Miami's First Entirely Vegan Cuban Restaurant Opens in Kendall

A Cuban family is flipping tradition with Vegan Cuban Cuisine, Miami's buzz-worthy new spot near Kendall serving shockingly authentic, plant-based takes on Cuban classics — from croquetas to Cubanos — that even your abuela might approve of. Vegan Cuban Cuisine, located at 9640 SW 72nd St., pulls off what many Cubans might consider blasphemy: Cuban food without an ounce of dairy, meat, or animal product in sight.

Founded by Steven Rodriguez and Lismeilyn "Liz" Machado from their home kitchen, they first gained a following in 2018 by selling their now-famous croquetas to local vegan-friendly spots like Aguacate Sanctuary of Love, Ali's Sweets and Treats, and Manna Life Food. As demand grew, they began popping up at farmers' markets across Miami, offering a broader menu of inventive plant-based Cuban dishes. Then, when COVID-19 hit, Vegan Cuban Cuisine pivoted to delivery, bringing their take on classic Cuban comfort food straight to customers' doors all over Miami.

It became such a success, that on September 15, 2020, Vegan Cuban Cuisine opened its first storefront and started serving the community through a plant-based ventanita. It's been a vegan hit ever since.

Not Your Abuela's Cuban Food (But She Might Approve)

The menu stars inventive vegan versions of beloved Cuban classics that trick the taste buds. Interestingly, the spot has adapted nearly every Cuban favorite — from breakfast to dessert — without seemingly sacrificing flavor. Breakfast lovers can savor the "Tortilla Española Slice," a gluten-free creation featuring homemade Just Egg, Cuban spices, potatoes, onions, and peppers, or vegan varieties of pastelitos in guava and cheese varieties.

Its appetizer game shines with the "Cheeze Tequeños Trio," crafted with Raiz — three hand-rolled tequeños filled with creamy plant-based cashew cheese wrapped in crispy traditional dough. The customizable Empanada Trio lets diners mix and match "Beef," "Ham" & Cheeze, or "Egg" varieties paired with sauces like garlic cilantro.

Sandwich fans can indulge in the "Medianoche" with chips, featuring jackfruit lechon asado and organic soy ham melded with creamy cheese, organic pickles, Follow Your Heart mayo, and mustard, all pressed to perfection on house-made sweet Cuban rolls. The "VCC Masitas Shroomwich" packs gluten-free mushroom masitas, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and tomatoes on Cuban bread, finished with "saucy sauce." Meanwhile, the "Croqueta Preparada" stacks organic soy ham, melted cheese, vegan mayo, mustard, and two crispy ham croquetas (made with creamy cashew cream, organic soy-based ham, and Cuban spices) pressed hot on house-made bread.

The "Papa Rellena" — fried potato balls stuffed with soy picadillo and breaded in panko crumbs — draws crowds along with the popular picadillo bowl. The restaurant's croquetas, available in "ham" and chickpea varieties, present familiar textures and flavors without animal products.

From Family Gatherings to Restaurant Reality

According to the restaurant's website, what started as humble beginnings in 2018 grew from family gatherings where guests couldn't tell the difference between plant-based and traditional meat versions.

"Our true origin was a revelation at a family gathering when omnivores couldn't distinguish between our plant and animal dishes," the founders explain. That moment sparked the birth of Vegan Cuban Cuisine, bringing a solution to Miami's void of plant-based Cuban food.

Their kitchen skips the typical restaurant playbook, too. House-made bread, olive oil cooking instead of butter (they even serve vegan Cuban bread), dedicated gluten-free prep areas, and specialty house-made beans distinguish their approach. Even their sweeteners come from natural sources, avoiding refined sugar altogether.

Vegan Cuban Cuisine. 9640 SW 72nd St., Miami; vegancubancuisine.com.