Pan con timba, probably the most memorable sandwich a Cuban has ever tasted, devoid of ham but rich in authentic flavors of the island.
Cuban customs, unique and recognizable throughout the world, are particularly evident in their cuisine. Lechón asado, tamal, and yuca con mojo are must-haves that immediately come to mind.
However, when it comes to a small snack to satisfy a small hunger (a Cuban concept known as "tentempié"), nothing surpasses the popularity of pan con timba in Cuba.
This unique sandwich contains a piece of guava bar, a fruity sweet that is emblematic of the island, sometimes prepared with mangoes or oranges.
In the past, mentioning pan con timba in Cuba evoked times of food shortages and deprivation, as it was often consumed by poor workers to save their meager income.
Its name derives from a translation of the English that has survived over time. When the English built the railway from Bejucal to Havana, they were intrigued by the practice of Cuban workers enjoying bread with sweet guava for lunch. They compared their meal to "timber", referring to the oil-coated wooden sleepers used in the construction of the railway.
The term "timber" quickly became "timba" in Cuba. Over time, this famous snack migrated from construction sites to city cafes and bars.
Over time, Cubans added white cheese or other ingredients depending on their availability or preferences. Some even dared to add peanut butter, a more exclusive variation both in price and flavor compared to the original pan con timba.
Despite its more than 140 years of existence in Cuban cuisine, pan con timba remains a symbol of Cuban culinary identity, just like pan con lechón and pan con minutas.
In fact, the word "timba" has always evoked enthusiasm for musicians: putting all your heart into your music, putting all your talent into it. In Cuban orchestras, when playing the son montuno or other lively rhythms, singers often use the expression "timba" to encourage the other musicians to intensify the warmth of the song and energize the audience.
So let's put a little "timba" into the rhythm of our lives.
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