A Cuban woman residing on the island has sparked a heated discussion on social media after sharing a TikTok video revealing the cost of her Valentine's Day meal in Cienfuegos. The post highlights the challenging economic conditions in Cuba, drawing reactions of shock, criticism, and comparisons with other parts of the world.
The content creator, known on TikTok as @yuyudecuba, recounted her visit to a once-favorite restaurant, where she noticed a decline in service quality and menu variety. Despite these changes, she chose to dine there with her husband and mother, ordering dishes like arroz congrí, cucumber and cabbage salad, pork steak, yuca with mojo, and spaghetti. While she found the steak flavorful, the spaghetti did not meet her expectations, although her mother enjoyed it. The meal totaled 4,350 Cuban pesos (CUP).
Following their meal, they visited an ice cream parlor that the TikToker described as having more reasonable prices and a diverse menu. They ordered a flan with two scoops of ice cream and a Malta drink, costing them an additional 1,890 CUP, bringing their total expenditure to 6,240 CUP for the outing.
The video elicited strong reactions from TikTok users, who questioned the high cost of the outing and the meal's quality. Some comments criticized the steep prices, pointing out that such an amount could cover several days or even months of grocery shopping in other countries. Others remarked that the food seemed basic, akin to homemade dishes without significant expense. Several users noted the lack of meat in the menu, commenting that it seemed reliant on mortadella and substitute products. There were also questions about how ice cream parlors operate amid the island's frequent blackouts, to which the TikToker responded that they manage with electric generators.
This video joins a series of recent complaints about the high cost of living in Cuba. Just days earlier, another Cuban woman in Matanzas shared on TikTok how little she could purchase with 16,000 CUP. Even Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa has acknowledged that surviving on a 6,000 CUP salary is unfeasible due to inflation and the ongoing economic crisis.
The worsening economic situation in Cuba, compounded by product shortages and persistent power outages, has fueled a growing wave of discontent on social media. More Cubans are voicing their challenges, sharing their experiences, and denouncing the daily struggles they face.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What did the Cuban woman’s Valentine's Day meal cost?
The total cost of the meal, including a visit to an ice cream parlor, was 6,240 Cuban pesos (CUP).
How did TikTok users react to the video?
TikTok users reacted with shock and criticism, questioning the high cost of the outing and comparing it to living expenses in other countries.
What challenges are Cubans facing economically?
Cubans are dealing with inflation, a high cost of living, product shortages, and constant power outages, which add to their daily struggles.