On Monday, Cuban content creator Gaby, known as "La Pitón" on TikTok, captured a moment that resonates with many fellow Cubans: her first-ever taste of a Burger King hamburger while visiting the Dominican Republic.
In a brief 56-second video shared on her @ladelapiton account, Gaby showcases the fries and burger she ordered. Upon taking her first bite, she humorously exclaims with a mix of surprise and Cuban flair, "In the name of the father, it's bad, no."
Her reaction quickly struck a chord with her audience, amassing 32,500 views, 1,765 likes, and 43 comments in under 24 hours. These figures highlight how such content resonates with Cubans both on and off the island.
The @ladelapiton account is well-known for its family-oriented humor, particularly featuring the antics of Gaby's mother, affectionately called "Mamá Pitón." Other videos on the channel have garnered over 163,500 likes on the platform.
The Significance of Fast Food for Cubans
This moment captured by Gaby is significant as Burger King, like other major international fast-food chains, does not operate in Cuba. Hence, visiting one of these outlets becomes a noteworthy event for many Cubans traveling or emigrating abroad.
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a popular destination for Cubans in recent years. In 2025 alone, over 100,000 Cubans traveled there, with a record 19,500 trips occurring in June, according to migration statistics.
Burger King has been active in the Caribbean nation since 1994, with 35 locations spread across cities such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata.
Viral Content and Cuban Migration
The phenomenon of Cubans encountering fast-food chains for the first time has sparked a wave of viral videos on TikTok. In July 2024, Cuban TikToker Daniela, from the account @siempre.ellaxo, shared a clip of her family, newly arrived in the United States, trying fast food for the first time—eliciting similar reactions of amazement to everyday items familiar elsewhere.
Moreover, Cubans constitute the largest foreign community obtaining naturalization in the Dominican Republic over the past five years, with 309 out of 2,302 naturalizations from 2019 to 2024, as per official Dominican statistics. Between 2018 and 2025, the nation granted legal residency to over 14,600 Cuban nationals.
At the end of her video, Gaby inspects the chicken piece and humorously remarks, "But look at this chicken breast," summarizing her unique experience.
Understanding Cuban Travel Trends and Fast Food Experiences
Why is trying fast food abroad significant for Cubans?
Fast food chains like Burger King do not operate in Cuba, making the experience of trying such food abroad a memorable event for many Cubans who travel or migrate.
What has contributed to the increase in Cuban travel to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic has become a favored destination due to its proximity and the relative ease of travel for Cubans, leading to more than 100,000 Cubans visiting in 2025 alone.
How have Cuban influencers used social media to share their experiences abroad?
Cuban influencers like Gaby and Daniela use platforms like TikTok to document and share their first encounters with fast food chains, garnering significant engagement through relatable and entertaining content.