Keeping Tradition Alive, This Vegan Cuban Spot In Kendall, Florida Is A Hidden Gem-Must

Growing up in Miami, Florida, I never thought I'd see the day when classic Cuban food and plant-based fare combine. For anyone who knows traditional Cuban cuisine, ropa vieja, arroz con Pollo, picadillo - meat is prevalent. A mainstay in all of these dishes. Even abuelas cooking rice and beans from scratch throw a few pieces of pork in the slow cooker for flavor. It's hard to escape the meat when you're eating traditional Cuban fare. Yet here I was, sitting in a cozy little spot in Kendall, Florida, marveling at how vegan Cuban food could taste this authentic. This place, a true hidden gem, is proof that tradition can thrive—even without the lechón.

I recently visited Vegan Cuban Cuisine in Kendall, Florida, and had an experience I'll never forget. For starters, the walk-up window is just like other Cuban establishments - easy to order, especially on the go. There was a little kiosk where I could tap into my choices and pay right on the spot. It was extremely simple, and no fuss was required.

The hardest part? Choosing what to order.

This Kendall eatery has taken on the ambitious task of veganizing classic Cuban recipes, and they’ve done so with creativity and care. Dishes like ropa vieja are reimagined with jackfruit, which soaks up the sofrito and spices beautifully. Picadillo, traditionally made with ground beef, gets a makeover with lentils and plant-based crumbles, delivering all the savory, comforting goodness of the original.

Even the Cuban sandwich, an iconic staple, is recreated here. Instead of roast pork and ham, this version uses marinated jackfruit and seitan layered with vegan cheese, pickles, and mustard; all pressed to perfection on crusty Cuban bread. One bite, and you’ll swear you’re eating the real thing.

My favorites here were the empanadas and papas rellenas, which are picadillo-stuffed potato balls. The empanadas assortment was fun because you could choose what you wanted inside and try a variety of them all. The best part was the array of sauces to accompany each flavor, from spicy and smooth to garlicky and cilantro-forward.

The magic of this restaurant lies not just in the food but in the story behind it. The owners, a Cuban-American family, have adapted their cherished family recipes to reflect their plant-based lifestyle. They’ve found ways to honor their culinary heritage while embracing a new way of eating. The result? A menu that feels familiar yet exciting, rooted in tradition but open to evolution.

Kendall might be a bit off the beaten path for some, but this spot is well worth the drive. For those who grew up on Cuban food, it’s a nostalgic journey with a twist. And for newcomers, it’s an opportunity to explore the bold, beautiful flavors of Cuba through a modern, compassionate lens.

For more information about this plant-based spot, check out the Vegan Cuban Cuisine Facebook Page. And if you want to make your own Cuban fare at home, check out these cookbooks from Bookshop.