El Salvador For The Gourmet Traveler

Popular Foods & National Cuisine

Curtido, Pupusa

Popular Beverages & National Drinks

Espiritu de Cana

Best Dining Destinations

San Salvador

Foods

Curtido

Curtido is an El Salvadoran version of German sauerkraut or vinegar-based cole slaw. You will most likely find it served with pupusa, a cornmeal bread filled with cheese and pork rinds.

Pupusa

One of the most popular snacks in El Salvador, Pupusa, can be found in restaurants as an appetizer or in a park as a street food. The ingredients are simple and yet the flavor is savory. Pupusa consists of a cornmeal dough that is filled with white cheese and fried pork rinds (sometimes shredded pork) then grilled until browned. The true way to enjoy this snack is with Curtido, pickled cabbage, on top.

Drinks

Espiritu de Cana

Labeled as the national drink of El Salvador, Espiritu de Cana is a fermented beverage made from sugar cane. The taste can be compared to a mixture of vodka and rum.

Destinations

San Salvador

Dining out in San Salvador is not much different than any other major city. Many international-type restaurants are available offering Chinese, European, Caribbean, and North American cuisines. Restaurants or cafes serving local cuisine are populated all over town. You should definitely make a stop at one to try a typical beef platter or pupusa.