Lizet, a Cuban woman residing in Florida, has taken TikTok by storm with a video showcasing the recipe for “pan con frita,” a dish that stirs childhood memories for many Cubans from their time on the island. Her post hasn't just gone viral; it has unleashed a wave of nostalgia among users, especially those who, like her, grew up in the town of Güines.
“I don’t know if these flour fritters were made everywhere in Cuba, but in my town, Güines, I remember that during my school days, there was a pan con frita stand on every corner. Oh my God, I loved them,” commented @lizetm0101 at the beginning of her video, while preparing the flour dough for the classic dish.
In her much-discussed video, she explained step-by-step how to prepare the recipe, which is very simple and requires few ingredients: all-purpose flour, water, salt, onion, and bell pepper. As she detailed, it’s crucial for the mixture to be quite runny before frying it in hot oil.
The reactions from users were swift, with the comments section filling up with memories from those who grew up enjoying pan con frita at their snack bars or on the corners of their neighborhoods. Most agreed on how much they loved it and the joy of recalling those times through Lizet’s video.
“I’m a fan of them, I love them. I make them here, my daughter sent me this little video because we like them, and it reminds me a lot,” commented one user. Lizet didn’t hesitate to respond: “I love them too, and I make them quite often.”
Another follower shared his frustration over not being able to get them right: “How could I forget them, haha, but believe me, I haven’t managed to make them right because they don’t turn out well.” Lizet, always attentive, replied with a tip: “You have to get the hang of it; make sure the mixture isn’t too thick and fry them in very hot oil.”
Many comments confirmed that these fritters were not exclusive to Güines. “Flour fritters or cod fritters without cod, I’m from Santiago de Cuba and they were on every corner there too,” wrote a follower. Lizet confirmed that in her town, they were only made from flour and were known as “pan con frita.”
Among Cubans living abroad, the video also sparked great emotion, reminding them of their lives before emigrating: “My beloved Güines, a Guines native here”; “I’m from Güines and I’m also a fan of them. Of course, I remember them; I’ll never forget. Thanks for sharing the recipe for those who don’t know how to make them.”
The video has struck a chord in the collective memory of Cubans, and the comments only underscore this. From Miami to Puerto Rico, and from Güines to Santiago de Cuba, Cubans have found in Lizet’s post an opportunity to reminisce about their childhood and the snacks from the street vendors in their hometowns.
Nostalgic Cuban Street Food: Pan con Frita
Lizet's video has sparked a wave of nostalgia among Cubans, leading to many questions about the beloved street food, pan con frita. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
What ingredients are needed for pan con frita?
The basic ingredients for pan con frita are all-purpose flour, water, salt, onion, and bell pepper.
Why is the mixture supposed to be runny?
The mixture should be runny to ensure the fritters cook properly and achieve the desired texture when fried in hot oil.
Can this dish be found in other parts of Cuba?
Yes, similar fritters can be found in various parts of Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba, although they might be known by different names.