Miami is crazy about Honduran food. Here are some local spots you should try
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Miami’s incredible Honduran cuisine is one of the city’s best kept secrets.
This Central American country creates an exquisite blend of Spanish, Caribbean, Mesoamerican and African dishes. Influenced by its neighbors, Honduras created the baleada, its version of the Mexican taco that became one of the most popular national snacks.
Thanks to the thousands of Hondurans who live in the Sunshine State, Miamians don’t have to go far to try these delicacies.
Here is where to go to get a taste of Honduras in South Florida:
Altas Cafe Restaurant
In addition to its delicious coffee, this restaurant serves high quality Honduran food at affordable prices. Try their acclaimed ceibeño chicken served on a base of fried plantains and covered in a rich variety of dressings. The breaded shrimp along with tripe soup are also some of the favorite dishes.
Their charismatic employees will make sure your order is ready quickly and efficiently. Go hungry as their generous portions promise to fill your belly.
835 NW 37th Ave, Miami; 786-464-0844; Monday to Sunday: 6:15 a.m. - 10:00 pm.
Paseo Universitario
With a distinctive tropical décor, Paseo Universitario brings together influences from Central American cuisine.
Try the homemade pupusas, tacos catrachos and enchiladas. The roast beef and beef soup are also delicious. Try the baleada, a wheat flour tortilla folded in half and filled with beans, cream and cheese. Chef Johanna Cruz will soon be opening a new place called Yo Soy Centro Americano, keep an eye on her social media for details.
1760 W Flagler St., Miami; 305-631-2421 or https://www.instagram.com/yosoycentroamericano; Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. - 9 pm.
Lenca House
Lenca House’s Chef Victoria manages to give a modern touch to her dishes without losing the traditional flavors.
For starters, try the pastelitos made with ground beef, cabbage, grated cheese, chimol and salsa criolla. As a main course we recommend the Ceibeña roast beef served with tajadas (thinly sliced fried green plantains), chimol, cabbage, red sauce, cheese and pickles. Each bite promises to take you one step closer to Honduras.
4050 W 12th Ave., Hialeah; 305-432-6119 or https://casalencabychefvictoria.com; Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 pm.
The Honduran Palapa 2
This rustic spot opens early so you can enjoy good food from the moment you wake up. They offer breakfast in a cozy space so you can fuel up. During lunch and dinner, the baleada con carne is one of their best-selling dishes.
They have a wide variety of seafood including shrimp, tilapia, ceviche and breaded calamari. The ceibeña barbecue for two is a good option as it includes grilled beef, pork chops, chorizo, chicken wings, steak, fried beans, corn tortilla or chimol tostones and cream cheese. For dessert, try their unique cuatro leches cake. The space lights up with karaoke nights every Friday and Saturday starting at 8 p.m.
3820 NW 36th St., Miami; 305-638-7733 or https://www.facebook.com/lapalapahondurena; Sunday to Thursday: 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. - 3 a.m.
El Gallito Coffee Shop
If you have driven by El Gallito, you have most likely seen the long line outside. That’s the sign that they are doing something right.
The place is small so most orders are to go, but don’t let the size fool you. The food here is worth the wait. The baleadas, the tapado and the grilled meats are just some of the most popular options. If you like it spicy, ask for the house sauce. Accompany your meal with one of the various options of natural juices.
205 SW 8th Ave., Miami; 305-545-5657 or https://www.facebook.com/205SWELGALLITO; Monday to Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 9 pm.
This story was originally published February 3, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
