Get Your Cuban Sandwich Fix in Canada at These 5 Spots
The Cuban Sandwich is one with a surprisingly Floridian history. Walking the streets of Cuba, you are unlikely to find a Cubano in the way we know them today. The sandwich evolved from a Cuban “mixto” – literally translating to Mixed Sandwich – named for the mixed assortment of meat it contained. It wasn’t until a large influx of Cubans began arriving in Florida in the late 1890s that the Cubano’s immigrant story began – Cuban cigar factory workers would often bring a version of this tasty sandwich for lunch.
What are the key components of a Cuban Sandwich as we know them in North America today? It starts with Cuban bread, yeast-risen and enhanced with a bit of fat. It is then layered with mustard, ham, pickles, roast pork, and swiss cheese before being heated on a grill or panini press.
Now that we’ve got you drooling, here are 5 places across Canada where you can find one of these delicious sandwiches for takeout.
These Toronto restaurants serve up classic Cuban comfort food in a family-run fashion led by Chef Corinna Mozo. Their pressed Cubano is notoriously good, filled with ham, pork, gruyere, red onion, cornichon, grainy mustard, and chipotle mayo. Bonus: you can enjoy a Cuban Cerveza, Margarita, or Mojito with your Cubano.
Address: 392 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto ON & 92 Ossington Ave., Toronto ON
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Empire Provisions was born of one couple’s labour of love, providing cheeky “back alley meat deliveries” to a loyal, but small fan base of Calgary restaurants. Their operation grew into the boutique grocery store, café, and catering company it is today. Their Cubano Sandwich stacks shaved ham, citrus marinated pork shoulder, sweet & sour pickles, aged cheddar, and mustard on a ciabatta bun.
Address: 8409 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary AB
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The Armview Restaurant is one of Halifax’s oldest eating establishments, operating on the Northwest Arm since 1951. Visit this Halifax establishment and you’ll feel right at home in their classic, retro diner space but be pleasantly surprised by their fresh and innovative menu. Their Cubano hits all the right notes with orange mojo pork, smoked ham, Swiss, Dijon, garlic mayo & pickle.
Address: 7156 Chebucto Road, Halifax NS
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Marion Street Eatery is a locally owned, no-fuss spot for great comfort food and conversation in the heart of St. Boniface in Winnipeg. Find them in the Marion Hotel. Like everything else on the menu, the Cuban Sandwich is a simple, high-quality menu staple made with eatery smoked pork belly, roasted ham, grainy Dijon, Bothwell white cheddar, and pickles on grilled Tall Grass rye.
Address:393 Marion Street, Winnipeg MB
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Inspired by the colours and culture of old Havana, Havana Vancouver mixes up authentic Latin flavors and Pacific Northwest style, all while using fresh, local ingredients. Their legendary Cubano combines house porchetta, honey ham, swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard on a house-made Cuban bun, pressed.
Address: 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
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