From the sunny beaches of the Caribbean to the inclement weather of the Andes, Latin Americans, who comprise a wide and diverse range of nationalities, are all united by their strong pride in their culture and the many similarities they share. Despite the homogenous pride though, one cannot deny that cultural differences across each country are remarkable. In particular, there’s one single thing that showcases these nuances in a clear way: food.
From the different ways to make tamales to the neverending ways to wrap a burrito, Latin American cuisine, which varies from country to country, never fails to bring warmth to the hearts and fill the stomachs of people at a table.
In Dominican Republic (D.R.), the streets are constantly filled with the warm and lingering aroma of different foods that can make one feel at home. In D.R., family is a very important part of the culture. To Dominicans, the need to feed someone is like a constant emergency. Although most Hispanic cultures are also like this, Dominicans feel the dire need to give you all the food they have and refuse to have someone starving in front of them.
One dominican saying is Es mejor compartir la comida y que los dos estemos medio llenos que yo comerme la comida yo sola y estar llena y tu con hambre, which translates to “It’s better for me to share my food and both of us to be half-full than for me to eat my food by myself and you be hungry.”
Los Tres Golpes is not just a common dish in Dominican Republic— it’s also a staple meal across the country. Los Tres Golpes is a mix of savory mangú with crispy fried eggs, topped with some creamy queso frito that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. The saltiness of the cheese blends perfectly with the other components of the recipe, making it the epitome of Domican Republic’s exquisite cuisine.
There is also the “Morir Soñando” which is a widely consumed drink. It is lemonade mixed with milk. However, some parts of the country use oranges instead of lemons. The citrus of the lemons mix perfectly with the milk, giving it a hint of citrus that is refreshing in the midst of D.R.’s tropical heat waves.
In the tropics of Cuba, aside from the breeze whipping past your face, there are many other great delicacies that the Caribbean country offers; among these are the island’s myriad dishes. “Media Noche,” which is a well-crafted sandwich that consists of ham, cheese, pulled pork, pickles, mayo, and mustard, is internationally famous for being the breakfast meal in many Cuban households.
“Eating Cuban food is a part of my culture. It reminds me of my life in Cuba, and eating it as often as I do here makes me thankful since it makes me feel like I’m actually back home,” said Melissa Noda, a sophomore at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC).
Haitian cuisine is a blend of West African and French culinary styles. This diffusion allows Haiti to separate itself from other Caribbean countries and create a wide variety of flavors. One of the most popular dishes being “Griot.”
Even if you haven’t tried any traditional meals, Griot, or fried pork, is a traditional Haitian dish that is loved by many. Big savory pieces of pork, marinated with many spices and the right amount of citrus, boiled to perfection and finished off with a side of traditional Pikiliz, or spicy shredded peppers— a dish that could forever satiate anyone’s hunger. Just by looking at it you could feel your taste buds tingling.
In Guatemala, one of the native foods is “Pepian.” Pepian is a traditional Guatemalan meal and can be considered by most to be the national dish of the country. With evenly cooked meat and vegetables coated in a rich sauce and blended with many roasted spices, the taste of the dish is unique. As a result, many people believe it to it represent the very essence of Guatemala.
Latin America, with the 33 flags it represents, is undoubtedly diverse. Each country comprises a range of traditions that ultimately reflect a colorful spectrum of cultures. The region’s diverse dishes show just this.
But, regardless of how diverse the dishes in Latin America are, or how accentuated differences may seem, there is still a strong sense of connection shared by the Latino community: all Latin American countries use their food to connect with others, always focusing on hospitality. The amount of care, effort, and love Latinos put into each dish is only part of the process. At the end, Latin American countries may be separated geographically by land masses and two oceans, but the Latino community is united by the hearts and hard work of its people.
