In a startling representation of the collapse of Cuba's state-run dining service, a restaurant in Guantánamo served a customer ice cream in a glass ashtray. This image has quickly spread across social media, becoming a symbol of the deteriorating state services on the island.
Giselda Serret took to Facebook to share the bizarre photo along with a message of outrage: "I apologize for this post, but it's disrespectful to the people to visit a place like La Flor de Paseo in Guantánamo for an ice cream that is quite expensive, only to have it served in an ashtray."
She further questioned, "Who should we blame for this? The blockade?"
The image depicted a glass ashtray—complete with indents for cigarettes—filled with two or three scoops of partially melted ice cream and a metal spoon, all resting on a table.
Public Outcry and Sarcasm
The post sparked a flood of comments, mixing humor with pointed criticism of the government. One user quipped, "I wouldn't know whether to light a cigarette or drink the melted shake." Another remarked, "That flavor must have nicotine." A third person commented, "Everything is made for a specific purpose. Imagine drinking beer from a tub."
Someone jokingly suggested the restaurant was considering the customer's convenience: "Did you see the slots? It's so you can rest your spoon and sip without much effort."
Serious Criticism Against State Services
Not everyone responded with humor. Some were more direct in their criticism: "Enough of staying silent about the injustices and disrespect towards the people from the incompetent ones misgoverning Cuba." Another user highlighted the underlying issue: "What you do at home is one thing, but when you pay for a service, there should be respect for the customer."
The jokes persisted: "When asked how you're feeling, you could say, 'I might as well smoke my ice cream or eat my cigarette,'" another user suggested. "Consider it a new sport: cigarette-flavored ice cream," joked yet another.
One comment revealed that this phenomenon isn't unique to Guantánamo: "This has been happening for years in Santiago's ice cream parlors as well." Another added sarcastically, "If it's just one scoop, they might serve it in a coffeepot lid."
Economic Struggles in Guantánamo
"Well, it might be a no-smoking zone, but there's no ban on eating ice cream!" someone else noted.
The incident highlights the dire food situation in Guantánamo, which, according to an April report on food insecurity, is one of Cuba's five most alarming provinces. It's also the most expensive for essential goods, with bottled oil costing 1,555 CUP per liter and powdered milk 1,739 CUP per 500 grams.
The absence of proper dishware in state establishments violates the regime's own regulations: the Ministry of Domestic Trade's 2020 Resolution 74 mandates complete sets of dishes, glassware, and cutlery as a standard, yet this is often ignored in practice.
Similar issues are seen throughout the country. In June, Coppelia in Sancti Spíritus reopened after years of minimal activity, but customers were met with tiny portions, icy ice cream, and exorbitant prices for poor quality.
"I felt like I wasted 250 pesos," lamented a customer after trying two scoops of what should have been vanilla. The portions, they described, were barely "two large spoonfuls," and the ice cream was so icy that it lost its flavor before they left the shop.
The Government's Stance
Complaints are frequent: in July 2025, a Cuban documented abysmal conditions at the Castillo de Jagua restaurant in Havana. In August of that year, there were reports of croquette dough being placed directly on the floor at a state food plant.
Despite these issues, the Cuban government reaffirmed in January it would not abandon state-run gastronomy, although the Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, admitted the sector relies on supplies purchased from the private market.
Meanwhile, on Cuban social media, the image of ice cream melting in an ashtray paints a clearer picture of the true state of the island's gastronomy than any official speech could.
Understanding Cuba's Gastronomic Crisis
What is the significance of serving ice cream in an ashtray in Cuba?
Serving ice cream in an ashtray symbolizes the decay of service standards in Cuba's state-run gastronomy, highlighting the systemic issues plaguing the sector.
Why has this image resonated so strongly on social media?
The image has resonated due to its absurdity and as a stark illustration of the substandard conditions in state-run establishments, sparking both humor and criticism among the public.
What regulations are being ignored by state establishments in Cuba?
State establishments in Cuba are neglecting the 2020 Resolution 74 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, which requires complete sets of dishes, glassware, and cutlery as part of service standards.
How does the government justify the state of its gastronomic sector?
While acknowledging dependence on privately sourced supplies, the Cuban government insists on maintaining state control over gastronomy, despite widespread criticism and reported failures in service.