HOUSTON – August is National Sandwich Month, which feels like the perfect excuse to talk about one of Houston’s favorite foods — and a new spot putting its own spin on a pressed classic.
From pop-ups to a brand-new restaurant
Yuma was founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife duo Chef Mike Hartley and Miriam Leek-Meira, starting as Brazilian and Cuban sandwich pop-ups.
The pair first met about six years ago while working at Brasserie 19, with Hartley in the kitchen and Leek-Meira at the front of house.
They later launched MMH Provisions, selling homemade artisan breads, sauces, pickled goods, and pasta at farmers markets — and those markets helped kick off their next chapter: reimagining the traditional pressed Cubano as a canvas for flavors inspired by Brazil.
In June 2026, Yuma opened its first brick-and-mortar on Washington Ave and continues to share its cultural flavors.
The Cubano: simple ingredients, big payoff
Leek-Meiras stopped by “Houston Life” and shared how Yuma builds its Classic Cubano.
- Roasted pork
- Ham
- Gruyère
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Cuban bread (baked in-house)
Quick tip: No Cuban bread? Use a baguette or bolillo for a similar crunch and structure. You can also buy the Cuban bread at Yuma.
Wanna learn how to assemble the Cubano? Watch the video. She teaches the hosts how to make the El Pescado, too.
A deal for Houston Life viewers to celebrate National Sandwich Month
Mention the code phrase “I LEARNED ABOUT Y’ALL ON HOUSTON LIFE!” to get 10% off, valid through Aug. 31.
To see Yuma’s complete menu, visit eatyuma.com.