You know the postcards: the beach, the colorful nightlife, the art-deco architecture and the skyline. Miami is famous for its relaxing atmosphere, but there is a lot more to the city. The remarkable Latin culture heritage makes Miami stand out in the culinary world. Do you want to have a bite of the city’s history? Here are some dishes you must look out for:
Fried Pork Chunks
A compulsory stop in any Food Tour Miami, these delicacies are also known as “chicharrones”, a crispy and flavorful dish that includes deep-fried pork belly or pork rinds (some variations go for mutton, beef or chicken). The final result is seasoned with salty species and can be topped with a dipping sauce. While it is often served as an appetizer, its texture makes it stand out. The “chicharrones” are a great example of the Caribbean and Cuban cuisine’s influence on the culinary culture of the city.
Cuban Sandwich
Some claim this sandwich is a Miami cultural icon. Prepared with Cuban bread filled with roasted pork, ham, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard, it is available in every corner of the city and on almost any Miami food tour. Legend goes that it was brought to Florida by Cuban workers in the early 1900s.
Stone Crabs
Stone crabs are a prestigious seafood recipe that is known for not only its taste, but also its texture, for the claw meat is sweet and tender. It is often paired with remoulade, seafood condiments and cocktail sauce, among others. The best time of the year to try this dish is known as “stone crab season”, between October 15th and May 1st.
Arepas
This street food delicacy shows Miami’s Colombian and Venezuelan heritage. Do not let its simplicity fool you: it may consist of a corn-based bread or kernel that can be fried, baked or grilled with different stuffings, but its tasteful combinations linger on. It can be filled with meat, cheese, eggs, tomatoes, beans, shrimp and fish. You may find different sizes and flavours.
Churrasco
“Churrasco” is the Spanish and Portuguese name for steak. The thinly sliced beef or pork meat is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs and then grilled. Juicy and tender, with a smoky flavour, this recipe shows the Latin American heritage in Miami.
Mofongo
If you think you know banana, you have not tried mofongo. This delicacy features fried green plantains that are mashed and combined with garlic, pork rinds (chicharrones) and olive oil. This is an iconic taste of Caribbean culinary influence, but Miami made its own: you can find it served with seafood, such as octopus or shrimp.
Fried Snapper
Another vibrant outtake on seafood, you can find it as a fish sandwich, fish and chips and fried snapper bites. It is known for its crispy exterior with tender fish and it is often served with mango salsa, citrus aioli, or even Cajun.
Alligator Bites
As the name suggests, this dish incorporates alligator tail meat that is cut into little portions and then battered and fried with seasonings, as it may happen with chicken nuggets.
It may sound curious, but also popular, so you may come across it in your Miami food tour. With a high protein and low fat percentage, this unique bite is famous for its firm texture and mild flavour.
Pastelitos
Looking for a sweet treat? These pastries with crispy layers are filled with guava and cream cheese. In Miami, you can also find coconut or pineapple fillings.
Ceviche
Another seafood excerpt, this time to demonstrate the Peruvian influence on the city’s culinary culture. The recipe consists of fresh fish (some include shrimp, octopus, squid and tuna, among others) marinated in juices, like lemon or lime. This marinade makes the fish tender yet cool, ideal for a tasty dish on a hot day. Then, it is served with cilantro, onions and tomatoes. Some also add chilli peppers. It is often served with tostadas. In Miami, you can find it almost anywhere: both in beachside eateries as street food and in prestigious restaurants.
For Dessert: Key Lime Pie
Condensed milk, key lime juice and egg yolks combine to deliver a crunchy yet creamy texture. It is often served with meringue or whipped cream, but in Miami you can find variations with local ingredients (tropical fruits or cream cheese, to name a few).
A mixture of cultures, a mixture of flavours: from seafood to sweet treats, do not leave Miami without trying these iconic dishes.
