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A Gourmet Keto Take on the Iconic Cuban Sandwich—All Season, All Flavor

Updated: Mar 24

Timeless, indulgent, and now 100% keto-friendly. Chef Janine is bringing back a fan-favorite—the Miami style Cuban Sandwich, reimagined for the ketogenic lifestyle. This all-season specialty delivers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors while keeping carbs in check, making it an excellent choice any time of year.


This gourmet masterpiece is built on layers of hormone- and antibiotic-free Black Forest ham, creamy mozzarella, authentic Swiss cheese, crisp deli pickles, and tangy Dijon mustard—all stacked between slices of Chef Janine’s house-baked, keto-friendly Cuban bread with poppy seeds. Chef Janine rounds out her Cuban Sandwich with a bright and zesty Cuban-style slaw on the side.


Ketogenic Excellence with Every Bite


Each serving of the Cuban sandwich delivers a perfect balance of nutrition. Packed with healthy fats, it provides sustained energy while keeping the body in ketosis. With low net carbs, it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, allowing for guilt-free indulgence without the risk of spikes or crashes. The high-quality protein supports muscle recovery and promotes lasting satiety, making it a satisfying meal at any time of day. Best of all, it contains no added sugars, ensuring a clean, wholesome experience without unnecessary ingredients.


What makes Chef Janine's Cuban sandwich truly keto-friendly? It starts with the bread. Handcrafted in-house with premium low-carb ingredients, it delivers the signature crust and chew of a traditional Cuban roll—without the blood sugar spike. This sandwich is grain-free, gluten-free, and low in net carbs, making it a satisfying choice for keto enthusiasts.


A Tribute to Heritage & Popularity


The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, is more than just a ham and cheese sandwich—it’s a symbol of cultural fusion, resilience, and tradition. A dish born from the blending of Spanish, Cuban, and American influences, its story spans from the streets of Havana to the bustling cafés of Florida.




Columbia Restaurant; Tampa, Florida
Columbia Restaurant; Tampa, Florida

The Cuban Origins

The roots of the Cuban sandwich date back to 19th-century Cuba, where laborers enjoyed a simple yet satisfying meal of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed between crispy Cuban bread. This sandwich was quick to prepare, portable, and hearty—ideal for workers in the sugar mills and cigar factories of Havana.


The Florida Connection

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, as Cuban workers immigrated to Florida—particularly to Tampa and Miami—they brought their beloved sandwich with them.


It quickly became a staple in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, home to a thriving Cuban and Spanish community, and later gained immense popularity in Miami’s Little Havana.


Each city added its own twist:

  • Tampa’s Cuban sandwich includes Genoa salami, a nod to the large Italian immigrant community in Ybor City.

  • Miami’s version keeps it simple with just ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard—omitting the salami for a more traditional take.


By 2012, the city of Tampa officially declared the Cuban sandwich its signature dish, solidifying its status as a Florida icon.



A Timeless Favorite, Now Keto-Friendly


The Cuban sandwich remains a beloved all-season specialty, enjoyed across the U.S. and beyond. With Chef Janine’s keto reimagining, this classic dish can now be savored by those following a low-carb lifestyle, maintaining its bold flavors and rich heritage without the guilt.

From its Havana roots to its Florida fame, the Cuban sandwich is a true testament to culinary evolution, proving that great food transcends borders, diets, and generations.



The Perfect Pairing


For the ultimate ketogenic indulgence, enjoy your gourmet Cubano with an ice-cold, low-carb beer or a refreshing keto-friendly cocktail. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, this flavor-packed, all-season classic proves that eating keto doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.



Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.


Bon Appétit!

Chef Janine

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