“With the intense heat, we craved some ice cream and headed to Coppelia,” begins a Cuban woman in a TikTok video, detailing her recent visit to the famous Coppelia ice cream parlor located in Havana's Vedado neighborhood. What seemed like it would be a refreshing treat turned into a disappointing experience filled with complaints about the service.
In the footage shared on the @zol.arias account, the user shows the menu featuring prices and available flavors, only to reveal that upon entering, they found just one flavor: orange. "We were misled because there was only one flavor inside. It was orange, and the ice cream arrived melted, with just three little cookies. Supposedly, there were three scoops, but they came watery. The bill was 300 Cuban pesos,” she explained.
The video has sparked reactions among social media users, many of whom acknowledge having similar experiences at the iconic ice cream parlor, a symbol of the Cuban capital since its establishment in the 1960s. Besides the state of the ice cream and the lack of variety in flavors, customers were outraged by the 300 Cuban peso charge for a service that did not match the menu's promise.
The situation depicted highlights the decline in service quality and the shortages affecting even iconic institutions like Coppelia, amid the severe economic crisis plaguing the country. As temperatures rise and the heat becomes more oppressive, Cubans continue to seek relief in options that often end up being another letdown.
Understanding Coppelia's Current Challenges
Why are there limited flavor options at Coppelia?
The limited flavor options at Coppelia are due to supply shortages and economic difficulties that Cuba is currently facing, impacting even well-known establishments.
What has been the public reaction to the situation at Coppelia?
Public reaction has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration and sharing similar disappointing experiences on social media.
How has Coppelia's issue affected its reputation?
Coppelia's reputation has suffered due to declining service quality and unmet expectations, tarnishing its status as an iconic symbol of Havana.