Pepi Cubano: Signature Crispy Thin Sanwiches and Arroz Cubano!
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| Pepi Cubano |
I first learned about Pepi Cubano some years ago, in a food bazaar event. It was a love at first sight and bite as I've never seen and tasted a sandwich that is this thin, this crispy, and this flavorful! But it was also a sad moment as I was not sure where, when, and how I could taste their sandwiches again as at that time, they didn't have a permanent location.
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| Ground Floor, Glorietta 3 branch |
Fastforward to 2019, I went to Glorietta 3 and was happy to see the huge Pepi Cubano sign. Oh my, the Pepi Cubano I tasted years ago now has a fixed location inside a mall. I learned that this was made possible when they partnered with Viva International Food & Restaurants, and now they have branches in malls such as SM Megamall, Trinoma, Robinsons Manila, and more.
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| pastries readily available | how the "pressing" is done |
For sure I had to dine in to see if it is still the same Pepi Cubano I had years ago. Here at Glorietta 3, Makati, they are located at the Ground Floor, near Marks & Spencer. It shares the same area as Papermoon and Yogorino so yes, you can also have your fill of gelato and cakes just around the place.
Pepi Cubano (190Php)
Slow roasted pork, ham, pickles, mustard, and cheese
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| Pepi Cubano |
So the first thing I ordered is, of course, their signature sandwich -- the Pepi Cubano. What made Pepi Cubano's sandwiches different is that it is pressed making it thin and crispy. It has a nice glaze on the bun, it is easy to bite on with a gratifying crunch. And even though it is this thin, it is fully loaded with pork, ham, and cheese. A nice balance of everything without dealing too much of a soft airy bun.
There are other savory variants but Pepi Cubano Sandwich is a good start if it is your first time to try their sandwiches.
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| Pepi Cubano | Pan de Leche |
Pan de Leche (120Php)
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| Pan de Leche |
The sandwiches have evolved and now they have sweet/dessert-like offerings such as this Pan de Leche. This one is so simple yet so heartwarming. Still got that crispy thin bun but this time filled with condensed milk and cheese, and dusted with white sugar.
Arroz ala Cubana (160Php)
Ground beef in tomato sauce
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| Arroz ala Cubana |
Another thing I got excited about is they now have rice meals or Arroz Cubano. Pepi Cubano indeed has come a long way and keeps on improving and adding more offerings in their menu.
Since it is my first time to try their rice meals, I went for Arroz ala Cubana. It has ground beef, slices of cooked banana, sides, and egg on the top. The rice is also flavored and all the components of this bowl went great together. I like this meal as it is comforting that I didn't realize I finished everything so quickly. I wouldn't say the serving is too small, but it enough to satisfyingly fulfill a hungry tummy. For sure, Arroz ala Cubana is something I would order again.
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| Arroz ala Cubana |
Started with savory sandwiches, now with sweet counterparts, and even widened their menu to include rice bowls, I'm glad that the Pepi Cubano I've known years ago has successfully grown and expanded to different branches in the Metro. Looking forward to their new specialties!
Pepi Cubano
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
Disclaimer: I was invited as a blogger to feature this restaurant. I did not pay anything. Photos with my watermark are mine and shouldn't be used without my permission.
