Apululu Latin Street Food: A Love Letter to Cuban Flavors in St. Pete

There are places that serve food, and then there are places that tell a story with every dish. Apululu Latin Street Food is the latter, a truly outstanding culinary experience where Cuban, Mexican, and Latin American flavors fuse together in a beautiful dance of tradition and creativity.

Nestled in the heart of Foodie Labs St. Pete, this hidden gem is more than just a restaurant. It’s a celebration of culture, art, and resilience, brought to life by Cuban couple Raciel and Taimi.

The Heart Behind the Food

From the moment you step into Apululu Latin Street Food, you can feel the passion behind every detail. Raciel, both chef and artist, brings his creativity not just to the plates but also to the walls, his artwork adorning the space, mirroring the vibrant energy of the food. Taimi, on the other hand, is a true warrior, having triumphed over cancer and heart transplants, she infuses every dish with love, precision, and a warmth that makes you feel at home.

Their mission? To honor their roots while elevating traditional Cuban flavors in a way that’s bold, exciting, and deeply personal.

The Food: A Feast for the Senses

Our dining experience at Apululu was nothing short of extraordinary. We started with:

Tostones topped with ropa vieja & Calabria chili sauce (featuring Serious Foodies’ bold flavors) – a crispy, savory bite of heaven!

A fresh berry & cucumber salad to cleanse the palate before diving into the main courses.

A showstopping chicken and pork paella, ultra rich, aromatic, and soaked with beer (which I got to pour over the dish myself). The depth of flavor in every bite was unreal.

Ropa vieja, served with congrí and maduros was the ultimate Cuban comfort food, made with a rich, saucy depth that felt like a hug from abuela.

Burnt cheesecake covered in guava sauce, for a sweet, tangy, and creamy finale to a perfect meal.

Each dish was thoughtfully crafted, beautifully plated, and full of bold, nostalgic, Latin-American culture and flavors.

Beyond the Bistro: A Culinary Art Experience

What truly sets Apululu apart is their ability to turn dining into an art form. While their fast-casual menu includes delicious burritos and bowls, their catering and large-format dishes are where their artistry shines.

I had the pleasure of working with Apululu’s catering arm, Cooking With Love Catering, for a private event for my client Taste Testers St. Pete, and they created the most stunning display of tapas-style dishes—elevated with fresh florals, tropical fruits, and even dry ice for a dramatic smoke effect! It was an immersive, unforgettable culinary experience, proving that their passion for food extends beyond the restaurant.

Why Apululu is a Must-Visit

As a Cuban American gal who loves her St. Pete community, finding a place that honors nuestra cultura in such an authentic and elevated way fills my heart with gratitude. Apululu is not just a place to eat, it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and experience the beauty of Latin cuisine in a way that’s both deeply rooted and refreshingly innovative.

So whether you’re craving a quick, flavor-packed bite or looking to elevate your next event with show-stopping catering, Apululu Latin Street Food is a name to remember.

📍 Apululu Latin Street Food @ Foodie Labs St. Pete! Where Latin flavors meet artistry, right here in the heart of St. Pete.

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