Kissimmee’s Latin Food Fiesta!

By Susan & Simon Veness

When it comes to dining out in the Orlando area, there is an absolutely dazzling array of choice. The variety and quality on offer run the gamut from traditional American favourites to Michelin-rated international cuisines from far and wide. But there is one over-riding flavour that is prevalent wherever you go, especially in Kissimmee.

Step forward the Latin Culinary Trail, which is now recognised in fully 40 dining destinations throughout Osceola County, showcasing the vibrant Hispanic and Latino heritage of the area in a series of restaurants, cafes, food trucks and bars that add up to a comprehensive flavour fiesta guaranteed to appeal to our visitors.

Originally created with the help of American travel company Atlas Obscura in October 2025, this visionary partnership with the Experience Kissimmee travel bureau has just been expanded to double the number of Latin food outlets highlighted by this impressive collaboration. And, for those who like to seek out the genuine tastes and experiences of their holiday destination, it represents a great opportunity to enjoy a true dining delight.

How it started

It probably won’t surprise any of our regular UK visitors to know that Central Florida is home to numerous cultural touch-points from South and Central America, as well as the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. The Sunshine State’s proximity to the likes of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela has made it a two-way street since the 1880s.

And, in current times, that means you are never far away from a real dining adventure that you will struggle to find in the UK, one that has continued to evolve in recent years. DT Minich, the president of the Kissimmee tourist organisation, explained: “With more than 55 per cent of Osceola County identifying as Hispanic or Latino, our community’s culture and cuisine are central to the Kissimmee experience. Partnering with Atlas Obscura allows us to shine a spotlight on these traditions, showcasing hidden gems and culinary destinations that tell a larger story.”

That’s where the Latin Culinary Trail fits in. Having launched last year with 20 carefully curated restaurants and food venues representing countries such as Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, as well as the US territory of Puerto Rico, it offers travellers and residents alike a deeper understanding of the people, traditions and, especially, the flavours that have shaped Central Florida’s rich food landscape for more than 100 years.

Now with 40 locations, all were selected based on their ability to tell a bigger story through the food they offer, whether highlighting under-represented communities, using local resources in unique ways, or revealing hidden culinary gems with fascinating histories.

Get your tastebuds ready!

While we have yet to sample all of them, we can definitely attest to having taste-tested a good number of them, notably at the World Food Trucks venue on Highway 192 (opposite the Old Town shopping and dining centre), which Debbie’s Villas featured back in February. There are several new restaurants in Kissimmee’s fab 40, as well as a number that have been around almost as long as we’ve been here (which is now 32 years, and counting!).

Some of the real highlights include:

Food Trucks Heaven - Another vibrant food truck park on the 192, with 50 regular trucks offering a huge variety of international and Latin-inspired cuisines, notably Blessed Belly (Dominican and Mexican specialities), La Ruta Pupuseria (Salvadoran cuisine) and La Parada (for tastes of Venezuela).

Susana’s Cafe - Housed in a charming historic downtown Kissimmee home, this café serves dishes from across Latin America in a cosy indoor and outdoor setting.

El Cilantrillo – This family-owned restaurant is known for its authentic Puerto Rican dishes and generous portions, perfect for sharing.

La Mexicana Restaurant - A women-owned Mexican restaurant and grocery store serving classic cuisine in a welcoming environment for food enthusiasts.

Perico Ripiao Latin Food - Another locally-owned and operated Caribbean restaurant offering a wide variety of delicious dishes of classic Dominican food.

Sabor Brazil – Storefront eatery offering natural and organic ingredients, as well as groceries.

Pa’ Paraguana – A wonderland of Venezuelan empanadas with more than 59 varieties on offer.

Daddy Ninja – Sushi bar imaginatively remixed with flavours and ingredients of the Dominican Republic.

Sajoma Latin Fushion – A pan-Latin restaurant serving inventive cocktails and traditional dishes with a modern twist.

Chimiking Restaurant – A casual Latin American-run diner serving a mixture of flavours from Dominican and Puerto Rican cuisine.

Take a chance on these cultural tales

The stories highlighted on the Culinary Trail also celebrate the individuals who bring Kissimmee’s rich culinary and cultural heritage to life, creating memorable experiences through food and tradition. One such destination is Susana’s Café, a charming downtown spot located in a beautifully preserved 100-year-old Craftsman home. Celebrated for bringing Costa Rican coffee culture to the city, the café serves artisanal coffee brewed with traditional methods alongside a tempting array of Latin dishes.

“Opening Susana’s Café was about more than serving food and coffee,” said owner Susana Martinez. “It was about preserving a piece of Kissimmee history and sharing the richness of Latin flavours with our community. We do everything with love – every cup, every dish is made to slow down, savour and celebrate the culture we cherish.”

Okay, we hear what some of you might be thinking. You might feel that you need to speak Spanish to feel comfortable visiting any of this delicious Latino smorgasbord, but our experiences suggest you will be just as welcome as the bi-lingual locals, especially if you remember the occasional por favor and gracias. And the food is just drop-dead gorgeous, so, there’s that! Even if you only try a Cortadito (a classic Cuban coffee), an empanada or tamale, you will be getting an authentic experience, while the full menus of places like El Cilantrillo and La Mexicana are a real exploration of Latin cuisine.

Now take the Trail

In addition to the interactive map featuring 40 businesses, the Latin Culinary Trail offers extended content that brings each location’s food, history and cultural significance to life. Audiences can explore recipes like the delicious chicken and avocado concoction Reina Pepiada, the Venezuelan “Curvy Queen,” along with a Culinary Innovators series featuring stories such as How La Mexicana Became a Kissimmee Institution. Additional content, including videos like The Story Behind Kissimmee’s Most Flavourful Food Truck, provides an even deeper look into the area’s vibrant food culture.

As Louise Story, chief executive officer of Atlas Obscura, said: “Food has the power to tell stories that go beyond the plate. Through this partnership with Experience Kissimmee, we enjoyed uncovering these hidden gems and are excited to highlight these restaurants and culinary experiences that reveal the rich history, culture and creativity of the Hispanic and Latino communities. These small businesses are the heartbeat of the city, and the Latin Culinary Trail is simply not to be missed.”

Or, as we like say, “Buen provecho!”

Simon and Susan Veness are Orlando-based travel experts and guidebook authors writing exclusively for Debbie’s Villas.