The medianoche sandwich takes us directly to those late-night cravings, icons of Cuban comfort food and Havana’s lively nightlife.
If you want to up your late night snack game while trying flavors and traditions from other cultures, this is the blog (and the sandwich) for you.
Medianoche in Cuban Culture
The medianoche is a beloved staple in Cuban cuisine, cherished by both Cubans and Cuban Americans. Traditionally, it is enjoyed at midnight, hence the name “medianoche”, which means “midnight” in Spanish.
The combination of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, all cooked in a panini press, makes for a truly luxurious comfort food experience. It is, without a doubt, the best and most indulgent of Cuban food.
Today not only occupies a central place in any proper Cuban menu, but it is also a classic throughout the world. The Cuban midnight sandwich opened the pemandangan of comforting dining options for those nights of Netflix and chill.
Medianoche vs Cubano
The medianoche, now a favorite of Cuban American cuisine, it’s the cuz of the famous Cuban sandwich, both originally consumed in the clubs of Havana.
The only difference with the typical Cuban sandwich lies in the style of bread, since both sharing the same ingredients (was too explosive a combination to use just once).
In the case of the midnight sandwich, which is a little smaller than the other one, it is prepared with a brioche, which is a yellow and slightly sweet bread.
On the other hand, the cubano is prepared with the classic Cuban bread. Its texture is crunchier, a bit like a French baguette, but thicker and softer.
The Dancing Mood of the Cuban Midnight Sandwich
The medianoche sandwich, invented in the 1960s, owes its existence to Havana’s lively nightlife. This sandwich was known in the Cuban capital for being the favorite snack for those who went out dancing.
As its name indicates, it was served in the afternoon or late at night in bars and discotheques. Gourmet and hearty, it was the perfect snack to fill the hungriest stomachs after a long night of dancing and partying.