Lesser-Known Dishes in Latin American Cuisine You Need to Try

Delicious Latin American cuisine is all about bold flavors and a mix of cultural influences. It’s geographically and ethnically diverse, with dishes that blend indigenous traditions with European, African, and even Asian touches.

We all know classics like tacos, ceviche, empanadas de carne, or arepas, but there are tons of underrated dishes that deserve just as much attention. Latin American cuisine has so much more to offer and that’s why today we’ll share with you what you’re missing!

Latin American Unusual Dishes that Are Worth Discovering

Montadito de Tostones

Tostones (fried green plantains) are super common in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela, and well-known globally. However, they are less commonly known as “montaditos” (meaning topped or stacked), that is, serving them as a base for an open-faced sandwich-style dish.

Tostones can be topped with various ingredients and, thus, turned into an irresistible layered appetizer.

Eclipse’s Version: Open-face tostones, sautéed picanha, avocado cilantro aioli, spring mix, tomatoes.

Ensalada de Remolacha

Remolachas (beets) are widely used in Latin American salads, especially in Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. This beet salad often combines tender, roasted or boiled beets with hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, orange segments, and/or avocado, all brought together with a tangy vinaigrette or a touch of lime juice. Some versions even add goat cheese for extra creaminess.

The earthy sweetness of the beets incredibly contrasts with citrusy and savory elements, making it a colorful and flavorful addition to any Latin American meal.

Eclipse’s Version: Roasted beets, homemade goat cheese, ricotta cheese, Frisée, mandarin oranges, toasted pistachios, and red wine vinaigrette.

Mollete

While molletes are common in Mexico, they’re not as widely known outside Latin America, especially with unique toppings.

This dish features a halved, toasted bread roll (traditionally a bolillo) spread with black bean purée and topped with melted cheese and pico de gallo. Some interesting versions add a twist by incorporating ingredients such as fried egg or avocado. This variation that goes beyond the standard preparation transforms a simple breakfast staple into a satisfying meal with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.

Eclipse’s Version: Black bean purée, fried egg, crumbled chorizo, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, Cotija cheese, warm focaccia bread.

Queso Frito con Miel

Queso frito (fried cheese) is common in Caribbean Latin America (like the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico) and parts of Central America (Nicaragua, El Salvador), often served as a side or appetizer.

A great variation of this dish is pairing the classic crispy, golden-brown fried cheese with a drizzle of honey, a surprisingly sweet counterpoint. This results in a rich, slightly salty combination that balances creamy and crispy textures beautifully!

Eclipse’s Version: Fried goat cheese with a honey drizzle and caramelized onions.

Empanada Vegetariana

Undoubtedly, empanadas are a beloved Latin American classic, and this vegetarian version brings all the flavor without the meat! A golden pastry filled with a mix of sautéed vegetables, black beans, melted cheese, and a hint of spice, empanada vegetariana is a delicious alternative to traditional meat-filled empanadas.

Popular fillings include mushrooms, spinach, corn, and queso (depending on the region). Whether baked or fried, this small hand pie is packed with Latin American flavors.

Eclipse’s Version: Fresh corn and black bean empanada, Tetilla cheese, cilantro crema.

Other Hidden Gems of Latin American Cuisine You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

These are other lesser-known Latin American dishes that you should try as well:

• Encebollado (Ecuador): A quintessential Ecuadorian hangover cure and breakfast staple. This comforting fish soup originates from the coastal regions and combines albacore tuna with yuca (cassava) in a rich broth dominated by red onions, typically garnished with cilantro, lime, and sometimes corn nuts. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a fascinating culinary discovery!
• Domplines (Dominican Republic, Cuba): These are boiled or fried dumplings made from basic flour dough, typically served alongside stews or with fried meats. They perfectly showcase how to transform a few ingredients into a satisfying dish.
• Tapado (Guatemala, Honduras): This is a Caribbean coastal stew that brilliantly combines seafood with tropical ingredients. The coconut-based broth incorporates various seafood and plantains, which creates a complex dish that reflects the multicultural influences of Guatemala and Honduras’s Caribbean regions.
• Patasca (Bolivia, Peru): A traditional Andean soup deeply rooted in indigenous cuisine. Patasca is made with hominy and typically slow-cooked beef, pork, or lamb, often prepared for communal gatherings.
• Vigorón (Nicaragua): A beloved Nicaraguan street food that combines unlikely ingredients: crispy yuca, crunchy pork rinds, and a tangy cabbage salad, all served on a banana leaf!
• Funchi (Aruba, Curaçao): Similar to polenta but with a Caribbean twist, funchi is a cornmeal-based side dish often served alongside stewed meats or seafood that are a staple in the Dutch Caribbean. It represents the fusion of African, European, and Indigenous Caribbean cooking traditions.
• Quimbolitos (Ecuador): These are sweet steamed cakes made with a mixture of flour, eggs, and cheese, individually wrapped in achira leaves (a local plant leaf), which impart a subtle, distinctive flavor during steaming.
• Riguas (El Salvador) These fresh corn pancakes are grilled inside banana leaves often served with local cheese.

Underrated Dishes in Latin American Cuisine that Deserve More Attention

It’s clear that Latin American food is so much more than the big-name dishes everyone already knows. The culinary gems we’ve explored prove that Latin American cuisine is full of surprises and offers a whole world of flavors waiting to be explored.

At Eclipse di Luna, we strive to offer our customers in Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta a good glimpse of exquisite Latin American cuisine with interesting twists. So next time you’re craving something different, skip the usual tacos and empanadas, and discover the hidden flavors of Latin America with us!