A video shared on Facebook by content creator Isabel (known as IsabelVlogs) reveals the current state of neglect at the once-popular Lai-Lai Chinese restaurant, situated at 18th Street and 1st Avenue in Varadero, Matanzas. This footage has stirred a wave of nostalgia among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Isabel, who also works as a bartender at a hotel in this tourist hotspot, recorded the video following a request from her followers. She narrated it with sentiments that encapsulate the collective memory: fond times spent there, delicious meals enjoyed, with a particular nod to the Chinese cuisine that was the house specialty.
Yet, the visuals tell a different story: shattered windows, overgrown weeds, peeling paint, and a makeshift perimeter fence are all that remain of a once-famous culinary landmark in Cuba's premier beach destination.
The Rise and Fall of Lai-Lai
Named "Lai-Lai," which translates to "come, come" in Mandarin, the restaurant's history dates back to before 1959 when it was a private vacation home. Following the Revolution, the state seized the property, initially turning it into a venue for weddings and quinceañeras before transforming it into a Chinese restaurant.
In the 1980s, the establishment was renowned for its quality cuisine, often drawing long lines despite being unaffordable for most Cubans. However, over five years ago, the regime shut it down under the guise of a "major renovation" that never happened.
By March 2022, reports were already highlighting serious deterioration, including deep cracks in walls, collapsed roofs, destroyed carpentry and glasswork, and a dilapidated seaside façade.
A Broader Pattern of Neglect
Four years later, the decay has only worsened, as IsabelVlogs' video painfully reminds those who once dined there of better days. Lai-Lai's story is not unique but part of a broader trend of neglecting recreational and tourist infrastructure in Cuba.
Recent months have seen similar reports in locations such as Boca Ciega, Guanabo's Liceo, the coastal development of Tarará, and Havana's Floridita restaurant, which was shown devoid of customers in a video from late March.
Tourism Decline Amidst Economic Struggles
This widespread deterioration coincides with Cuba's worst tourism collapse in decades. The island ended 2025 with just 1.8 million international visitors, the lowest since 2002 excluding the pandemic, while January 2026 saw only 184,833 tourists, down 9% from the previous year.
Varadero, which used to attract over a million tourists annually a decade ago, now suffers an estimated 70% drop in visitors, with empty streets and a hotel occupancy rate that did not exceed 21.5% island-wide in 2025.
As the government shows no signs of intervention, Lai-Lai remains a stark symbol of the culinary and recreational heritage that Cuba has allowed to fall into ruin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Varadero's Lai-Lai Restaurant
What is the current state of the Lai-Lai restaurant in Varadero?
The Lai-Lai restaurant is currently in a state of disrepair, with broken windows, overgrown vegetation, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Why did the Lai-Lai restaurant close?
The restaurant was closed by the regime over five years ago under the pretext of a major renovation that was never completed.
How has tourism in Varadero changed recently?
Tourism in Varadero has dramatically declined, with an estimated 70% drop in visitors compared to a decade ago and significantly lower hotel occupancy rates.