The Cuban Sandwich

A History in Layers

By: Andrew T. Huse, Barbara C. Cruz, Jeff Houck

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

A delicious, multilayered tale of a legendary sandwich

Florida Book Awards, Gold Medal for Cooking

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 cafes 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 listeners savoring the history behind each perfect bite.

©2022 Andrew T. Huse, Barbara C. Cruz, and Jeff Houck (P)2023 Tantor

Excellent history of cuisine and culture

This is a must read/listen for anyone who considers themselves a Cuban Sandwich aficionado or loves food history and culture, especially Latin American.

connecting the dots

I really enjoyed this book. What stood out most was how it connects the different cultures and time periods that shaped the Cuban sandwich, showing how history, migration, and food all come together. The details about the ingredients; Cuban bread, marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard and the pressing process made the story feel both historical and delicious. It’s a great listen that blends culture, history, and food in a way that made me appreciate the sandwich on a whole new level.