One Month, A World of Flavor!
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, and Alabama offers plenty of ways to celebrate, from Puerto Rican plantains in Madison and Salvadoran pupusas in Anniston to Cuban sandwiches in Hartselle and Mexican favorites down in Daphne.
The celebration runs through October 15, recognizing the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the country. The Smithsonian’s Hispanic Heritage Month resources offer a deeper look at the history behind the observance and why its September 15 start carries significance.
Around Alabama, food is one of the easiest ways to begin exploring.
Start With the Plate
In Madison, Bori Munchies brings Puerto Rican flavor to the table with empanadas, stuffed plantains, fried green plantains and piña coladas, all served with a side of Puerto Rican music.
Farther south in Anniston, Pupuseria JB puts Salvadoran pupusas front and center, giving diners a chance to try one of El Salvador’s most familiar comfort foods.
In the Auburn-Opelika area, Las Latinas Kitchen serves Latin cuisine shaped in part by owner Evelyn Ponce’s memories of her mother’s Salvadoran culture. The business has grown around a food truck and catering operation, bringing dishes such as birria tacos, burritos and empanadas to customers across the area.
North Alabama adds Cuba to the mix at Old Havana Cafe in Hartselle, where Cubano sandwiches, empanadas, flan and tres leches offer another route through the month’s culinary map.
Keep Exploring South
Down in Daphne, Tulum Mexican Cuisine blends traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary touches, giving classic dishes a more modern presentation while keeping the cuisine rooted in Mexico’s culinary traditions.
Taken together, these restaurants offer a useful reminder that Hispanic Heritage Month spans far more than one cuisine or one country. Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Cuba and Mexico each bring their own histories, ingredients and traditions to the table.
The month also leaves plenty of room beyond dinner. Seek out Hispanic-owned businesses, explore Latin American art and music, learn a little history, or check libraries, museums, universities and community calendars for local programming through October 15.
Trying a new dish is an easy start. Asking where it comes from makes the experience even better.
For more Alabama restaurants serving flavors from across Latin America and the Caribbean, continue exploring at https://www.guidetoalabama.com/latin-restaurants.