A young Cuban shared on TikTok her experience of inviting her mother to eat at the private restaurant Café Fortuna Joe, one of the most popular paladares in Havana, where the final bill amounted to 8,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to about 19 dollars at the informal exchange rate.
"I clarify that not everyone can go to a paladar; I wish we all could, but only those who are entrepreneurs or have their own businesses can afford this luxury from time to time," wrote the user @danielamamacubana in the video description.
The young woman explained that she wanted to treat her mother to a different afternoon at this venue, known for its vintage decor and quirky furnishings: tables made from old cars, bathtubs, and other items that create a unique atmosphere.
"You can only experience this here, admire, darling, this enchanting decoration; every table here has a unique and different style," she remarked.
The menu included a special michelada with mango, tamarind, and hibiscus flower for the mother, while the video creator requested an alternative cocktail because "the power went out" and they were unable to prepare her piña colada.
To accompany the meal, they enjoyed fried plantains with ham and cheese, as well as main dishes of pork dough stuffed with ham and cheese and sautéed chicken fajitas served with sides of rice, yuca, beans, and fried plantains.
Despite being "stuffed," as she mentioned, they ended with dessert. The total bill came to 8,000 CUP, an amount the young woman deemed "reasonable" compared to other paladares. "For the quality and the quantity, I thought it was fair," she expressed in the video.
The paladares in Cuba, private restaurants that emerged in the 1990s following the partial opening to self-employment, have become reference points for tourists and a minority of Cubans with higher incomes.
However, prices in pesos tend to be out of reach for most of the population who rely on state salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the High Cost of Paladares in Cuba
How much did the food cost at Café Fortuna Joe restaurant in Havana?
The bill at the Café Fortuna Joe restaurant amounted to 8,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to approximately 19 dollars at the informal exchange rate.
Why are paladares considered a luxury in Cuba?
Paladares in Cuba are considered a luxury because their prices are out of reach for most Cubans, who rely on low state salaries. Only those with higher incomes can frequent these establishments.
What dishes were served at Café Fortuna Joe?
At Café Fortuna Joe, dishes such as plantain chips with ham and cheese, stuffed pork mass with ham and cheese, and chicken fajitas were served alongside rice, yuca, beans, and tostones.
How does the cost of paladares compare to the average income in Cuba?
The cost of a meal in a paladar can be equivalent to several weeks of the average salary in Cuba, which restricts access to a minority with greater economic resources.
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