Must-try Dishes
Grits and Eggs - Creamy corn grits topped with eggs, often served with cheese and scallions. Locals enjoy this hearty breakfast at diners or cafes, especially on lazy Sunday mornings.
Arepas - Stuffed Corn Cakes - Thick corn cakes filled with various ingredients like cheese, eggs, or meats, grilled to perfection. They’re often found at street vendors, making for a quick yet satisfying lunch on the go.
Pernil - Roast Pork Shoulder - Slow-roasted marinated pork, incredibly tender, often served with rice and beans. Families gather for this dish at dinner, especially during holidays, where it becomes the centerpiece of celebrations.
Churrasco - Grilled Skirt Steak - Flavorful and juicy skirt steak marinated with local spices, grilled and often served with chimichurri. It’s a common choice at local steakhouses, favored for informal dinners with friends.
Ropa Vieja - Shredded Beef Stew - Tender, shredded beef cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, typically accompanied by rice and plantains. It's a beloved local specialty, often enjoyed on Saturdays for a cozy family meal.
Fish Tacos - Tacos de Pescado - Grilled or fried fish with fresh cabbage, salsa, and creamy sauce in a soft tortilla. A popular street food option found at food trucks, these are best enjoyed during warm evenings at outdoor markets.
Vegetarian Curry - Curry Vegetariano - A vibrant mix of local vegetables simmered in coconut milk and spices, served over rice. Locals often savor this dish during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant and flavorful.
Conch Fritters - Buñuelos de Concha - Crispy fritters made with conch meat, seasoned and fried until golden brown. These are a favorite at beachside shacks, best enjoyed as a snack while watching the waves.
Desserts & Drinks
Café con Leche - (Coffee with milk) - A warm, creamy blend of strong Cuban coffee and scalded milk, making for a rich morning drink. Often enjoyed in local cafes during breakfast hours, it's a go-to for many Orlandians to kickstart their day (just don’t forget to say “con leche” to get what you want!).
Guava Juice - Jugo de Guayaba (tropical fruit juice) - A refreshing blend of smooth guava puree diluted with water and a touch of sugar, served ice-cold. This drink is a favorite on hot afternoons, especially at local juice stands, where you might spot it drizzled with a sprinkle of lime for that extra zing.
Florida Mule - (cocktail) - A zesty cocktail combining Florida vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of orange juice served in a chilled copper mug. Locals enjoy this drink during evening outings, making it perfect for happy hour (just be careful not to mix it up with the classic Moscow Mule!).
Pastelito de Guayaba - (guava pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with sweet guava paste and cream cheese, served warm with a light golden exterior. A popular snack or dessert, these are often sold at local bakeries and are especially favored during festive occasions (not to mention, they pair beautifully with that café con leche!).
Raspas - (shaved ice dessert) - Fluffy shaved ice topped with vibrant flavored syrups, often bursting with tropical fruit flavors. Commonly found at local fairs and hot summer beach days, this treat is great to share among friends (though you may want to order it plain; too many flavors can be overwhelming!).
