Before they were Jama Benn Jama in Hialeah Gardens, they were Benni Jama when I first heard about them in late Summer 2019. My main takeaway from them initially was BBQ with a Miami street food vibe.
The closest comparison I could come to is El Palacio de los Jugos which was once a very only Miami kinda spot. However, once El Palacio expanded, it became a slightly watered-down version of what made them unique on the corner of Flagler & 57th Avenue.
Getting back to Jama Benn Jama, it’s the laidback setting with eclectic surroundings featuring Cuban art that will first grab you when you arrive.
The original menu was extensive but has since been scaled down to a Cuban comfort food greatest hits with ‘que thrown in for good measure. The food selection at Jama Benn Jama’s makes sense to fans of the legendary Koky’s Barbecue Ranch.
Jama Benn Jama Menu
Marcela and I sat by the smoker for lunch on a perfect Miami afternoon. The following day, I returned with my parents, who thoroughly enjoyed everything about Jama Benn Jama.
Jama Benn Appetizers
The chicharrones are a great starter if you’d like to have something to pick from throughout your entire meal; I know I did. But, the housemade ham croquetas are the true stars, so damn tasty.
The El Cubiche and La Yuma appetizer platters are perfect for sharing; if that’s your thing. Both are very rustic, which excited me immensely.
A Mean Pan con Lechon
My family are sandwich people. They always gravitate to a Pan con Bistec or a well-made Pan con Lechon at Cuban spots.
Both my folks ate the Pan con Lechon and were raving about it the entire time. After one bite of my dad’s sando, three of us were on Team Pan con Lechon.
Jama Benn Jama does not skimp out en los ingredientes (with the ingredients), as my pops would say.
Palomilla Steak was 🔥
The day before, Marcela had a similar experience with her Palomilla (steak). The marinated steak was super tender.
It came with a hefty portion of white rice, black beans, and tostones. The steak just needed more of those grilled onions to make it perfect.
I ate the falda (beef brisket) with moros and tostones. While not as tender as I imagined it’d be, all the flavor packed into this fella made up for it.
Jama Benn Jama’s name came up when trying to figure out where to cater a recent meal for the family. Of course, I remembered those delicious moros and the pork from the Pan con Lechon sandwich.
One of the days, I realized there were housemade garlic mashed potatoes. So this baby rounded out our catering order for the fam.
We could have easily left happy, but there’s flan on the menu, the one dessert I can’t resist. I’m not a Flan de Coco, but damn if that isn’t the best Flan de Coco I’ve ever eaten.
Here’s a very short video of the flans, in case you couldn’t get enough of the two pictures.
Jama Benn Jama
10000 NW 138th Street
Hialeah Gardens
(888) 236-5262
Website – https://jamabennjama.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jamabennjama
Monday 7 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 7 am – 8 pm
Wednesday 7 am – 8 pm
Thursday 7 am – 10 pm
Friday 7 am – 10 pm
Saturday 8 am – 10 pm
Sunday 8 am – 10 pm