National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is intended to be a recognition and celebration of the many contributions Latinx, Hispanic, and Latino-identified communities have made to the United States. And locally, it’s a time to learn more about and celebrate those communities in Orlando.
One of the best ways to do that is through food. đ
FIESTA, COMER, SIESTA: Volume uno.
In the mood for Cuban? Mexican? Latin American food? WE GOT YOU. Two things to note before you dive in: the list below is not only affordable but also offers healthy servings. By healthy, we mean generously portioned, so be sure to take your appetite.
đĽ Latin. Dabeniâs Latin Cafe & Bakery in SoDo has an amazing, authentic breakfast spread and La Placita Latina Supermarket in Kissimmee is the spot for the freshest meats and produce. If tasty barbacoa, Cuban banana pudding, and plantains are your jam, then Pig Floyds in Mills 50 gets all of our votes. Though Pulptown readers Chauniqua Major, Mike Synan and Jordan Randall all agree that Latin Square Cuisine brings the heat with its mojo sauce, delicious yucca, and large serving sizes.
đ¨đş Cuban. Our Caribbean neighbors to the south know their way around a kitchen and these eateries are proof. Head to Zazaâs New Cuban Diner for cafe con Leche and their legendary quesitos plus great vegan and vegetarian options. At Numero Uno, order the tamales and picadillo or chicken with rice, assuming you still have room after consuming an unhealthy amount of Cuban bread.
đ¨đ´ Colombian. If youâre in the mood for Colombian, head to Pio Pio Restaurant off I-Drive for the rotisserie chicken and Super Rico Colombian Bistro downtown for one of their rice bowls (p.s. Pro-tip: Friday and Saturday nights they stay open until 3 a.m. and theyâre right across from the fire station on Central Ave.)
đ˛đ˝ Mexican. La Fiesta Mexican Grill in the Hourglass District gets our vote for its Diablo shrimp dish, chimichangas, and their extra tasty, extra-large margaritas. Another classic Mexican favorite of ours is Azteca DâOro on University near UCF because a) their chips and salsa are the best in town and b) their all-you-can-eat-taco Tuesdays. Finally, Hunger Street Tacos for its authentic street-style tacos (read our Four Great Orlando Taco Spots).
đĽ Bucket List Eats. Some places that you raved about but we have yet to try are Cindyâs Cafe, Los Generales, El Palacio Buffet, Cafe Madrid Deli & Bakery, and the Malao Bakery Food Truck. Just tell us when you want to meet there and what we should order.
Best places in Orlando to eat/drink/shop/support during Hispanic Heritage Month: Volume dos.
đĽ For more food and drink, check out: Bad Asâs Sandwiches for crazy spins on a classic, Grounding Roots for the ultimate juice bar experience, Shakers American Cafe for the best breakfast in town (they have the accolades to prove it). Visit Cafe Pinar for Cuban food, the classic Oh Que Bueno for Colombian cuisine, El Cilantrillo Cafe, and Pal Campo for Puerto Rican fare.
đŞđ¸ For local grocers, La Placita Latina Supermarket is great, but local foodie Pete Armenteros recommends Unidos Supermarket and Melao Bakery, both of which have opciones de comida sin fin. Pete added that âif you want to see where the locals go for lunch, head to Sedanoâs Supermarket or Bravo Supermarket.â Lunches are cheap and portions are healthy.
𼍠When shopping online or pop-ups around town, shop Semilla Nativa, known for the worldâs best pesto (or so weâve heard).
đ For artisanal shopping and self-care, support and shop: Nail Alchemy for elaborate nail art, Naked Bar Soap Co. for artisan soaps and essential oils without all the BS, Classic Man Cuts or Mr. Man Barber Shop for hair care, and Tâs Secret for skincare needs.
đ When shopping online businesses and pop-ups, shop Land of Alice for plants and potting, or Bloomwolf Studio for artsy-fartsy paper goods.
How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month year-round: Volume tres.Â
âď¸ For all your caffeinated needs: Several of you shouted out CFS Coffee for the best in Colombian coffee, as well as Sam and George Coffee Co. and Mecatos Bakery & Cafe.
đŁ When it comes to local eats, Pulptown reader Marilyn said Old Cuban Cafe and Papa Llama were her favorite eateries, @herrant said Cilantros, Tamale Co., and Pig Floyds were her go-to’s, and Emily gave a shout to Black Bean Deli.
đ° Tell me something I donât know, Katie. What you might not know is how much our local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HCCMO) has done for the metro Orlando region. Formed in 1993, HCCMO now has more than 1,000 active members and since its inception, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund has provided more than $1.45 million in scholarships to help 317 students pursue a college education. Each year, HCCMO puts together a list of the 25 most influential Hispanics in Central Florida. You can check out the 2018 list here to see if you recognize a few names.
đ For extensive resources on local Latinx, Hispanic, and Latino-owned businesses, I highly recommend checking out Yelpâs Latinx-owned business collection and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
We encourage you to celebrate Hispanic and Latin-owned and operated businesses year-round, not just within National Hispanic Heritage Month. Wanna add to this list? Send us your recommendations to hello@pulp.town.