Cultural cuisine: South Florida’s best culturally centered dishes Cultural cuisine: South Florida’s best culturally centered dishes
BY JAELYN YEAMPIERRE South Florida is home to a melting pot of cultures. Regardless of what city one may find themselves in, a large... Cultural cuisine: South Florida’s best culturally centered dishes

BY JAELYN YEAMPIERRE

South Florida is home to a melting pot of cultures. Regardless of what city one may find themselves in, a large variety of interesting restaurants can be found serving food from different origins. Here are the five best places to try traditional cultural meals in South Florida:


1. El Balcón de Las Américas

Located in Pembroke Pines, El Balcón de Las Américas is home to a variety of traditional Latin American foods. Among these dishes is the Bandeja Paisa, a traditional Colombian meal, which is extremely popular. The meal includes white rice, red beans, the choice between ground beef or steak, sweet plantains, fried chicharrón, arepa, avocado and a sliced egg.


2. Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine is located in Pembroke Pines and is home to the best of Cuba’s traditional meals. Vaca Frita is an excellent choice for a first visit. The dish stars grilled flank steak topped with sautéed onions.


3. Versailles

Versailles, named after the city in Cuba, is one of Miami’s most popular Cuban restaurants. With a sign in Calle Ocho boasting its title as the World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant, it is not uncommon to see a familiar face here.  A must-try dish at this restaurant would be one of Cuba’s most beloved dishes, the Ropa Vieja. The dish consists of shredded beef served with white rice and plantains.


4. Aunt I’s Jamaican Restaurant 

Aunt I’s Jamaican Restaurant is home to a variety of well-known Jamaican foods. The restaurant specializes in homemade jerk chicken, a Jamaican staple. Aunt I’s Original Jerk Chicken is a classic. Find it in Pembroke Pines.


5. Bollywood Biryani

Bollywood Biryani, located in Davie, serves some of India’s most traditional cuisine. Food is served fresh, with each order cooked right after being placed. The veggie samosas filled with potatoes and peas are tasty and perfect for an appetizer.

Photo courtesy of Bollywood Biryani

South Florida is home to dozens of quality restaurants. Try something new, like some of the dishes suggested, and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Photo by Anabella Garcia