A Cuban expatriate has gained significant attention on TikTok after revealing that, due to exorbitant prices and the widespread crisis in Cuba, hosting a family dinner at home is not financially viable during visits to the island. In a video shared on the TikTok account @familiaviajeraaaaa, the woman elaborates on her experience of organizing a family meal, beginning with the statement, "It's not worth inviting your family to eat at your home when you visit Cuba, and here's why."
She explains that even a modest piece of pork can cost up to 30 euros, yielding only about 20 servings. This is compounded by the expense of drinks, such as sodas and beers, which are sometimes tampered with, posing an added risk. "One of them was repackaged, which happened to me," she reported.
Furthermore, she mentions the necessity of considering whether there is electricity available or a gas cylinder in the home, which she describes as "exorbitantly expensive" in Cuba. "Hosting a meal at home could cost around 150 euros, and that's being conservative," she stated.
Given these circumstances, the woman chose to take her family to a state-run restaurant instead. "The food isn't bad, it's palatable. There's not a wide selection, but what’s available is quite tasty, and the beer is cold," she noted.
Twelve people were fed for just 43 euros, a significantly lower cost than if she had prepared the meal at home. "Far more economical than inviting my family over," she concluded.
The post has sparked numerous comments, many agreeing with her assessment of the disproportionate living costs in Cuba and the logistical challenges involved in organizing even a simple family meal.
Cuban Living Costs and Family Gatherings
Why is cooking for family at home in Cuba considered expensive?
Cooking for family at home in Cuba is deemed expensive due to high prices for essential ingredients like pork and the additional costs of drinks, which can sometimes be tampered with. Moreover, utilities such as electricity and gas are costly, adding to the overall expenditure.
What alternative did the Cuban expatriate find more affordable for family meals?
The Cuban expatriate found it more economical to take her family to a state-run restaurant, where she managed to feed twelve people for just 43 euros, compared to the significantly higher cost of preparing a meal at home.