A TikTok video capturing the grilling of lobsters at a beachside restaurant in Cayo Blanco hotel, Varadero, has stirred controversy online. The dish, priced at $20, is a stark reminder of the economic divide in Cuba.
Filmed against the backdrop of the ocean, the footage showcases a chef preparing lobsters on the grill while tourists look on. Shared by user @el.sebas.peluches, the video has ignited a torrent of criticism highlighting the disparity between tourist prices and the average Cuban income.
"$20 for a dish when a Cuban's monthly salary is $5—it's a tragedy to have been born in Cuba," one user remarked, echoing the sentiments of many.
Another commented, "I bet the people of Cuba can't even taste them," while others criticized the steep price for a single lobster: "Is $20 for one lobster? That's too expensive."
Some viewers also pointed out the lack of substance in the dish despite its cost: "It looks like a big shrimp," observed one commenter.
This video has reignited discussions about social inequality in Cuba, where premium seafood like lobster is often reserved for international visitors, leaving the local population to cope with inadequate wages and a shortage of basic food supplies.
Cuban Social Inequality and Tourism
Why is the lobster dish in Varadero controversial?
The dish's $20 price tag is controversial because it highlights the economic disparity between tourists and locals, as the average monthly salary for Cubans is significantly lower.
What do the reactions to the video reveal about Cuban society?
Reactions reveal widespread frustration with social inequality and limited access to high-quality goods, underscoring the challenges faced by ordinary Cubans in accessing such luxury items.