A Cuban immigrant revealed that before arriving in the United States, he believed his dining experience would mirror that of American movies. Imagining a diet of McDonald's, steaks, and donuts akin to the meals depicted with police officers in films, he anticipated a culinary transformation. However, rather than adopting this stereotype, he has clung to his traditional Cuban cuisine, a sentiment he shared in a viral TikTok video that has resonated with many Cubans. The user, @jose.martnez238, shared, "I couldn't wait to get to this country. In Cuba, I watched movies where everyone was eating at McDonald's, drinking from thermos coffee cups, and police officers munching on donuts. I thought once I got to the U.S., it would be McDonald's and steaks all day."
Contrary to his expectations, his reality has been quite different, as he continues to favor his beloved Cuban dishes. "My brother, even today I still eat my fried tortilla, rice with beans, plantains, avocado. That's something no one can take from us. I've moved past that stage. Rice with fried egg, tortilla, minced meat, tomato with onion salad," he explained.
Embracing Cuban Heritage in the U.S.
Many Cubans have found themselves relating to his story, with comments echoing his sentiments: "Absolutely, no one can take away our customs," "That's right, brother, Cuba is in our DNA," "Exactly. I've only had two burgers in all the years I've been away from Cuba. I stick with my minced meat with rice and plantains, salad... There's nothing like being Cuban," and "Indeed, nothing compares to our roots. I crave bread with tomato," were among the reactions to his video.