A young Cuban woman living in Uruguay shared a video on her TikTok account, @maliallovetg, where she expressed surprise at finding some dishes she used to reject in Cuba, albeit with variations or more "elegant" names. "Who would have told me that after so many years living in Cuba and turning my nose up at bread with oil and garlic, I would end up having it for breakfast here, just under a different name," says Malia Llovet at the beginning of the video. She talks about how in Uruguay, similar dishes are presented as "little snacks" or fancy breakfasts.
Her video has garnered numerous reactions from users on the network. One commented, "The recipes came from there," while another added, "Rice and egg until death do us part hahaha and I live where the beef is among the best in the world."
A Venezuelan follower identified with her experience, saying, "Hahaha I died, I'm Venezuelan, and I confirm." Others highlighted that in Venezuela they also eat a lot of garlic bread as a side dish, while in Spain, bread with garlic, oil, and rubbed tomato is consumed for dinner or breakfast.
"Did anyone explain to you that garlic bread is a traditional food of the Jewish people, especially Orthodox Jews? Now in Uruguay, it's become popular and consumed by anyone," noted another user. "In Italy, eating bread with olive oil is the most normal thing. During Franco's Spain, Spaniards did the same but added garlic out of necessity due to blockades," mentioned others.
"It's not the same eating it because you want to, as opposed to it being the only thing available," added another, alluding to the consumption of bread with oil on the island.
Malia, for her part, responded to several of these comments, adding her touch of humor or gratitude for her followers' diverse perspectives and sarcasm toward criticisms or negative comments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Dishes in Uruguay
Below are some common questions and answers regarding the cultural exchange of culinary practices between Cuba and Uruguay, as highlighted by Malia Llovet's experience.
Is garlic bread a traditional food in Cuba?
Garlic bread is not traditionally Cuban, but bread with oil and garlic is commonly eaten out of necessity. It is more associated with various global cuisines.
How do culinary practices in Uruguay differ from those in Cuba?
In Uruguay, similar dishes might have more "elegant" names and are consumed as part of a wider variety of foods. The presentation and context of meals can differ significantly.