Tiktoker Sparks Debate with Her Cuban Daily Diet: "I Enjoy Chicken Skin's Fatty Flavor"

Content creator Yuyudecuba has stirred up a lively discussion on TikTok with a video showcasing her daily meals in Cuba. The video has sparked thousands of reactions and ignited a debate among her followers. In the recording, the influencer outlines her daily eating habits while responding to criticism over her cooking choices.

In the video, @yuyudecuba kicks off her day with a coffee, which she describes as a "household staple," and prepares toasted bread with cheese croquettes purchased from a street vendor who roams her neighborhood on a scooter. By midday, she explains that she skipped lunch because she woke up late, but she cooked a pea stew to have for dinner. In the evening, she completes her meal with chicken in sauce, white rice, and ripe plantains. "I know many people don't like using chicken skin, but I do because the fat adds flavor, and in my house, we like it that way," she remarks as she showcases the finished dish.

The video prompted a flood of comments. Some users supported her lifestyle and her honesty in sharing her daily routine. One follower remarked, "I'm from Camagüey, and my grandmother, who raised me, always adds pumpkin and taro to red beans," pointing out how her culinary habits align with those of the influencer. Another added, "Everyone cooks how they want and with what they have. The important thing is to be grateful for what you eat and keep moving forward."

However, others criticized her content, arguing that it doesn't reflect the reality many Cubans face. One user stated, "That's not true; in Cuba, we're struggling with food shortages, and groceries are scarce and expensive," while another questioned, "What world is this woman living in? There's no garlic or onion, let alone everything she mentions. The reality is different."

Moreover, some took the opportunity to reflect on cultural differences in cooking. A user from the Dominican Republic shared, "In my country, beans are made with pumpkin, and everyone cooks with what they have," while another from Puerto Rico commented, "We also add pumpkin here, but to get that yellow color we love."

Among the messages of support, one user wrote, "You're a warrior. The important thing is that your family eats. Don't let negative comments get to you," while another affirmed, "People, in Cuba, you cook with what you have, don't criticize. Every chef has their own way."

Despite the ongoing criticisms, Yuyudecuba's video not only sparked a conversation about recipes but also reflected the realities and inequalities Cuban families face. One user reflected, "Folks, you have to be creative to survive in Cuba. You cook with what you can, not with what you want," while another highlighted, "Every culture has its way of cooking, but in Cuba, it's about adapting and making do with what's available."

Days after this video and others, Yuyudecuba responded to a comment questioning her view of Cuban reality, stating, "I don't know if you're Cuban or not, but in Cuba, there's everything, my dear. There's garlic and onion, there's pepper, there's whatever you want, but you have to find the money." This message sparked another wave of opinions, further dividing her followers.

Despite the backlash, some followers appreciated Yuyudecuba's authenticity. One user commented, "People criticize too much. You keep sharing your recipes; you inspire many," while another added, "I also add pumpkin, taro, and whatever I have at home. You have to adapt and be creative."