"It's not profitable to cook at home for the family in Cuba": Cuban woman visiting the island shares in a video what she spent and surprises on TikTok

A Cuban woman on TikTok highlights how the crisis in Cuba makes dining at a state-run restaurant more economical than eating at home. A family lunch can cost up to 150 euros compared to 43 euros outside.

Food in CubaPhoto © @familiaviajeraaaaa / TikTok

A Cuban resident abroad has gone viral on TikTok after stating that, due to the high prices and widespread crisis on the island, it is not affordable to invite family over for a meal when traveling to Cuba.

"It is not cost-effective to invite your family to eat at your home when you go to Cuba, and I'll explain why," begins the woman in a video shared on the TikTok account @familiaviajeraaaaa, where she details her experience organizing a family meal.

According to the explanation, a simple piece of pork can cost up to 30 euros, and from that, only about 20 portions can be obtained. Additionally, there is the cost of soft drinks and beers, which are sometimes adulterated, posing an additional risk.

"I found that one of them had been repackaged," the Cuban woman reported.

Additionally, he pointed out that it is necessary to consider whether there is electricity in the house or if there is a gas cylinder available, which "is very expensive" in Cuba. "A meal at home can cost you around 150 euros, and that's really on the low end," he stated.

Faced with that reality, the woman chose to take her family to a state-run restaurant. "The food isn't that bad; it's edible. There's not a lot of variety, but what there is tastes pretty good and the beer is cold," she commented.

Twelve people ate for 43 euros, a figure much lower than the cost of preparing the meal at home. "Much more cost-effective than inviting my family," he concluded.

The post has generated numerous comments, many of which agree with the woman's analysis of the disproportionate cost of living in Cuba and the logistical challenges of organizing even a simple family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living and the Crisis in Cuba

Is it cost-effective to cook for the family in Cuba?

No, according to the testimony of a Cuban, cooking at home for the family in Cuba is not cost-effective due to the high food prices and logistical issues such as power outages and the high cost of gas cylinders. Preparing a family meal can cost around 150 euros, making it more economical to take the family to a state restaurant.

What are the main challenges of organizing a family meal in Cuba?

The main challenges include high food prices, the lack of variety and quality in products such as soft drinks and beers, and logistical difficulties such as power outages and the high cost of gas. These factors make organizing a family meal at home a significant economic challenge.

Is it more affordable to eat at restaurants in Cuba?

Yes, according to the testimony of a Cuban, eating at state restaurants can be more economical than cooking at home. She mentioned that twelve people ate for 43 euros at a restaurant, a figure significantly lower than the cost of preparing a meal at home.

How does the economic crisis impact daily life in Cuba?

The economic crisis in Cuba severely affects the daily lives of citizens, with food and basic product prices at unaffordable levels, a shortage of products in official markets, and the need to resort to private markets with equally high prices. Additionally, there are issues with the supply of electricity and gas, further complicating everyday life.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.