Tostada

The term "tostada" means "toasted" in Spanish and appears in various traditional dishes across Hispanic American countries. Each region offers its own rendition of what a tostada is, yet they all share a common theme: an element of toasting or toasted ingredients.

In Cuba, a tostada consists of a slice of handmade Cuban bread that is buttered, cut lengthwise, and pressed. This bread is reminiscent of French or Italian bread. Typically, Cubans enjoy it for breakfast alongside a cup of café con leche.

In the Mariana Islands, which bear the historical influence of Spain, there exists a distinctive dish called "tostada de agua." This dish features a fried tortilla topped with seaweed, peppers, and meat. The unique twist is that the tortilla is briefly dunked in seawater before cooking and then garnished with cheese.

In Puerto Rico, their version of a tostada closely resembles the Cuban one but employs a different type of bread known as "pan de agua" akin to a baguette. This is commonly served with Swiss cheese. Additionally, in Puerto Rico, the term "tostada" can also refer to a toasted slice of pre-sliced bread or a local variation of French toast that is especially popular during Easter.