A Cuban in the U.S. shared on TikTok the “trauma” her mother is experiencing with food since arriving in the country. As she explained in the video, her mother, who recently arrived from Cuba, feels that the food has no flavor, something she herself experienced at the time: “In Cuba, we cooked with anything and the food tasted good; here, you add everything and it tastes like nothing, my love.”
The creator, Melissa (@meloncitalafaraonayeyeo), mentioned that she is now teaching her mom how to cook and explained that in the U.S., you need to use double the seasoning to achieve a taste similar to that of Cuba: "Here, when you cook steak, it doesn’t smell like anything; if you don’t add seasoning, it doesn’t taste like anything. It’s like eating a piece of meat that you’ve defrosted 20 or 30 times and it loses all its flavor." She also emphasized that food tasted better in Cuba, even with fewer ingredients, and that "if you don’t add some pork lard, then even less, my love, it won’t taste like anything at all."
The video has sparked reactions from many Cubans living abroad who shared their experiences. Some agreed: “The food in Cuba is organic; here it is very processed”; “I’ve been here for 8 years and the pork just can’t compare”; “As they say, in Cuba you ate with hunger and everything tasted good.”
Others, however, had a different opinion: "To me, everything tastes the same; I’ve never experienced that"; "I cook with salt and pepper, and everything turns out delicious"; "If you buy fresh meat and use natural seasoning, your food will be spectacular." There were also those who thought that taste relates to the cooking methods in Cuba: "There, there was time to cook slowly; here, everything is quick"; "The meat here is frozen and loses its flavor."
The debate remains open among Cubans who agree that "nothing tastes the same" and those who believe it's all a matter of adapting. And you, have you gone through this experience?
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans with food in the United States
Why do Cubans consider that food in the U.S. lacks flavor?
Many newly arrived Cubans in the United States feel that the food lacks flavor because they are accustomed to the traditional methods and seasonings of Cuba, where food is perceived as tastier despite the scarcity of ingredients. In the U.S., the abundance of processed and frozen products can lead to a less satisfying culinary experience for them.
How does the abundance of food in the U.S. affect newly arrived Cubans?
The abundance of food in the United States can be overwhelming for newly arrived Cubans, who experience a mix of surprise and lack of appetite when confronted with a variety that contrasts sharply with the scarcity in Cuba. This situation sparks discussions about adapting to new diets and the value of foods that were once considered luxuries.
What methods do Cubans in the U.S. use to enhance the flavor of their food?
To try to replicate the flavor of Cuban food, many Cubans in the U.S. use double the seasoning in their preparations. This includes the use of traditional spices such as garlic, onion, and cumin, as well as cooking techniques that enhance the flavors, like slow cooking.
What is the common reaction among Cubans when trying meat in the U.S.?
The common reaction is that meat in the U.S. is often perceived as less flavorful compared to that of Cuba. This is because many believe that meat in Cuba is more natural and less processed, and that frequent freezing in the U.S. affects its taste.
Filed under: