This is how a young woman who just left Cuba reacts after eating a hamburger at Burger King: "It happens to all of us."

The viral video of a young Cuban eating a hamburger at Burger King in Suriname highlights the food shortages on the island and the emotional experience of migrants discovering new options.


The video of a young Cuban desperately eating a hamburger at a Burger King in Suriname has sparked laughter on social media, becoming a scene that many Cubans can relate to.

"When you arrive from Cuba and go to a Burger King," says the text overlay in the video posted on TikTok by user @melissa.himelis.

In the recording, you can see the young woman seated in front of a tray of fast food, ravenously devouring a hamburger with apparent anxiety, while another woman, who seems to be with her, records her amid laughter and exclaims playfully: "Oh my God!"

The scene has sparked a wave of comments, both humorous and empathetic. “It happens to all of us,” wrote one user, referring to what many Cubans experience when they arrive abroad and encounter products that are almost inaccessible or prohibitively expensive on the island.

The clip, which has amassed thousands of views in just a few hours, reflects the reality of many Cuban emigrants who, upon leaving the country, discover a world of culinary options that they could only imagine for years.

"That first hamburger is unforgettable," commented another user, while several others shared similar anecdotes about their first visits to fast food chains outside of Cuba.

Beyond the humorous tone of the video, the scene highlights the food scarcity faced by the Cuban population and how even a simple gesture like eating at an international franchise can become an emotional experience for those coming from a reality marked by shortage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cuban Emigrants Trying Food Abroad

Why did the video of the young Cuban woman eating at Burger King go viral?

The video went viral because it humorously and touchingly portrays a young Cuban's reaction when faced with a hamburger abroad, something that is hard to come by in Cuba due to scarcity. This experience resonates with many Cubans who have gone through similar situations, generating empathy and laughter.

How do Cubans react when visiting a supermarket abroad for the first time?

Cubans often experience a mix of awe and excitement when visiting a supermarket abroad for the first time. The wide variety and abundance of products starkly contrast with the scarcity they face in Cuba, which can lead to emotional reactions and reflections on the situation on the island.

What does the reaction of Cubans trying fast food abroad symbolize?

The reaction of Cubans when trying fast food abroad symbolizes the freedom of access to products that are a luxury on the island. These experiences reflect the food shortages in Cuba and how, when traveling abroad, Cubans discover a world of options they could only imagine before.

Why do videos of Cubans abroad become so popular on social media?

Videos become popular because they document the experiences of discovery and surprise of Cubans when confronted with abundance abroad. These stories resonate with many who have lived similar situations, generating empathy and connecting the audience with the reality of life in Cuba.

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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.