A Cuban living in Brazil experienced a heartwarming moment of nostalgia upon discovering a product that brought back memories of the typical sweets from his homeland. In a TikTok video shared by user @ariel.prez65, the man expresses surprise and delight at finding that Brazil also has the popular sweets known as "mereguitos," which are called "suspiros" there.
The video, which quickly gained viral attention, shows the Cuban pointing to the small white confections made primarily from egg whites and sugar, exclaiming, "Look at this, the mereguitos from back home!" His joy captures the emotional connection many emigrants feel when encountering items that evoke childhood or cultural memories.
In Brazil, these sweets known as suspiros closely resemble the traditional mereguitos once sold in Cuba, either in local stores or as homemade treats in neighborhoods. This simple yet delightful dessert, celebrated for its crunchy texture and sweet taste, is part of the culinary memory of several generations of Cubans.
This experience highlights how flavors and culinary traditions can serve as an emotional bridge between past and present, drawing emigrants closer to their cultural identity despite being far from their homeland. For many Cubans, these sweets are more than just a dessert; they are a reminder of the simple yet meaningful flavors that shaped their lives.
Exploring Cuban Culinary Nostalgia in Brazil
What are mereguitos or suspiros?
Mereguitos, known as suspiros in Brazil, are small white sweets made primarily from egg whites and sugar, famous for their crunchy texture and sweet taste.
Why do mereguitos evoke nostalgia for Cubans?
Mereguitos evoke nostalgia for Cubans as they are a part of the traditional culinary treats from Cuba, reminding many of their childhood and cultural roots.