The Cuban sandwich has become an iconic symbol of the Tampa Bay area for generations. Known for its delicious combinations of flavors and textures, Tampa has claimed it as its own. The true origin of the Cuban is heavily debated though, as both Tampa and Miami both claim they invented it. The truth is, neither of them did, but they did play an important role in transforming the sandwich into what it is today.
Cuba
The origins of the Cuban sandwich can be traced back to neither Tampa nor Miami, but Cuba. While Tampa and Miami significantly influenced the modern day Cuban, it was invented in Havana, Cuba. In Cuba, there is a popular street food called “sandwich mixto”. The sandwich consists of roasted pork, ham, pickles, cheese, and mustard served on Cuban bread. The sandwich mixto served as the foundation for the Cuban sandwiches that developed in Tampa and Miami.
The Sunshine State
Ybor City, Tampa
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ybor City saw a huge influx of immigrants from Cuba. They came to work in the cigar factories and a vibrant Cuban community formed in Ybor City. The Cuban sandwich became popular among working-class residents in Tampa. Since it was so affordable and delicious, it became a favorite meal for many. In its early years, you could buy the sandwich only at street vendors and small cafes in Ybor City. However, as the sandwich’s demand grew, it spread all over Tampa Bay and today the famous sandwich is part of menus for mainstream eateries.
How do we fit into the story? It all started in 1915 when La Segunda opened its first bakery in Ybor city and sold the popular Tampa-styled Cubano. We still sell it to this day at our three locations in the Tampa Bay area. One thing that distinguishes the Tampa-styled Cubano from others is the addition of Genoa salami, likely influenced by the Italian community in Ybor City. We also use palmetto leaves when baking our Cuban bread, maintaining an authentic tradition.
Miami
Miami’s Cuban sandwich was first created when Cuban immigrants came to the U.S to seek refuge during the Cuban Revolution in 1959. As the Cuban population grew and formed communities in Miami, such as Little Havana, the Cuban sandwich rose to popularity. The sandwich is very similar to Tampa’s except that it does not have salami. It also has different variations with added tomato, mayo, onions, and more that was influenced by the Latin American and Caribbean cultures in Miami. Some argue that Miami is the authentic version as it does not have the addition of salami, but who could argue with more tasty flavors?
The Best Cuban Sandwich
We like to argue that La Segunda has the best Cuban, but each version has a unique twist that everyone should try. Come in today to one of our locations to try Tampa’s traditional Cubano and see what all the debate is about.
While the origins of the Cuban sandwich and its influences are still heavily debated, it has become a culinary staple across all of Florida. La Segunda helps spread the deliciousness of Cuban cuisine by selling Cuban bread all over the U.S. You can find La Segunda bread all over Florida, such as the popular Latin restaurant, Mi Apá, in Gainesville, FL. The restaurant serves three main versions of the sandwich: the cubano (Miami inspired), Ybor City Tampa Cuban, and the Key West cuban. Not only is the sandwich a staple in Florida, but La Segunda's distribution of Cuban bread to restaurants and markets throughout the U.S. has contributed to its nationwide popularity.
The Cuban sandwich is an important part of Tampa Bay’s history. Even though it may not have been invented in Tampa, the “Tampa-style” Cuban has become a beloved favorite for many.