El Palacio de Los Jugos
If you like eating alfresco, then you'll enjoy El Palacio de Los Jugos on Flager St. It's a family place, so there are always people for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Among the favorites from the menu include the lechon asado or pollo asado. If you're not that hungry for a full meal, the place also has a sandwich counter for light snacks.
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