A TikTok video uploaded by Cuban user @briana_matancera has gone viral, showcasing what she refers to as "the true Cuban breakfast": bread with oil and salt, accompanied by sugary water, popularly known as milordo. Recorded in her kitchen in Matanzas, the clip has sparked thousands of reactions and brought attention to the severe food scarcity on the island. "If you are Cuban and have never made this, you have failed as a Cuban," the young woman states as she prepares the meal. "My dear, what Cuban hasn't tried this," she adds, pointing out that for some, it remains a tradition—and for many others, a necessity.
The video has surpassed 11,000 likes and gathered over 1,300 comments in just a day, with responses ranging from shock and empathy to surprise. For some, it symbolizes resilience, while for others, it's a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis in the country.
The Public’s Diverse Reactions
Reactions to the video cover a wide spectrum of emotions and perspectives. Users engaged in discussions, varying from sarcasm and ridicule to support and empathy. "Bread with oil and sugar water? That's a privilege in Cuba," one follower remarked. Others noted, "That's what's available, not what is desired," while some criticized the video as depicting a "marginal breakfast" or "liquid diabetes."
The influencer's appearance also drew comments. "And the nails?" several questioned, wondering how someone claiming to have such a meager breakfast could maintain a perfect manicure. The creator replied, "Here, many of us do it by choice, not out of necessity."
There were also critical remarks directed at the Cuban government: "That's the breakfast left by Fidel, but he never ate it," said one user. Others were more blunt: "Communism's breakfast," "This isn't breakfast, it's survival."
Highlighting Cuba’s Structural Crisis
@briana_matancera's video is part of a growing collection of testimonies and social media posts exposing food insecurity on the island. A few weeks prior, another Cuban young woman, @kary_y_jony, shared a video reflecting, "In Cuba, having coffee for breakfast is more than a luxury," criticizing the aspirational narratives of many social media creators and calling for greater empathy and honesty about the everyday realities of Cubans.
Michel Crónicas, a creator based in Mexico, also stirred debate by comparing his typical breakfast—eggs, bread, fruits, coffee—with what he considers "an unattainable luxury" for many in Cuba. "Eggs in Cuba? They're expensive and hard to find," he noted in a widely shared testimony.
These personal stories are set against a backdrop of documented food emergencies. According to the report "En Cuba Hay Hambre (2024)" published by the Food Monitor Program, 25% of the population has gone to bed without dinner in recent months, and 72% of households have had to adopt unhealthy diets. Furthermore, 29% only have two meals a day, while 4% barely manage one.
Additionally, 71% of households report power outages during cooking times, and 60% lack access to potable water, further limiting the ability to prepare or store food.
Tradition or Necessity?
For some Cubans, bread with oil and milordo are part of a culinary tradition linked to childhood or shared moments, while for others, they starkly represent need. Among the comments are those who claim to continue consuming it outside of Cuba, whether for nostalgia or taste. Yet, most agree that this type of breakfast reveals more about shortages than customs.
@briana_matancera's post, though seemingly simple, has rekindled the debate on what it means to have breakfast in Cuba today, amid inflation, shortages, and a structural crisis exacerbated by poor governance and a lack of political will.
Beyond the viral content, the video poses an open question: When will having a dignified breakfast cease to be a privilege in Cuba?
Understanding the Cuban Food Crisis
What is the "true Cuban breakfast" according to the video?
The "true Cuban breakfast" shown in the video consists of bread with oil and salt, along with sugary water, a combination known as milordo.
How has the video sparked a debate about food shortages in Cuba?
The video sparked a debate by highlighting the basic and scarce nature of meals that many Cubans face, prompting discussions on social media about food insecurity and the broader crisis in Cuba.
What reports and statistics underscore the food crisis in Cuba?
The report "En Cuba Hay Hambre (2024)" by the Food Monitor Program highlights that 25% of the population have gone to bed hungry, and 72% of households have turned to unhealthy diets. Many households face power outages and lack access to clean water.