A Cuban resident on the island, identified on TikTok as Izzy (@izzys33), reported in a video the severe food crisis in Cuba, stating that rice has disappeared from the table and that the basic diet of Cubans now consists of low-quality pizza and increasingly expensive spaghetti.
“Cubans have always criticized Italian culture, saying they are always eating pasta, that they always eat pizza, and that Italians are going to have high blood pressure... But right now Cuba is Italy. There is no rice, people have been lining up since six in the morning at run-down pizzerias with cockroaches to buy a pizza with weevil for breakfast,” he stated.
The young woman joked about the official propaganda that claims there is a varied diet in Cuba. “The media here have been saying that there are varied Cuban recipes. Where are the varied Cuban recipes if right now the staple dish of Cubans, which is rice, is not available?” she questioned.
“The main dish of Cubans is pizza with weevil and spaghetti for lunch and dinner,” he added in the video where he also criticized the uncontrolled rise in prices. “Spaghetti was at 2.70, now it has gone up to 2.80, and right now it’s over three because that’s how it is, the inflation of prices is outrageous,” he explained.
Additionally, he mentioned the shortage of pork, stating that its price has become unattainable for most people. “Where is the pork? Pork is priced at over 600 pesos per pound; that is already an unattainable dish for every Cuban, it is a luxury for a Cuban to be able to eat a steak,” he asserted.
Finally, he made a harsh comparison with the situation in other countries. "We have been busy denigrating the cultures of other nations, and we have ended up worse than everyone else. In Haiti, the food is better than here," he stated.
A crisis without a solution
Izzy's statements reflect the deterioration of food supplies in Cuba, where basic products have skyrocketed in price, and the most common foods in the Cuban diet have vanished from state markets. In recent months, the price of rice has drastically increased, and the scarcity has forced many families to turn to more expensive and lower-quality options.
This is not the first time Izzy has raised concerns about the crisis on the island. In December 2024, she lamented the lack of access to basic goods and stated that she should have been born in Europe. In January of this year, she expressed her frustration over not being able to eat beef, and a few days ago she showcased the difficulties of cooking during blackouts, using a lamp with alcohol to make a tortilla.
The supply crisis and rising prices have put the Cuban population in an increasingly difficult situation, with few options and no solution in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of food in Cuba?
The food situation in Cuba is critical, with the disappearance of basic products like rice, and a diet that relies on expensive and scarce foods such as pizza and spaghetti. Inflation and scarcity make it difficult for many Cubans to access adequate nutrition.
Why is it believed that the Cuban diet resembles the Italian one?
Izzy, a Cuban who denounces the food crisis on the island, sarcastically compares the current Cuban diet to the Italian one because Cubans now rely on pizza and spaghetti due to the shortage of rice and other traditional staple foods of the country.
How does inflation affect food prices in Cuba?
Inflation is driving food prices uncontrollably high in Cuba. Products like spaghetti have significantly increased in cost, exacerbating the economic situation for families who already struggle to meet their basic needs.
What is the situation of pork in Cuba?
Pork in Cuba has become a luxury product due to its unaffordable price for most Cubans. A pound of pork can cost more than 600 pesos, making it an increasingly inaccessible food for families.
What role do social media play in denouncing the crisis in Cuba?
Social media, especially TikTok, has become a key platform for Cubans to highlight the food and economic crisis they are facing. Through videos, citizens like Izzy share their experiences and frustrations, aiming to raise awareness about the difficulties they encounter on a daily basis.
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