Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing at Universal Orlando Resort, and this year the celebration is more flavorful than ever. From September 15 through October 15, chefs across the resort are paying tribute to Hispanic and Latino cultures with a lineup of dishes and drinks that honor family traditions, cherished recipes, and regional favorites from across Latin America.
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A Trio with Heart at Mythos
At Islands of Adventure, Mythos Restaurant is showcasing the Latin Flair Trio, crafted by Puerto Rican sous chef Jessica Maldonado. Inspired by her family’s cooking, the dish combines a Venezuelan cachapa with white cheese and cilantro sauce, an Argentinian-style seared beef with chimichurri, and a Puerto Rican mofongo with pork belly, plantain chips, salsa rosada, and a crisp jicama slaw. For Maldonado, it’s more than food—it’s family. “When I cook, I cook like it’s for my family,” she says.
A Peruvian Classic at Lombard’s
Over at Universal Studios Florida, Chef Jose Acosta Yalta is sharing a taste of home with Lomo Saltado, Peru’s iconic stir fry of steak, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, served with fries, rice, and corn. The dish is deeply personal for Yalta, who recalls his grandmother making it to celebrate his achievements. “It has to be the recipe that means so much to me and my family,” he explains, making this offering a true full-circle moment.
Drinks with a Twist
No feast is complete without a toast, and Universal’s beverage team is mixing up cocktails inspired by flavors across Latin America:
- Batida (Confisco Grille) – A Brazilian blend of cachaça, passion fruit syrup, and coconut cream, dusted with nutmeg.
- Mango Revolución (Antojitos & Café La Bamba) – A Mexican-inspired cocktail with añejo rum, mango syrup, chamoy, and a Tajín rim.
- Sangrita (Antojitos) – A bold mix of tequila, blackberry brandy, merlot, lime juice, and agave.
- Pitorro Painkiller (CelesTiki at Epic Universe) – A Puerto Rican twist on the classic Painkiller, with pineapple, orange, coconut cream, and a blood orange garnish.
Even More to Savor
The celebration stretches across the resort with unique dishes and desserts:
- Peruvian Duck (Finnegan’s, USF) – Confit duck with yuca cake and Peruvian cream sauce.
- Squash Blossom Quesadilla (Antojitos, CityWalk) – Roasted poblano, mushroom, and Oaxaca cheese.
- Caribbean Tripleta (The Cowfish, CityWalk) – Rolled plantain filled with carnitas, chicken, and chorizo.
- Triple Play “Tripleta” (NBC Sports Grill & Brew, CityWalk) – A stacked sandwich of turkey, pork, ribeye, and potato sticks.
- Flan de Queso (Voodoo Doughnut, CityWalk) – A Bavarian cheese flan-filled doughnut topped with caramel icing.
- Island Patacon (Volcano Bay) – A crispy plantain topped with roasted pork pernil, mango salsa, and queso fresco.
Related: Aerial Photos of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Orlando
A Celebration Beyond the Plate
These offerings aren’t just about eating well—they’re about honoring heritage, sharing stories, and creating community. From the chefs who grew up with these recipes to the guests who will taste them for the first time, Universal’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is a reminder that food is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate culture.
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