Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Miami’s Little Havana, Sanguich is a humble yet unmistakable beacon of Cuban culture, where the rhythmic pulse of salsa fills the air and the scent of freshly pressed Cuban bread lures you in. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by the pastel colors of the exterior, a charming homage to the nostalgic cafes you’d find in Havana. Sanguich felt alive—pulsating with energy and the warmth of a community that had gathered here for good food and conversation.
History and Tradition of Sanguich de Miami
Sanguich de Miami is more than just a sandwich shop—it’s a celebration of Cuban tradition and craftsmanship, blending old-world flavors with modern techniques. The restaurant was founded by husband-and-wife duo Daniel Figueredo and Rosa Romero, who sought to honor their Cuban roots while offering a fresh take on the iconic Cuban sandwich. Every ingredient at Sanguich is carefully crafted, from the house-cured ham to the freshly baked bread made daily in-house. This attention to detail isn’t just about taste—it’s about preserving the history and essence of Cuban food culture.
The recipes reflect generational knowledge, combining the flavors of lechon, croquettes, and pickles with the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory elements. Sanguich’s sandwiches are not merely meals; they are edible time capsules that take you back to Havana, with every bite echoing stories of family, heritage, and tradition.
In Little Havana, Sanguich holds a special place for locals and travelers alike. It’s a spot where nostalgia meets innovation, with each sandwich telling a story of resilience, passion, and the Cuban spirit. The restaurant’s mission goes beyond serving delicious food—they aim to connect visitors to the heart and soul of Cuba.
Why Sanguich de Miami is a Must-Try
I came in craving authenticity, and Sanguich delivered in every sense. First up was the Media Noche, a sandwich that could easily be mistaken for a work of art. Served on sweet, golden egg bread, it was stuffed with a decadent blend of city ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Each bite was a burst of contrasts—the tender, slightly sweet bread balanced perfectly with the savory ham and the juicy, slow-cooked lechon. The Swiss cheese melted into the sandwich, creating a creamy texture that complimented the tanginess of the mustard and the crunch of the pickles. It was a symphony of flavors in my mouth, like the city of Havana itself—vibrant, complex, and unapologetically Cuban.
Then came the Croqueta Preparada, a sandwich that somehow managed to outdo the already spectacular Media Noche. Imagine biting into perfectly crisp croquettes, their fried exterior giving way to a creamy, flavorful interior. Combined with city ham, more lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on traditional Cuban bread, it was a sandwich that showcased the ingenuity of Cuban cuisine. The croquettes added an extra layer of richness and texture, contrasting with the light crispness of the bread. The sandwich was both indulgent and comforting, a dish that felt like a warm hug from an abuela.
Make Your Own Croqueta Preparada at Home
After tasting the incredible Croqueta Preparada at Sanguich, I couldn’t resist the urge to try my hand at recreating this masterpiece in my own kitchen. The combination of city ham, lechon, crispy croquettes, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread is deceptively simple yet deeply satisfying. Here’s how you can bring a little slice of Little Havana into your home with this homemade recipe.
Classic Cuban Sandwich
Dive into the flavors of the iconic Cuban Sandwich, inspired by the 2014 movie ‘Chef’! This recipe, crafted by culinary maestro Roy Choi, brings together succulent Mojo Marinated Pork, savory ham, tangy pickles, and melted Swiss cheese, all pressed to perfection. Whether you have a panini press or just a skillet, this sandwich promises a crispy, golden exterior with a melty, flavorful inside. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, and it freezes beautifully for future cravings!
4
sandwiches10
minutes15
minutes450
kcal1
minute26
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches
4 thin slices of baked ham
8 large slices of Mojo Marinated Pork
2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
4 thin slices of Swiss cheese
4 dill pickles, thinly sliced
Alternative Ingredients
Ham Turkey slices or chicken breast for a lighter option.
Mojo Marinated Pork Deli pork slices if homemade is unavailable.
Swiss Cheese Provolone or mozzarella as substitutes.
White Baguette Whole wheat baguette for a healthier twist.
Dill Pickles Bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor.
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ham: Turkey slices or chicken breast for a lighter option.
Mojo Marinated Pork: Deli pork slices if homemade is unavailable.
Swiss Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella as substitutes.
White Baguette: Whole wheat baguette for a healthier twist.
Dill Pickles: Bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor.
Directions
- Prepare Meat: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook ham and pork slices until slightly browned on each side (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate.
- Toast Baguettes: Brush the cut sides of the baguettes with melted butter. Place them in the pan, cut side down, and toast until lightly browned (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On the bottom half of each baguette, layer pork slices first, followed by ham slices, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Spread mustard on the cut side of the top halves of the baguettes and place them on top of the sandwiches.
- Press and Cook: Butter the outside of both the top and bottom of each sandwich. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cover with a sheet of baking paper. Weigh down with a heavy skillet or pot to compress the sandwiches. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute before cutting in half. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 3mg
What sets Sanguich apart is not just the food but the care and craftsmanship that go into every sandwich. Everything is made in-house—from the bread to the slow-roasted meats—and it shows in every bite. The staff is welcoming and attentive, and even as the line grows longer, there’s a sense of calmness that lingers in the air. You’re not just eating at Sanguich; you’re experiencing a piece of Cuban history.
Leaving Sanguich, I couldn’t help but feel like I had just taken a mini-vacation to Havana without ever leaving Miami. It’s a place that understands the power of simple, well-made food—and the joy it can bring to anyone who steps through its doors. Sanguich is a love letter to Cuban cuisine, written in every press of their sandwiches, and I, for one, am already planning my next visit.
