Pepi Cubano

It was indeed like a "feast  of flavors from around the world" at Shang GourmetFest Media Launch last October 17 at Shangri-La Plaza's Grand Atrium

It was wonderful to discover that Pepi Cubano has  a branch at the third level of the mall. The first time I tasted Pepi Cubano was at their  branch in Glorietta

I love their pressed sandwich which starts out like a regular baguette or  sub. It comes out as a much slimmer version of itself, crusty and fun to eat.

Origins*

• owners are Toti Dalmacion and his wife Rica 
• originally a take out and pick up sandwich shop in  2006 somewhere in Makati
• partnered with Viva Food and Restaurants Inc. which is behind other notable brands such as Paper Moon,  Wing Zone and Botejyu
• Pepi Cubano was named after the Dalmacion's son
• currently has 9 branches all over the Metro
• The first resto they opened was in the back streets o Legazpi Village Makati

* abs-cbn news 6/18

What is a cubano?

Per Wiki, " a Cuban sandwich is a variation of ham and cheese sandwich that originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Key WEst and Ybor City, Tampa  ( two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida Later on  , Cuban exiles and expats brought it to Miami ..."

The Food

I have  tasted their Pepi Cubano P250 which had roast pork and ham, before. I loved that they brushed a lot of butter on the bread before they press it thus its crusty exterior.

My daughter and I also tasted their Cigarro Cubanos P50  which is reminiscent of our very own turon with  but with nutella.

Some branches that  are open for sit down dining offer rice toppings, desserts and even alcohol and cocktails

Branches

Currently Pepi Cubano has  branches in Glorietta, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Robinson's Galleria, UP Town Center, Trinoma, SM North Edsa, Robinson's Place Manila and Uptown Mall.