A Cuban woman living in Houston shared a video on social media showcasing a local market filled with typical products that brought her back to her childhood memories on the island. “At my dear mother's request, we are going to visit this Cuban market,” she says at the start. “If I get emotional, please forgive me”, warns @m_a_u_r_a_, who has struck a chord with many Cubans in the United States through her video.
The first thing that catches his eye is a malt. “How I used to drink this when it cost 80 cents while studying in Miramar! I’m crazy about it,” he comments with a mix of affection and enthusiasm. Next are the Eastern pastries, which, although not his favorites, bring a smile to his face just from the memories.
One of the most delightful moments comes when she finds a guava bar with cheese. “I took it home for my guajiro, because he loves this craving,” she says, showing the sweet treat as if it were a treasure. Then the little frog candies and meringues appear: “Oh my God, remember when you used to go to the store to get the little frogs… and the meringues? So delicious!”
The video sparked an avalanche of comments from other Cubans who also miss those flavors. “Where is it located?” asked dozens. Others took the opportunity to share their own anecdotes or simply leave a “How tasty!” accompanied by many emojis.
And of course, there was the typical Cuban remark: "Yes, but the pastries don't taste the same," someone said. Another wrote: "Nothing like our sweets, just saying," while several others claimed to have tried many of the products she showcased.
Because the truth is that seeing a malta, a sapito, or a bar of guava outside of Cuba is not just a purchase. It's a quick trip back to childhood, to the neighborhood, to the little shop on the corner. It is, even if just for a moment, a return home.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nostalgia for Cuban Products Abroad
Why do Cubans abroad feel nostalgia when they find products from their homeland?
Finding Cuban products abroad connects emigrants with their roots and allows them to relive memories from their childhood. These products are not only a link to their culture but also evoke emotions tied to happy moments experienced in Cuba.
What Cuban products are most popular among emigrants?
Products such as malt, oriental pastries, guava paste with cheese, sapitos, and meringues are especially cherished by Cubans abroad for their ability to evoke memories and flavors of their homeland.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect the perception of Cubans abroad regarding local products?
The scarcity in Cuba makes Cuban products found abroad seem like a luxury or a treasure. Many Cubans experience a mix of emotions when seeing the abundance of products that are hard to obtain in their home country, highlighting the stark contrast with life in Cuba.
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