Cuban food is incredibly delicious. There's no greater sandwich that a Cuban made just right. If you want flavor, freshness, and hunger satisfaction, then the Cuban Sandwich is for you.
The air on Buford Highway is thick with the scent of spices and sizzling meat, a fragrant beacon leading straight to a squat, yellow building with hand-painted palm trees: the Havana Sandwich Shop. Step inside, and you're not just in a restaurant; you're in a cherished piece of Atlanta history, a family-owned institution that has been serving authentic Cuban food since 1976. The longevity is no accident; it's the result of warm hospitality and a devotion to flavor that makes every visitor feel like a local.
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The atmosphere inside is always buzzing: a cheerful, no-frills setting where the food is the star of the show. Walls are covered in press clippings celebrating the shop's awards and decades-long story, including its rebuilding after a devastating fire in 2008—a true testament to the family's resilience and their loyal customers' support. You find yourself in a casual line, maybe admiring the cute pig figurines scattered around, as you wait to place your order with the friendly staff.
Then, the moment arrives: your number is called, and you take your first bite of their legendary Cubano. The Cuban bread is a marvel—flaky and crisp on the outside, yet soft and airy inside, perfectly pressed to a golden brown. It holds a generous, succulent filling of roast pork and sliced ham, glued together by perfectly melted Swiss cheese. The sharp tang of dill pickles and a smear of yellow mustard cut through the richness, creating a flawless balance of textures and tastes. It's a sandwich that's hearty enough to conquer any hunger, delivering freshness and satisfaction with every bite.
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Cuban Sandwich Recipe:
You don't need a trip to Atlanta to enjoy this delicious Cuban classic. With this recipe, you can recreate the flavors of the Havana Sandwich Shop right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 loaf Cuban bread or a crusty Italian or French bread, cut into 7-inch sections. (Note: Havana Sandwich Shop bakes and sells its own Cuban Bread.)
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/2 pound thinly sliced roast pork (mojo-marinated pork is traditional and recommended)
1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
1/4 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Dill pickle slices, to taste
Softened butter or olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the bread: Slice the bread sections in half lengthwise. Spread a thin, even layer of yellow mustard on the cut side of the top half of each roll.
Layer the fillings: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the ingredients in this order: Swiss cheese, roast pork, ham, and dill pickles. You can add another slice of cheese on top to help hold the layers together as it melts.
Press and grill: Join the halves to form the sandwich. Lightly butter the outside of the sandwich, then place it on a pre-heated panini press, grill pan, or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Flatten the sandwich: Place a heavy object, such as another cast-iron skillet or a foil-wrapped brick, on top of the sandwich and press down firmly.
Toast to perfection: Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is compressed to about a third of its original height and is golden and crispy.
Slice and serve: Carefully remove the sandwich, slice it in half diagonally, and serve immediately while it's still hot and crunchy.
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