Sheyla Reyes, a Cuban tiktoker living in Matanzas, shared her first experience at a Japanese restaurant in the Iberostar Laguna Azul hotel in Varadero on TikTok. The clip has generated hundreds of reactions and comments, divided between support and criticism.
In her testimony, Sheyla explains: "Today I want to share with you our experience dining for the first time at a Japanese restaurant. This was at the hotel, in one of the specialty restaurants here." She notes that she originally wanted the dinner for her birthday, but there was no availability and she had to wait until the following day.
Regarding the food, he commented: "For starters, they brought us sushi and a small glass of wine. I have to say that I'm not a big fan of sushi, but this was really good, honestly, they deserve credit because it was delicious."
He also received a meat soup and was able to choose his main dish: "They let you choose if you wanted chicken, fish, or a mix. I chose the mix because I like fish too." He highlighted as a positive aspect the fact that the food was prepared in front of the customers: "Something I liked about this place is that they cook right in front of you, which I had never experienced before, and I loved it."
Regarding her personal experience, Sheyla emphasized that she particularly enjoyed the dinner because "it had been more than three days since I had eaten rice because you know there was no rice at the hotel buffet." She concluded her account with a reflection: "Let me know what you thought. Kisses, bye."
The video shared on her profile @sheyreyes03 has garnered thousands of interactions, with comments divided between those congratulating Sheyla on the experience and those criticizing aspects such as the quality of the sushi or the fact that many people on the island cannot access such luxuries.
Some users highlighted the appearance of the sushi, describing it as "horrible" or questioning its authenticity. Comments such as "The chopsticks were the only Japanese thing" and "That sushi looks horrible, it looks like rice pudding" reflect the negative perception of several viewers regarding the food served at the restaurant.
Other internet users, on the contrary, defended the tiktoker and criticized the negative reactions. "Her husband does a lot by giving her gifts like that, which are a blessing for her," commented one user. "We humans lack empathy; with everything going on in Cuba, it truly makes me happy to see them enjoy," expressed another person in support of Sheyla.
There were also those who linked the experience to the economic crisis facing the island and the difficulty many Cubans have in accessing basic food. "For you, for her... but remember that this is Cuba. Not everyone can taste that food," wrote a user.
This video was recorded during the same stay at the 5-star Iberostar Laguna Azul hotel in Varadero, where Sheyla previously documented the absence of rice in the buffet, which sparked an intense debate about the quality and quantity of food in the island's resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dining Experience in Varadero and the Situation in Cuba
What was Sheyla Reyes' experience like at the Japanese restaurant in Varadero?
Sheyla Reyes enjoyed her first experience at a Japanese restaurant located in the Iberostar Laguna Azul hotel in Varadero. She highlighted the sushi and the preparation of food in front of the customers as positive aspects of her dinner.
What is the general perception of buffets in hotels in Varadero?
The perception of buffets in hotels in Varadero is mixed. There are complaints about the lack of basic foods such as rice, but there are also those who appreciate the variety of options available. Quality and quantity have been subjects of debate on social media.
Why did Sheyla's experience at the Japanese restaurant elicit mixed reactions?
The reactions to Sheyla's experience were mixed, as some users criticized the quality of the sushi and questioned the feasibility of accessing such luxuries in Cuba, while others defended her right to enjoy the experience. The contrast between the economic reality of many Cubans and the tourist experiences generates debate.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect tourism in Varadero?
The economic situation in Cuba has significantly impacted tourism in Varadero. Factors such as the shortage of basic food items, the quality of services in hotels, and the lack of tourists have been reported, reflecting a crisis in the island's tourism sector.
Filed under:
