Florida, the sunshine state, is not just renowned for its expansive beaches and thrilling amusement parks but also as a paradise for diverse and delectable street food. If you are a true snack enthusiast, you absolutely cannot miss the irresistible dishes we’ve curated for you below.
From Latin-inspired cuisine to fresh seafood delicacies, Florida caters to every palate and offers unforgettable culinary experiences. Let’s dive into the colorful and flavorful world of street food in Florida!
Churrasco – Famous South American Grilled Meat
Churrasco, originally from South America, especially popular in Brazil and Argentina, has made its way to Florida and become a staple in the local food scene. Though simply grilled meat, the preparation and serving method of Churrasco are truly unique.
Churrasco grilled meat with tempting aroma
The meat, usually beef, is skewered onto long sticks and grilled over charcoal. The chef constantly rotates the sticks to ensure even cooking and to retain the meat’s juiciness. When served, the meat is sliced fresh from the skewer right in front of diners, delivering a hot and flavorful experience. The highlight of Churrasco is the Chimichurri sauce, made with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs. This tangy sauce perfectly balances the rich flavor of the meat, adding an extra layer of depth. You can find Churrasco at steakhouses or food trucks around Florida.
Garlic Parmesan Wings – A Crave-Worthy Bar Snack
Garlic Parmesan Wings are a crowd-favorite at bars across Florida. These crispy chicken wings are coated in a rich and fragrant garlic parmesan sauce that will leave you wanting more.
Garlic Parmesan Wings – Perfect bar snack
The flawless blend of salty Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and a slight hint of peppery spice makes this dish extremely addictive. Often paired with a cold beer, Garlic Parmesan Wings are a top choice for hanging out with friends or watching a sports game.
Chicharron – Crispy Fried Pork Skin
Chicharron is a dish originating from Spain that has become wildly popular as a street food in Florida, especially within the Latin community. It’s made from fried pork skin or pork meat.
Chicharron – Crispy and indulgent snack
The pork skin is cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces, and deep-fried until crispy and bubbly. Chicharron boasts a salty, savory, and rich flavor with an unmistakable aroma. This dish is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or paired with rice and other dishes.
Devilled Eggs – Simple Yet Elegant
Devilled Eggs, also known as stuffed eggs, are a simple yet sophisticated dish loved in Florida. Often served as an appetizer, these eggs are also a popular choice for light snacks at parties.
Devilled Eggs – Delicious and sophisticated appetizer
Hard-boiled eggs are halved, with the yolks mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and other seasonings before being stuffed back into the whites. Garnished with paprika, chili powder, or toppings like caviar, crispy bacon, or shrimp, Devilled Eggs are not only delectable but also visually appealing — perfect for any occasion.
Mofongo – Unique Green Plantain Dish
Mofongo, a signature dish of the Caribbean — particularly Puerto Rico — is also highly favored in Florida, home to a large Puerto Rican community. The dish is made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic, salt, and pork fat.
Mofongo – A creative dish made from green plantains
This mash is then molded into a bowl shape and stuffed with proteins such as pork, chicken, or seafood. Mofongo has a savory, rich flavor with the aromatic blend of garlic and green plantains. It’s often enjoyed as a main dish or paired with soups and other accompanying meals.
Ceviche – Irresistibly Fresh Seafood
Ceviche, originating from Peru, has gained global popularity, and Florida is no exception. Made from fresh seafood, typically fish or shrimp, Ceviche is marinated in lime juice with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.
Ceviche – Fresh and tangy seafood dish
The lime juice “cooks” the seafood, creating a tangy, spicy, and refreshing dish. Ceviche is often served as an appetizer or light snack, accompanied by sweet potatoes, corn, or crackers.
Stone Crab – Florida’s Unmissable Delicacy
Stone Crab is a Florida specialty, particularly in South Florida. Its season runs from October to May, and the crab’s meat is known for being sweet, firm, and indulgently rich.
Stone Crab – Florida’s ocean treasure
The most popular way to enjoy Stone Crab is dipping the meat into mustard sauce. The sweetness of the crab meat paired with the tangy heat of mustard sauce delivers an unforgettable taste. Although pricey, this dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Florida.
Yuca Fries – Crispy Cassava Snack
Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root native to South America. In Florida, it’s transformed into Yuca Fries, a snack as beloved as French fries.
Yuca Fries – Crunchy, unique treat
The yuca is sliced into sticks and deep-fried until golden brown. Yuca Fries have a subtly sweet and starchy flavor with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, typically served with mayonnaise, hot sauce, or other dips.
Empanadas – Savory Meat-Filled Pastries
Empanadas, originally from Spain, are now ubiquitous worldwide, including Florida. These crescent-shaped pastries feature a crispy shell and various fillings, such as beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetables.
Empanadas – Savory meat pastries
Empanadas are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or street food. You’ll find them at bakeries or food trucks in Florida.
Pinchos – A Cuban Street Food Favorite
Pinchos, originating from Spain, are a quintessential part of Cuban cuisine and loved in Florida, where a large Cuban community resides.
Pinchos – Flavorful street food skewers
These skewers consist of marinated meat grilled over a flame and served with breads or vegetables. The meat is seasoned with traditional Cuban spices, creating bold and irresistible flavors.
Mahi-Mahi Tacos – Fresh Seafood Tacos
Mahi-Mahi Tacos blend Mexican culinary tradition with Florida’s fresh seafood. Mahi-Mahi is a firm, sweet, white fish often cooked for this dish.
Mahi-Mahi Tacos – Flavorful seafood tacos
The fish is grilled or pan-seared, then nestled in soft taco shells with cabbage, sour cream, and salsa. Mahi-Mahi Tacos are a delightful and nutritious choice.
Fish Sandwich – Simple Yet Satisfying
Florida’s abundant fresh seafood makes Fish Sandwiches a staple snack. Typically made with grouper, the fish is battered, fried, and sandwiched with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise.
Fish Sandwich – A classic seafood treat
Fish Sandwiches are straightforward yet satisfying, offering a mouthwatering bite perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cuban Sandwich – Miami’s Culinary Icon
A Cuban Sandwich is a testament to Miami’s rich Cuban heritage. Made with Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard, this sandwich is a flavorful masterpiece.
Cuban Sandwich – Miami's iconic dish
The sandwich is pressed and heated until crispy with melty cheese. Cuban Sandwich offers salty, sweet, and tangy flavors harmonized into one delicious bite.
Arepas – Venezuelan Corn Patties
Arepas, originating from Venezuela and Colombia, are a street food favorite in Florida’s Venezuelan communities. Made from cornmeal, these patties are grilled or fried.
Arepas – Irresistible corn patties
Arepas are stuffed with a variety of fillings, including shredded beef, chicken, cheese, beans, or avocado.
Ropa Vieja – Cuban Shredded Beef Stew
Ropa Vieja, meaning “old clothes” in Spanish, is a traditional Cuban dish made with shredded beef stewed in a tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
Ropa Vieja – Authentic Cuban stew
Stewed until tender and flavorful, this dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.
Vanilla Ice Cream – The Perfect Dessert
After indulging in savory snacks, treat yourself to a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream. Widely loved, vanilla ice cream is a favorite dessert in Florida, often topped with unique combinations like guava syrup, cheese, or cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Sweet and refreshing
Available at ice cream parlors statewide, it’s the perfect way to cool off on a sunny day.
Conclusion
Florida street food is an alluring melange of Latin, Caribbean, and American flavors. The snack options we’ve shared here are just a glimpse into Florida’s rich culinary scene. If you find yourself in this sunny state, be sure to explore and savor these dishes for an unforgettable gastronomic journey! Which dish caught your attention the most? Let us know!