The change in life that comes with emigrating from Cuba to the United States is not only felt in freedom of expression or access to consumer goods, but also manifests in the simplest daily routines, such as cooking.
A video posted on TikTok by user @thaly47216 shows a newly arrived Cuban woman trying to prepare some beef steaks, but with the mindset developed after years of scarcity on the island.
“She’s new here, and the poor thing still hasn’t gotten used to the abundance. I have to keep an eye on her,” laughs the young woman who is recording her mother-in-law while she cooks.
In the video, you can see how the woman tries to rationalize the steaks, concerned about wasting anything, as if she were still dealing with the restrictions of Cuban markets.
The clip, which has garnered thousands of views, humorously reflects the adaptation many Cubans experience upon arriving in the United States, where for the first time they can access products that they have only seen in photos or movies for decades.
For those who grew up in Cuba, where beef is practically a luxury and its sale is heavily regulated by the state, the idea of having several steaks ready to cook without fear of reprisals or shortages is still difficult to grasp.
The comments on the post were filled with supportive and funny messages, with users relating to the scene: “That’s exactly what my mom did when she arrived,” wrote one user. Another commented: “I spent weeks not touching anything in the refrigerator because I felt like I was going to run out of everything.”
The video not only brings a smile but also reveals the weight of a culture shaped by survival and scarcity, even when one is thousands of kilometers away from Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the adaptation of newly arrived Cubans to the United States
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect Cubans who have recently arrived in the United States?
The scarcity in Cuba leaves a deep mark on newly arrived Cubans, who, upon arriving in the United States, must adapt to the abundance of food. Many feel the need to ration resources and are amazed by the variety and availability of staple products such as beef.
Why do newly arrived Cubans in the U.S. have difficulty adapting to supermarkets?
Newly arrived Cubans in the U.S. are astonished by the abundance of supermarkets, which strongly contrasts with the limitations they faced in Cuba. The variety of products and the ease of access to basic foods without restrictions are overwhelming for many.
What challenges do Cubans face when cooking in the United States?
In the United States, many Cubans feel that the food lacks the flavor to which they are accustomed in Cuba, despite the abundance of ingredients. This is partly because different cooking methods and seasonings were used in Cuba, which imparted a unique flavor even with limited resources.
What does beef symbolize for Cubans who emigrate to the United States?
Beef represents a symbol of freedom and abundance for Cubans who migrate to the United States, as in Cuba it is a luxury product with highly restricted access. Being able to consume it without restrictions is a significant change in their quality of life.
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