Latin American Heritage Month: Food that Defines Us

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The Flavours That Bring Us Together

By: Laura

One of the most defining factors for Latin American countries is our food. Many of our cultural traditions and gatherings happen around it. There are plenty of typical dishes to pick from when it comes to Latin American cuisine; each country has its specialties, and some of them even have the same dish but prepared differently. Food is a cornerstone of our culture. It gives us something to share and enjoy, and it sparks conversations about taste and even childhood memories. If you ask me, I think it's the best way to connect. 

I compiled a list of my favourite dishes from different Latin American countries. If you ever get the chance, try some of them; who knows, you might find your new favourite meal. 

1. Arepas

This is one of my favourite dishes to have for breakfast. It is fairly easy to make, and it will give you lots of energy to keep you going for the rest of the day. An arepa is a type of flatbread made from ground maize dough that can be stuffed with a variety of different fillings. It is commonly eaten in the northern parts of South America, most notably in the cuisines of Colombia and Venezuela. This dish has been enjoyed in South American households for generations and has become an important part of the region’s food culture. What makes arepas so great is that they can be enjoyed in many different ways, whether they are filled with meat, cheese, beans, or other ingredients. With their simple ingredients, delicious fillings, and comforting taste, arepas never fail to make a good first impression and are a great way to start the day. 

2. Tacos

Tacos are easily one of the most recognizable Latin American dishes. They are enjoyed in many different countries outside of Latin America, which is not surprising considering how tasty and versatile they are. A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a small, hand-sized corn or wheat-based tortilla topped with a filling. The tortilla is then folded around the filling and eaten by hand, making it a simple and convenient dish to enjoy. There are countless ways of eating tacos, with different meats, vegetables, sauces, and toppings giving each one its own unique flavour. My personal favourites are birria tacos with a crispy tortilla. They are full of flavour, with tender meat and a delicious combination of spices, and they will always leave you wanting to eat more. 

3. Ceviche 

Considered the national dish of Peru, it is one of the most popular seafood dishes in Latin America. This refreshing and flavorful dish is traditionally made with fresh raw fish or shrimp that is "cooked" in citrus juice, usually lime or lemon. The acidity from the citrus changes the texture of the seafood, giving it a firm, tender bite without the need for traditional cooking.

Ceviche is typically mixed with fresh onions, chiles, cilantro, and a touch of salt, creating the perfect combination of bright, spicy, and savory flavors. Every region and family may have its own version, with different types of seafood and additional ingredients added to make it unique.

It is often served with salty crackers, tortilla chips, or other simple sides that complement the fresh flavors of the ceviche. Because it is light, refreshing, and easy to share, ceviche is a popular appetizer for parties, family gatherings, and casual meals. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as the main dish, it is a great example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something full of flavor.

4. Empanadas

This is my ultimate favourite snack. An empanada is a type of baked or fried turnover made with pastry and a variety of fillings. They are popular across several Latin American countries, and each country has its own unique way of preparing and filling them. This is one of the things I love most about empanadas because there are so many different flavours and combinations to try.

My personal favourite is a crispy, fried empanada filled with seasoned beef and potatoes. The combination of the crunchy pastry on the outside and the warm, savoury filling on the inside makes it hard to resist. For me, empanadas are more than just a snack. They are a delicious part of Latin American food culture, and definitely one of the best Latin snacks out there.

5. Arroz con Pollo 

This is a classic lunch dish that is packed with protein, and I like to think of it as the Latin American version of a bowl. It typically consists of chicken cooked with rice, onions, saffron, and a variety of grains or vegetables. Each country has its own version, with different ingredients and seasonings that make it unique. 

In the Dominican Republic, it is often called locrio de pollo, while in Saint Martin, it is known as lokri or locreo. No matter the name, it is a comforting and fulfilling meal with tender chicken, flavourful rice, and plenty of delicious seasoning. It is simple, hearty, and full of flavour, making it a great option for a satisfying lunch. 

6. Churrasco

If you like meat, you are going to love this dish. Churrasco is the Portuguese and Spanish name for grilled beef prominent in South American and Iberian cuisines, and in particular in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. In countries like Brazil, it refers to a wide variety of barbecue meats cooked on skewers, while in places like Argentina, Uruguay, and Cuba, it specifically means a thin cut of skirt steak or flank steak grilled over an open flame. Independent of the preparation this dish has an incredible taste and its perfect for a BBQ night with friends. 

7. Ropa Vieja

This is another amazing dish for meat lovers. Ropa Vieja is a traditional dish with regional variations found throughout Latin America and the Philippines. It normally includes tender, shredded beef and tomatoes cooked with a flavorful sofrito base, creating a rich and comforting combination of flavors. It is known today as one of the national dishes of Cuba, where it has become a beloved part of the country’s cuisine. Its name means "old clothes" in Spanish because the tattered, stringy meat resembles a pile of old rags. This is the perfect lunch dish when you want something hearty, flavorful, and filling, and it is also one of the easiest dishes to make.

8. Griot

Sometimes we tend to forget that Haiti is part of Latin America as well, but once you try this dish, you will remember it for a long time. Griot is a dish in Haitian cuisine that consists of pork shoulder marinated in citrus, which is then braised and fried until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is commonly served at parties, celebrations, and family gatherings, and it is considered by some to be Haiti's "national dish." The combination of the flavorful pork and the citrus marinade gives it such a unique taste that is impossible to forget. It is a perfect example of how Haitian cuisine brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients to create something truly special. 

9. Brigadeiro 

If you feel like having a sweet treat, this is by far one of my favourite ones. Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian dessert that is small, simple, and incredibly delicious. The main ingredients are condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, which are cooked together until they form a thick and creamy mixture. The brigadeiros are then shaped into small balls and covered with chocolate sprinkles, which coat the outside and prevent them from sticking. It is such an easy dessert to recreate at home, and it is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you try it, you will be craving more. 

10. Mofongo

plantain is by far one of the most common ingredients in Latin American cuisine. Many countries have their own different ways of preparing and eating it, which makes it such a versatile food. Mofongo is a traditional dish from Puerto Rico with plantains as its main ingredient. The plantains are picked while they are still green, cut into pieces, and typically fried in more modern versions, although they can also be boiled in broth or roasted. They are then mashed together with salt, garlic, pork, broth, and cooking oil using a traditional wooden pilón. Mofongo can be enjoyed on its own, but lots of people also add shrimp or other types of meat for some extra protein and flavour. It is a hearty and filling dish that is packed with flavour and is a great example of the creativity found in Latin American cooking. 

There are so many more dishes I wish I could have featured on this list, but I decided to share some of my personal favourites. Latin American cuisine is full of unique flavours, traditions, and recipes that have been passed down through generations, and there is always something new to discover. Food has a special way of bringing people together and creating a sense of community. It is one of the ways we connect with others, share our experiences, and learn more about different cultures and traditions. 

I hope this blog gave you a chance to discover some new dishes and maybe even inspired you to try one for yourself. If you have a favourite dish that you think should have made the list, or one that we missed, let us know in the comments! There are so many amazing dishes from across Latin America, and I would love to hear about your favourites. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoyed putting it together! 

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Feeling hungry?

Make sure to stop by our SSU Hungry Café’s at all Campuses for some breakfast Tacos 🌮 and other delicious food options. 🤗
And, if you enjoyed this blog, make sure to check out our other food blogs as well. You might find your new comfort meal, go-to recipe or an useful hack! ✨

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