Puerto Rican TikToker Alexier (@alexierfl) has left our mouths watering with his latest video on the platform, where he samples various traditional Cuban dishes. These include rabo encendido, congrí, fried plantains, and tamal, all savored by this popular influencer known for sharing such content.
“I’ve never tried oxtail in my life. I used to say that anyone who ate oxtail was a pig, but we’ve grown up, baby, we’re adults now, so time to eat oxtail,” he admits in the video. His words are as expressive as his facial reactions while tasting each flavor.
“The meat is super tender, it literally falls off the bone. The flavor, the texture feels weird though, it’s not hard or soft, it’s like right in the middle,” he comments on the rabo encendido. He didn't hesitate to give the tamal a 9.5 out of 10. “That combination of the sweet corn with the pork, with the oxtail meat, and the oxtail sauce, you simply can’t beat it,” he states in the video, which has sparked numerous comments and likely inspired many to indulge in these Cuban flavors.
“Better than Cuban food, only this Puerto Rican”; “I’m from Ecuador and I want to try congrí and Cuban pizza”; “Cuban food is on another level”; “Now I’m hungry”; “This looks like it wasn’t served by a Cuban, because we don’t eat the broth separately or the tamal in chunks like that. Thanks for trying our food, go to Miami”; “This happened to me when I tried Puerto Rican food”; “Cuban food is my favorite”; “In Costa Rica, rice and beans are called gallo pinto,” are just some of the hundreds of comments on the video, which has gained over 7,000 likes in just 12 hours.
Despite the excitement and reactions from this influencer, the reality is that these Cuban delicacies are often absent from the tables of many citizens on the island, or it becomes a genuine ordeal to obtain them.
Understanding the Popularity of Cuban Cuisine
In light of Alexier’s viral video, many are curious about Cuban cuisine and its distinct flavors. Below are some common questions and answers that might help you understand the allure of these traditional dishes.
What is "rabo encendido"?
"Rabo encendido" is a Cuban oxtail stew known for its rich, spicy flavors and tender meat that falls off the bone.
What is "congrí"?
"Congrí" is a traditional Cuban dish made from rice and black beans, often seasoned with garlic, onion, and peppers.
Why are Cuban dishes hard to find in Cuba?
Due to economic challenges and shortages, many traditional Cuban ingredients and dishes are difficult for citizens to access regularly.