Javi and Zami, the Cuban couple behind the YouTube channel “Javi & Zami”, have become leading figures in culinary content on the island.
They have a fresh, critical, and fun style. They not only travel the country in search of stories and flavors, but they also spark discussions on social media about the exclusive experiences they review, including those of hotels in Cuba.
The popularity of these content creators has grown in recent years due to their visits to high-end restaurants in Havana.
One of the most talked-about episodes was his experience at “El Gabán,” considered among the most expensive restaurants in the country. It is located in the Playa municipality, boasting an elegant design, three well-defined dining areas, including one for children, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
However, what surprised most about this private business in Havana was not its dishes but the price of water. They marketed a foreign brand, with water imported from an "Italian spring," whose bottle is sold for 2,000 Cuban pesos.
Recently, the couple visited "Casa Mía," a restaurant located by the seawall in El Vedado. There, they tried cocktails, "domplines" or "gyozas," fried chickpeas, a beef carpaccio with Parmesan cheese, spaghetti with bacon and truffle cream, and a lobster with pineapple sauce, the house specialty.
Their reviews highlighted the quality of the product and the careful presentation. The prices at the establishment are noteworthy. Main dishes can reach up to 8,500 Cuban pesos, and a 10% service charge is added to the bill.
Despite receiving criticism for showcasing a reality that is unattainable for most Cubans, Javi and Zami insist that their content aims to promote private businesses that are intended and designed primarily for national tourism.
In their videos, the couple of foodies tries to showcase the reality of the restaurants or luxury hotels they stay at, so that every Cuban can decide whether it's worth visiting them or not.
Havana's food influencers will participate as judges in the second edition of the culinary competition Everyone Can Cook, where they will evaluate the performance of the participants and, true to their style, will hold back no opinions.
The contestants were advised to pay attention to the elegance of their dishes and refine their presentation speech, as food is visually appealing, but it becomes memorable when accompanied by a good story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Javi and Zami, the food YouTubers from Cuba
Who are Javi and Zami and why are they famous in Cuba?
Javi and Zami are a Cuban couple of YouTubers known for their YouTube channel "Javi & Zami", where they share culinary content from Cuba. Their fresh, critical, and fun style has gained popularity as they travel across the island in search of stories and flavors, generating discussions on social media regarding their experiences in luxury and exclusive restaurants.
What impact do Javi and Zami's reviews have on restaurants in Cuba?
The reviews by Javi and Zami are notable for their ability to promote private businesses in Cuba, particularly those focused on domestic tourism. Through their critiques, they provide their audience with a detailed insight into the quality, presentation, and prices of the dishes, allowing each individual to decide whether or not to visit the places they review.
How do Javi and Zami handle the criticism regarding the inaccessibility of the places they visit?
Despite criticism for showcasing an inaccessible reality for many Cubans, they argue that their content aims to highlight private projects on the island. They insist that their reviews enable people to make informed decisions about the places they wish to visit, showcasing both quality and high prices.
What recent experiences have Javi and Zami had in Cuban cuisine?
Recently, Javi and Zami visited the restaurant "Casa Mía" across from the Havana seaside promenade, where they tried dishes such as beef carpaccio, spaghetti with truffle cream, and lobster with pineapple sauce. Although they praised the quality, they also noted the high prices, as the main dishes can cost up to 8,500 Cuban pesos.
What events will Javi and Zami participate in as judges?
Javi and Zami will participate as judges in the second edition of the culinary competition "Everyone Can Cook." They will evaluate the participating dishes and, true to their style, will hold back no opinions, emphasizing the importance of presentation and the story behind each dish.
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