The Most Popular Food in Miami, Florida, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:38
Miami, Florida, is known for its rich culinary diversity, offering an array of flavors that reflect its vibrant cultural mix. Locals and visitors alike often find themselves overwhelmed by the number of choices available, making it difficult to decide where to dine. A ranked list of popular foods in the area can be incredibly helpful, guiding both new and experienced food enthusiasts to the must-try dishes.
By participating in voting for their favorite dishes, users contribute to a crowd-sourced guide that highlights the top food in the city. This dynamic rating reflects real-time preferences and helps others make informed decisions about where to eat. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, this list is your gateway to experiencing the best culinary offerings of Miami.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Miami, Florida?
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156votesA classic sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. It is a staple in Miami's Cuban culture.The Cuban Sandwich is a delicious and iconic sandwich that originated in Florida, particularly in the city of Tampa. It is a fusion of Cuban and American cuisines, reflecting the historical influence of Cuban immigrants in the state. This sandwich is known for its generous fillings and unique combination of flavors.
- Bread: Traditionally made with Cuban bread, which is a crusty bread with a soft interior.
- Meat: Typically includes roasted pork, ham, and occasionally, Genoa salami.
- Cheese: Usually swiss cheese is used to add a creamy and tangy element to the sandwich.
- Pickles: Dill pickles provide a crisp, briny contrast to the other ingredients.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard is commonly spread on the bread for an added tangy kick.
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235votesA seafood delicacy unique to South Florida, these crabs are famous for their large, meaty claws which are typically served chilled with mustard sauce.The Stone Crab is a type of crab known for its delightful meat and unique harvesting method. It is native to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of the United States, particularly Florida. The Stone Crab gets its name from its hard, stone-like shell which helps protect it from predators. Its delicate and sweet-tasting meat is highly sought after by seafood enthusiasts around the world.
- Scientific Name: Menippe mercenaria
- Size: Claw length: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
- Color: Reddish-brown with gray patches
- Habitat: Coastal sandy or rocky bottoms
- Distribution: Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of the United States
Stone Crab in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular crab to eat
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317votes
Peter Veldhuizen · Public domainA tart and sweet dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crust. It is a signature dessert of Florida, and Miami is no exception.Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. It is made with a delicate graham cracker crust filled with a creamy and tangy lime custard, topped with whipped cream. The pie is known for its vibrant green color and refreshing citrus flavor.- Crust: Graham cracker crust
- Filling: Creamy and tangy lime custard
- Lime: Made with the juice and zest of key limes
- Color: Vibrant green
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
Key Lime Pie in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult pie to make
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
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417votesA pastry filled with various savory or sweet ingredients, such as beef, chicken, cheese, or guava. They are a popular snack or meal in Miami's Latin American community.Empanadas are a popular traditional dish in Colombia, consisting of a savory pastry filled with various ingredients. They are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy, providing a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Empanadas can be found all across Colombia, from street food vendors to upscale restaurants. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. The creator of Empanadas is not specific to Colombia, as this dish has variations and influences from various culinary traditions. However, Empanadas are believed to have originated in Spain and were introduced to Colombia during the colonial period.
- Varieties: There are various types of Empanadas in Colombia, including beef, chicken, pork, cheese, potato, and vegetarian options.
- Dough: The dough is typically made from a combination of flour, water, and sometimes eggs or butter. It is rolled thin and folded over the filling before being sealed.
- Filling: The filling can vary depending on the type of Empanada. Beef Empanadas are often filled with ground beef, onions, and spices. Chicken Empanadas may contain shredded chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Cheese Empanadas have a filling of melted cheese, and potato Empanadas are stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes.
- Spices: Empanadas are seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, to enhance the flavors of the filling.
- Cooking Method: Empanadas are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy. However, they can also be baked or pan-fried for a healthier alternative.
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515votesA Cuban-style hamburger made with a seasoned beef patty, crispy shoestring potatoes, onions, and ketchup on a Cuban roll. It is a hearty and flavorful sandwich that is a favorite among locals.Fritas are a popular street food in Miami, Florida. They are a Cuban-style hamburger patty made from a blend of ground beef and chorizo, typically served on a Cuban roll or traditional hamburger bun. The patty is seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, giving it a flavorful and slightly spicy taste. Fritas are topped with shoestring fries, diced onions, and a tangy sauce, such as ketchup or a special Frita sauce.
- Meat Blend: Ground beef and chorizo
- Bun: Cuban roll or traditional hamburger bun
- Seasoning: Cumin and paprika
- Toppings: Shoestring fries, diced onions, and sauce
- Sauce Options: Ketchup or Frita sauce
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64votesA Venezuelan and Colombian staple made of ground maize dough, typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are a popular breakfast or snack food in Miami's Latin American neighborhoods.Arepas are a staple food in Colombia, popular for their versatility, delicious taste, and ability to satisfy hunger. They are a type of flatbread made primarily from cornmeal dough and are typically round or oval in shape. Arepas can be either grilled, baked, or fried, resulting in varying textures and flavors. They are commonly consumed throughout Colombia and are often enjoyed as a breakfast item, snack, or accompaniment to main meals.
- Ingredients: Cornmeal, water, salt (optional)
- Shape: Round or oval
- Texture: Soft or crunchy, depending on cooking method
- Cooking methods: Grilled, baked, or fried
- Sizes: Varies from small bite-sized arepitas to larger meal-sized arepas
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74votesTwice-fried plantains that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are a popular side dish or snack in Miami's Caribbean and Latin American communities.Tostones, also known as fried plantains, are a popular Cuban dish made from green plantains. The plantains are sliced, fried twice, and then flattened to create a crispy and flavorful snack. Tostones are typically served as a side dish or appetizer and can be accompanied by various dipping sauces or toppings.
- Plantains: Green plantains are used to make tostones as they are starchy and less sweet than ripe plantains.
- Frying Process: The plantain slices are first fried until they become slightly golden, removed from the oil, then flattened using a tostonera or other flat object, and then fried again until they are crispy and golden.
- Texture: Tostones have a crunchy exterior and a soft and starchy interior.
- Typical serving style: Tostones are often served as a side dish to accompany main meals, such as rice and beans, or as an appetizer with sauce or dip.
- Variations: Tostones can be seasoned with salt, garlic, or other spices to enhance their flavor. Some variations include topping them with meat, cheese, or guacamole.
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84votesA small, cylindrical snack made of ham or chicken that is rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. They are a popular appetizer or snack in Miami's Cuban community.Croquetas are a traditional and beloved Spanish appetizer that consists of small, breaded and deep-fried, bite-sized pieces of creamy and rich filling. The filling is typically made with a mixture of bechamel sauce, often flavored with ingredients like ham, cod, chicken, or mushrooms. The crispy golden exterior contrasts with the soft and flavorful interior, making them a popular choice as tapas or snacks in Spain.
- Size: Small, bite-sized pieces
- Texture: Creamy and smooth interior, crispy exterior
- Filling: Bechamel-based, often with ham, cod, chicken or mushrooms
- Cooking method: Breaded and deep-fried
- Popular variations: Jamón (ham) croquetas, bacalao (cod) croquetas, pollo (chicken) croquetas
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96votesA Spanish rice dish typically made with seafood, chicken, and saffron. It is a popular dish in Miami's Spanish and Latin American communities.Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is renowned for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and enticing aroma. Paella is traditionally cooked in a shallow, wide pan known as a paellera, which allows for even heat distribution and the formation of a delicious crust at the bottom of the rice. The dish typically consists of short-grain rice cooked with a variety of ingredients, such as saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (including shrimp, clams, and mussels), and vegetables (such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and green beans). It is seasoned with spices like paprika and often garnished with lemon wedges. Paella is enjoyed as a communal dish, bringing people together to savor the flavors of Spain.
- Origin: Spain
- Type of rice: short-grain rice
- Cooking vessel: a wide, shallow pan called a paellera
- Key ingredients: saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels), vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans)
- Seasonings: spices like paprika
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104votesA deep-fried dough made with conch meat, flour, and spices. They are a popular seafood appetizer in Miami's Caribbean and Latin American communities.Conch fritters are a popular Caribbean dish made from a mixture of conch meat, flour, eggs, onions, peppers, and various herbs and spices. The mixture is then formed into small balls or fritters and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy and flavorful appetizer or snack that showcases the unique and delicate taste of conch.
- Main Ingredients: Conch meat, flour, eggs, onions, peppers
- Herbs and spices: Garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside
- Flavor: Delicately briny with a kick of spiciness
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Fresh and local ingredientsMiami is surrounded by water, and as a result, seafood is abundant. Freshness and the use of local ingredients should be taken into consideration, especially when looking at dishes featuring fish, shellfish, and tropical fruits.
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Visitor and tourist preferencesGiven that Miami is a popular tourist destination, it is important to consider the preferences of visitors in the ranking process. Some popular food items might be popular specifically because they are sought after by tourists.
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Unique fusion mealsMiami's diverse cultural influences often lead to unique and innovative fusion meals. These unique combinations should be taken into account when determining popular food in the area.
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Trends and social media influenceFood trends can play a significant role in a dish's popularity, and social media can often heavily influence food trends. Look at popular food posts and hashtags on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter to get an idea of what food items are currently trendy and popular in Miami.
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Affordability and accessibilityPopular foods in a city are typically those that are easily accessible and affordable to a wide range of people. Consider availability at various price points within the city's diverse neighborhoods.
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SeasonalityFinally, be mindful of the fact that some food items might be more popular during certain times of the year. For example, a food might gain popularity during holiday seasons or as a seasonal dish.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Miami, Florida. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1308 views
- 161 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in miami, florida
Miami, Florida is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse food scene. With influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond, Miami offers a unique culinary experience that attracts food lovers from all over the world. From fresh seafood to authentic Cuban cuisine, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try in this city. But what is the most popular food in Miami? Through our polls and rankings, we aim to uncover the answer to this question and provide insight into the tastes and preferences of Miami locals and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the flavors and traditions that make Miami's food scene so special.
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