The Cuban hamburger made with a thin beef patty is called the frita, or frita Cubana.
A frita is a Cuban street-food sandwich traditionally made with a seasoned beef patty served on a soft bun. Common toppings include shoestring potatoes, onions, and a spiced tomato-based sauce. The flavor profile is more heavily seasoned than that of a basic American hamburger.
The frita developed in Cuba and became especially associated with Havana. Cuban immigrants later helped establish frita traditions in Miami, where the sandwich became part of the city’s Cuban-American food culture.
Recipes differ between vendors. Some versions use a mixture of beef and pork, while others use beef alone. The term should not be confused with a generic fried hamburger: “frita” identifies this specifically Cuban preparation and its characteristic toppings.