Culture and Flavor Remain in the East Valley: Millie’s Café Puerto Rican Cuisine

Millie’s Jiberito Sandwich

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Every restaurant has a story to tell. There are people who dream of running their own restaurant, and then there are those who receive the opportunity in their hands. 

For Alexandra Figueroa and her family, their journey began selling whole-sale desserts on the weekends. The Puerto Rican family received great support from the community, which opened the door for turning this weekend business to an all-day restaurant.

Thus, Millie’s Puerto Rican Café was created in Chandler. The family-operated eatery has been feeding food lovers for five years. Maria Milagros – also known as “Millie – is the Latina behind the kitchen, her daughter Alexandra directs the business and finally, her husband also assists with the eatery.

Every meal is served with rice and beans. And while it may sound very similar to Mexican dishes, these are different because they include plantains instead of tortillas.

“Your traditional plate would be rice, beans or lentils and some sort of meat or poultry,” Alexandra said.

The menu is loaded with traditional plates that are hand-made each day by Milagros. 

A dish that is unique and too delicious to miss is the Jibarito Sandwich. This entrée is not your typical sandwich. In fact, it’s used with platain instead of bread. Inside you’ll find meat and salad with a special sauce that’ll leave you asking for more.

Another sandwich that is also a must-try is their Cuban Sandwich. Even though the entrée is popular in Cuba, it is also a hit in Puerto Rico.

Cuban Sandwich

“It’s like the Cuban Sandwich but made the Puerto Rican way,” Alexandra explains. “If you ever go to Puerto Rico and you go into a restaurant or bakery, you’ll always find a Cuban Sandwich.”

If you want to try the best-selling dish at Millie’s Café Puerto Rican Cuisine, then the Arroz con Gandules and Roasted Pork is the way to go.

“This plate is traditional in Puerto Rico around Christmas time,” she said. “However, we have Christmas here all year long.”

And with each visit, it’s almost an unspoken rule to order platanos dipped in a sauce made up of garlic, mayonnaise and ketchup.

There is a wide variety of one-of-a-kind entrées to try. Make sure to make your way to Millie’s on an empty stomach, as you will be greeted by family and will be able to taste the true culture of Puerto Rico.

But before you leave, try the dessert. Their pastries are sweet, fulfilling and some of them come in small cups to go. In just the right size, you will experience the popular pastries all made in the exact same kitchen where the restaurant took its first steps.