El Cochinito

This family-run Cuban spot in Silver Lake was once awarded the best cubano in the world, which is one way to annoy the entire population of Miami-Dade County. And if you’d like to suss out the hype yourself, El Cochinito serves an excellent all-day sandwich menu where things like slow-roasted pork, stewed black beans, and sticky sweet plantains get pressed inside crispy medianoche rolls. Our favorite, though, is that famous cuban sandwich, with thin-cut pickles, a generous amount of yellow mustard, and thick pieces of roasted pork that unleash their garlicky juices the moment you bite in.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Food Rundown

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Pollo Empanizado

The serving size for this fried chicken is huge - definitely enough for two or even three people. It’s prepared a little differently than the usual recipe, opting for a more smashed, thin chicken breast that’s nice and crispy, then hit with a squeeze of lime. Order this with a side of maduros: the slick, caramelized plantains arrive the color of ochre and are the perfect complement to this salt-heavy dish.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Cuban Sandwich

A holy medley of ham, roasted pork, pickles, mustard, swiss cheese, and two slices of firmly pressed bread, our Miami writer says the Cuban sandwich is just as important to Miamians as, “their own social security number or the chorus to Pitbull’s ‘Culo.’”

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Platano Batido

A good accompaniment to your meal or dessert if your sweet tooth never fully grew in. In essence, the platano batido is a banana milkshake (thick, creamy, and rich with potassium), but also pays homage to the original owner’s father, who owned a restaurant in Cuba that still stands today. It only serves two things: banana milk shakes and guava sandwiches.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Ropa Vieja

Cuba’s national dish. The stewed flank steak is shredded super thin - so tender you’d think it was a week-old bruise. It sits in a rich tomato sauce flavored with onions and bell peppers and comes with a side of rice and black beans.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Caramel Flan

If we could frame this flan and hang it up in our house forever, we would. Unfortunately, it’s extremely perishable - but also very delicious. It jiggles like it knows choreography and comes drenched in a sweet, sticky caramel sauce. The custard is so creamy. We love this dish.