Tampa, Florida has a wide range of culinary options that can appeal to any taste. From fresh seafood to Cuban-inspired dishes, it’s easy to find a delicious meal in Tampa.
But what food is Tampa Florida really famous for? Here is a look at some of the cuisine that has become synonymous with the city.
Cuban Dishes
Tampa has long had a strong Cuban-American population with many of the city’s iconic dishes rooted in Cuban cuisine. Cuban sandwiches are perhaps one of the most famous items and consist of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard all served on Cuban bread. Other popular dishes include Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and Picadillo (ground beef with vegetables).
Seafood
Tampa Bay offers some of the freshest seafood around, making it no surprise that so many restaurants feature this local delicacy prominently on their menus. Popular items include grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, and oysters on the half shell. Fish tacos are also quite popular here as are paella and ceviche.
Floribbean Cuisine
This unique fusion cuisine combines flavors from both traditional Floridian and Caribbean cooking. Popular dishes include Mojo pork (roast pork cooked in garlic sauce), Caribbean jerk chicken, Grouper Veracruz (grouper cooked with olives and capers) and conch fritters. There are plenty of restaurants that specialize in this type of cuisine all around Tampa.
Southern Comfort Food
No discussion about Tampa’s culinary scene would be complete without mentioning some classic Southern comfort food favorites. Dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, hush puppies and cornbread can be found at numerous restaurants throughout the city.
Conclusion: So what food is Tampa Florida famous for? From Cuban sandwiches to seafood to Floribbean cuisine to classic Southern comfort food – there is something for everyone when it comes to eating in Tampa!