Eduardo Guevara, a renowned Cuban baker and chef famous for his Facebook page "Sabores de mi tierra Cuba," recently sampled a guava and cheese pizza for the first time in Denver, Colorado. The experience left him so intrigued that he posed a question to his followers.
"It's available, but I'm unsure if people will like it. Let me know if you want me to add the guava and cheese pizza to the menu," Guevara stated. He admitted that although he had frequently seen this recipe circulating on social media, he had never actually tried it before.
While observing his patrons savor the unique dish, Guevara remarked, "I've had this idea in my mind for a while because I've seen it online, this guava pizza." Joining him were several Cubans from Pinar del Río, Havana, and Camagüey, though only the latter group was familiar with this distinctive version. They all agreed that the guava and cheese combo tasted fantastic.
The Guava and Cheese Tradition
This blend of guava and cheese is not unfamiliar to Cuban taste buds. In Cuba, guava and cheese pastries are iconic treats, available in bakeries and cafes for decades. These ingredients also feature in flans, guava shells in syrup, and other traditional desserts. However, the pizza format for this combination is entirely new to Cuba.
In contrast, in Brazil, the guava and cheese pairing is known as "Romeu e Julieta" and is a well-established national dessert. Its sweet pizza version, featuring guava paste and mozzarella or Minas cheese, is among the country's most popular pizzas and is part of a broader culture of sweet pizzas, which is quite foreign to Cuban culinary traditions.
Eduardo Guevara: A Cuban Culinary Icon in the U.S.
Having settled in Denver years ago, Guevara has become a notable figure in the Cuban culinary scene abroad, combining humor with traditional recipes. One of his most memorable endeavors was a culinary challenge he launched in May 2025: eat an entire tray of Cuban food in 10 minutes for a $200 cash prize, a feat that remains unbeaten by any customer.
Guevara gained widespread attention in January 2024 when he began selling Cuban-style "pan de la bodega" bread, made with all the authentic ingredients. "Here in the U.S., we don’t skimp on oil, sugar, or flour," he explained at the time, directly referencing the shortages and cutbacks faced by bakeries in Cuba.
Exploring Cuban Culinary Innovations
What is the guava and cheese combination?
The guava and cheese combination is a popular pairing in Cuban cuisine, often found in pastries and desserts. It combines the sweetness of guava with the savory flavor of cheese.
Why is guava and cheese pizza new to Cuba?
While guava and cheese are common in various Cuban desserts, the pizza format is a novel concept for Cuban cuisine, which traditionally does not include sweet pizzas.
How has Eduardo Guevara contributed to Cuban cuisine in the U.S.?
Eduardo Guevara has become a prominent figure in the Cuban culinary diaspora, known for his humorous approach and authentic recipes, including challenges and traditional Cuban bread.