Whole pork shoulder marinated in sour orange, garlic, oregano and cumin, then slow-roasted until the skin crackles and the meat pulls apart with a fork.
Mojo-marinated pork is the Cuban Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) tradition that runs through Tampa Cuban kitchens. The mojo marinade (sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt) tenderizes the pork over 12 to 24 hours, and the slow roast gives the signature pulled-pork texture used in the Cuban sandwich. La Teresita and the Cuban bakeries take Nochebuena pork orders by late November every year.
4 editor picks for Mojo Pork (Lechon Asado) in Tampa, ranked by editorial score. All Tampa signature dishes · Mojo Pork (Lechon Asado) across every city.
Brocato's Sandwich Shop ★ 4.6
west-tampa · 5021 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
Brocato's on East Columbus Drive in Tampa has built Cuban sandwiches, deviled crabs and stuffed potatoes since 1948 from a neighborhood storefront.
La Teresita ★ 4.5
west-tampa · 3246 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
La Teresita on Columbus Drive in West Tampa has run a Cuban counter and dining room since 1972, owned by the Capdevila family across two generations.
Columbia Restaurant ★ 4.5
ybor-city · 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
The Columbia Restaurant on East Seventh Avenue has plated 1905 Salad and Cuban sandwiches in Ybor City since 1905 and is Florida's oldest restaurant.
Wright's Gourmet House ★ 4.4
palma-ceia · 1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629
Wright's Gourmet House on Dale Mabry Highway has run a Tampa sandwich and bakery counter since 1963, famous for Cuban sandwiches and the legendary rum cake.