National Classics

• Pupusa: El Salvador’s “national dish,” a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, refried beans, or pork, grilled to perfection and served with curtido (pickled cabbage) and tomato sauce. Typically costs between 0.5–1.5 USD each.
• Yuca frita: Fried cassava served with pickled vegetables and fried pork rinds, a common street snack.
• Elote loco: Grilled whole corn slathered in sauces, widely available from street vendors.
• Sopa de pata: A hearty soup made with beef trotters, cassava, corn, and vegetables, beloved by locals.

Main Meals & Regional Dishes

• Carne asada: Grilled beef or steak, served with rice, refried beans, and plantains, often offered in generous portions.
• Pollo guisado: Tomato-spiced stewed chicken, usually served with corn tortillas.
• Mariscadas: Coastal seafood platters featuring grilled fish, shrimp, and shellfish, especially concentrated at La Libertad docks.
• Plátanos fritos: Fried plantains, served either sweet or with savory sides.

Desserts & Drinks

• Horchata: A sweet drink made with sesame seeds, rice, and cinnamon, great for balancing rich meals.
• Atol: A warm corn-based drink available in various flavors, often enjoyed at breakfast.
• Local coffee: Coffee from the Flower Route region’s estates is of good quality and makes a worthwhile souvenir.

Where to Eat & Tips

• Restaurants are concentrated on Boulevard de los Héroes in San Salvador, as well as in Suchitoto and the town of La Ruta de las Flores—generally tourist-friendly.
• For street food, choose stalls with high turnover, eat freshly made items right away, and avoid raw foods or ice of uncertain origin.
• Pupusas are usually made to order, so expect a short wait. You can choose fillings like queso (cheese), frijol (beans), or revueltas (mixed).