Ropa Vieja is the national dish of Cuba and is globally known as a Cuban dish. However, it actually first originated in Spain. This dish is made in almost every Latin American country, each with its own variation.
In Spanish, “ropa vieja” means old clothes. Experts speculate that the name comes from the fact that this dish was originally made with leftover food. Only after many decades, it became a well-known delicacy.
The real question should be “What is the best meat for Ropa Vieja?” I highly recommend flank or chuck. Both of these give excellent flavor and texture, and they pull apart nicely.