A Flavorful Day at the 13th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa, Florida

We went to the 13th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Since we love sandwiches, we decided to go for the first time. Plus, Tampa was ready for this food party as temperatures hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit in our warm climate. The Cuban Sandwich Festival, while honoring one of the city's favorite foods, also rekindles the friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Tampa, this festival is a must. Here, you can choose if you like salami in your Cuban sandwich.

Held each year at Centennial Park in Ybor City, the festival is now in its 13th year. The event takes place in one of Tampa's most lively and historic areas. Ybor City is famous for its shops and vintage stores on 7th Avenue. Also, this vibrant neighborhood, known for its rich culture and lively vibe, is the perfect setting for the festival. With its charming streets, unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, Ybor City offers a glimpse into the past while enjoying the present fun. As a result, its warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for the Cuban Sandwich Festival.

Centennial Park in Ybor City

The Cuban Sandwich Contest

The festival's highlight was without a doubt the Cuban Sandwich contest. Local and international chefs vied to create the best Cuban sandwich.

Cozy Coffee Cafe clinched 1st place for the Tampa Historic Cuban Sandwich. It's their fifth consecutive win, proving their perfected recipe. With a shop in Temple Terrace, dining there soon is a must—stay tuned for our experience.

Kim’s Cuban Sandwich Shop in Seffner snagged 1st place in the Popular Cuban Sandwich category. As I have tasted their Cuban sandwich before I can attest to its fantastic nature, I enjoy their well-dressed version. 

Deviled Pig secured 1st place for the Traditional Cuban Sandwich. Deviled Pig takes pride in using Cuban bread from La Segunda in their sandwiches. 

Pan, journeying from Japan, earned 1st place for the Non-Traditional Cuban Sandwich.

This contest is an exciting event for food lovers seeking things to do in Tampa, Florida. It's also quite tasty!

Lines form to taste and enjoy the different flavors of the Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban Sandwich: A Cultural Icon

The Cuban sandwich, also known as a “Cubano,” weaves its way into Tampa's history. At the soul of the sandwich is Cuban bread. La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City describes their Authentic Cuban Bread as “ Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, our century-old authentic Cuban bread consists of high-gluten spring wheat flour created specifically for our bakery. It also contains a shortening with zero trans fat.” La Segunda Bakery has been baking authentic Cuban bread since 1915. In spite of whatever obstacle may prevent you from visiting Tampa, you can check out their offerings on Gold Belly www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/la-segunda-bakery. Additionally, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, salami, and mustard compose a Cuban sandwich. 

The sandwich has origins that can be traced back to the late 1800s to early 1900s. Immigrants who worked in Tampa's cigar factories helped create it. The sandwich blends Cuban, Spanish, and Italian ingredients. Often seen as the birthplace of this tasty treat, Ybor City is Tampa's historic Latin Quarter.  By the way, cigar bars are very common to this day in this historic area.

For those interested in the history of the Cuban sandwich, "The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers" by Andrew T. Huse, Dr. Barbara Cruz, and Jeff Houck dives into this subject. Here’s a link to their website: The Cuban Sandwich Book. History buffs will find learning the origins of the Cuban sandwich fascinating. Discovering history is another fun thing to do in Tampa, Florida.

Chickens are a beloved staple of Ybor City

Beyond the Cuban Sandwich

But it’s not just about Cuban sandwiches! In this case, the festival offers a variety of food. Vendors serve a range of Latin American and Caribbean fare. Guests enjoyed tacos, kabobs, paella, and more. From Cuban coffee to piña coladas everything to keep you hydrated under the sun. Exploring diverse meals is one of the delicious things to do in Tampa, Florida.

Music, Dance, and Art

For the dancers, the festival also featured live music. This year with concerts from Orquesta Infinidad, Elevation Band, and Revelacion Salsera. Additionally, the main stage featured salsa dance lessons. Enjoying live music and dance lessons is one of the fun things to do in Tampa, Florida. I highly recommend it if you love cultural experiences.

Local artists also sold their creations. It added an artistic touch to the festival. Handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and more were available. They often reflected the vibrant culture of Tampa. Summing up, shopping for unique items is one of the artistic things to do in Tampa, Florida.

More Than Just a Food Festival

The Cuban Sandwich Festival is more than just a food festival. It is a celebration of Tampa's diverse cultural heritage. It brings together people from different backgrounds. United to celebrate a shared love for the Cuban sandwich. It also carries a rich history and promotes local businesses. Chefs and food enthusiasts to showcase their talents and creativity. Engaging in this cultural celebration is one of the enriching things to do in Tampa, Florida.

A chef and cuban sandwich artist cooking up delicious food

Our Tasty Adventures

I love sampling all things food. Life is too short not to try everything. Tyler on the other hand would be happy with one sandwich. Today we tried a Cuban sandwich from Station House BBQ. The sandwich press melted the cheese which proved a tasty surprise. We also had a snack-size Cubano from The Cracked Pepper Cafe. They offered both the traditional version of the sandwich as well as one with lettuce and tomato. I can’t say there’s been a sandwich we didn’t like. Sampling different Cuban sandwiches is one of the must-do things to do in Tampa, Florida.

A Community Celebration

Moreover, it was great to see such a lively event in the community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year. It boosts business for local restaurants and shops. It provides a venue for small businesses and food vendors to gain exposure and customers. We will be back next year. Participating in such a lively community event is a fun thing to do in Tampa, Florida.

In conclusion, the Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa was a joyous and flavorful celebration. The festival honors the city's culinary traditions and cultural diversity. It is a great event for anyone who loves food, music, and a good time. If you’re looking for things to do in Tampa, Florida, this festival is a must. The Cuban Sandwich Festival does have a website. You can preview previous years' festivities at the Cuban Sandwich Festival. (www.cubansandwichfestival.com/). See you next year!

Some of the many delicious sandwiches we got to eat

Upcoming Cuban Sandwich Things To Do

If you're seeking an exciting blend of science, culture, and culinary delights, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28th, 2024. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa Bay is hosting an event that promises to tantalize taste buds and ignite curiosity—the Science of the Cuban Sandwich Event.

Nestled at 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617, United States, at the picturesque Terrace Park, this event is set to run from 6 to 9 pm. And trust us, you won't want to miss it—especially since this event is geared toward the 18+ crowd.

Tickets for this highly anticipated event are priced at $30 and can be purchased online at mosi.org/event/socs/. With your ticket in hand, you'll embark on a culinary journey like no other, exploring the fascinating science behind one of Tampa's most iconic dishes—the Cuban sandwich.

So, whether you're a food enthusiast, a science buff, or simply someone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, join us at MOSI on September 28th for an evening of exploration, discovery, and, of course, deliciousness. We can't wait to see you there!

The Museum of Science and Industry
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 from 6 - 9pm
4801 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33617
United States

Tickets $30 can be purchased at https://mosi.org/event/socs/