In the tranquil neighborhood of Shekou, nestled within the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, Diana Aguilera Casabella, a Cuban-Spanish mother, has transformed her"kitchen" (a courtyard at her friend's home) into a vibrant hub of Cuban culture and community. Surrounded by low-rise villas and lush gardens, this "kitchen" serves as a retreat from Shenzhen's bustling streets, offering a unique blend of culinary traditions and family-oriented charm.
Diana, who moved from Shanghai to Shenzhen with her husband in 2022 for work, has embraced her role as a full-time mother, finding joy in raising her daughter in a city that she affectionately calls "a giant outdoor classroom of nature." Her courtyard "kitchen" has become a beloved gathering place for Spanish-speaking friends—a space where she shares her passion for Cuban cuisine, particularly Ajiaco Soup—a dish symbolizing friendship and reunion. "In Cuba, we cook Ajiaco together, each person bringing an ingredient," Diana explains. "It's not just about the food—it's about the act of coming together."
Known in some regions as Caldosa—derived from caldo, the Spanish word for "broth"—this traditional soup takes on the name Ajiaco in central Cuba, where the addition of corn—a staple in Cuban cuisine—gives it a distinctive twist. Diana prepares this hearty dish by searing beef in olive oil, simmering it slowly with a medley of vegetables, and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to awaken the flavors. Alongside, she crafts pastelito de guayaba (guava pastry), a flaky dessert filled with sweet guava paste, and mixes up a classic Mojito with fresh mint and lemon.
Diana's connection to Shenzhen goes far beyond the kitchen. With a background in environmental science and marine chemistry, she admires the city's "city-nature integration." Shenzhen's golden coastlines and mangrove forests remind her of home. As a mother, she's eager to share her love for nature with her daughter, exploring parks, hiking trails, and butterfly exhibitions in Nanshan.
"Living here means easy access to nature," Diana reflects. "Every outing with my daughter feels like a lesson in a vast outdoor classroom." Shenzhen's vision as a "maritime center city" resonates with her background in environmental science, emphasizing family-friendly urban planning that brings families closer to the ocean.
Beyond her open-air "kitchen", Diana actively participates in community volunteer work, from beach cleanups to translation services for foreign visitors. "Giving back to the community is meaningful," she says, "and it sets a good example for my child." Through organizations like SWIC (Shenzhen Women's International Club) and the Management and Service Center for Expats, she has not only received valuable support for family life but also become immersed in local culture, celebrating Chinese festivals and building lasting connections.
Nanshan is more than a residence for Diana—it's a cultural and culinary haven where Cuban traditions thrive. "Now, Nanshan is my home," she says. Her journey embodies Shenzhen's charm, a city that balances urban vitality with natural beauty, offering endless possibilities for a harmonious urban lifestyle.
Production Team | Cai Minling, Zhang Guangyan, Gu Zhengyu
Video shooting & editing | Xie Haoran
Reporter | Cai Minling
Zhang Siyu also contributed to the story.
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
