Pupusas: Complete Guide to Fillings and Prices in El Salvador

What is a Pupusa?

The pupusa is much more than just a dish: it is the culinary soul of El Salvador. These thick corn or rice patties, stuffed with cheese, beans, meat or vegetables, are cooked on a hot griddle called comal until they achieve a golden crust and a melting center.

In 2005, pupusas were officially declared the national dish of El Salvador. Every second Sunday of November, the country celebrates Dia Nacional de la Pupusa with festivities, contests and giant tastings.

A Thousand-Year History

Pupusas date back to pre-Columbian times. Kitchen utensils for their preparation were discovered at Joya de Ceren, a Mayan village buried under volcanic ash nearly 2000 years ago.

The Pipils, ancestors of Salvadorans, were already preparing pupusas with herbs and vegetables. It was not until 1570, after the Spanish conquest, that meat was incorporated into the recipes.

The name "pupusa" comes from Nahuatl "pupushawa", meaning "swollen" or "bulging".

The Two Types of Dough

Corn Pupusas (Traditional)

The original and most popular version. The dough is made from masa harina (nixtamalized corn flour), water and salt. It offers an authentic flavor and a slightly grainy texture.

Rice Pupusas (De Arroz)

Lighter with a softer texture. Very popular in Olocuilta, considered the "Pupusa Capital". In 2015, Olocuilta set a Guinness World Record for the largest pupusa in the world!

Traditional Fillings

1. Queso (Cheese)

The basic filling. The traditional cheese is quesillo (Salvadoran string cheese), but queso fresco or mozzarella are also used. Simple but delicious!

• Average price: $0.75 - $1.00

2. Frijoles con Queso (Beans and Cheese)

Mashed red beans (frijoles refritos) mixed with melted cheese. A very filling vegetarian classic.

• Average price: $0.75 - $1.00

3. Chicharron (Pork)

Beware, Salvadoran chicharron is not crispy pork skin! It is a seasoned pork paste, prepared with minced pork meat and fat simmered with tomatoes and spices.

• Average price: $1.00 - $1.25

4. Revuelta (Mixed)

The best seller! A combination of cheese, beans AND chicharron. It is the most complete and flavorful pupusa.

• Average price: $1.00 - $1.25

5. Queso con Loroco

The star of fillings! Loroco (Fernaldia pandurata) is an edible flower native to Central America. Its green buds have a unique taste: vegetal, slightly earthy with notes of artichoke and asparagus, and a subtle floral sweetness.

• Average price: $1.00 - $1.50
• Season: Spring to fall (sometimes year-round)

Modern and Special Fillings

6. Ayote (Squash)

A vegetarian filling with sweet squash mixed with cheese. Sweet and original.

• Average price: $1.25 - $1.50

7. Pollo (Chicken)

Seasoned shredded chicken, often with cheese. A less fatty option than chicharron.

• Average price: $1.25 - $1.50

8. Camaron (Shrimp)

"Gourmet" version with shrimp and cheese. More common in coastal and tourist areas.

• Average price: $2.00 - $3.00

9. Espinaca (Spinach)

Sauteed spinach with cheese. A healthy modern vegetarian option.

• Average price: $1.25 - $1.50

10. Jalapeno con Queso

For spice lovers! Sliced jalapenos with melted cheese.

• Average price: $1.00 - $1.25

11. Mora (Hibiscus/Jamaica)

Sweet filling with jamaica flower. A less common dessert variant.

• Average price: $1.00 - $1.50

Price Chart (2025)

Note: Prices have increased by approximately 15-20% between 2023 and 2025 due to inflation.

Essential Accompaniments

Curtido

A fermented cabbage salad with carrots, onion and oregano, marinated in vinegar. Crunchy and tangy, curtido is essential! It is placed on top of the pupusa.

Salsa Roja

A slightly spicy tomato sauce made with tomatoes, onion, garlic and chili. Pour it over the pupusa or dip pieces into it.

Crema (optional)

Some add Salvadoran sour cream for extra creaminess.

How to Eat a Pupusa?

1. With your fingers! This is the traditional method. No fork or knife.
2. Place a portion of curtido on the pupusa
3. Pour or dip in salsa roja
4. Break off pieces and enjoy while hot!
5. Warning: they are very hot straight off the comal. Wait 2-3 minutes.

Where to Eat the Best Pupusas?

Olocuilta (The Pupusa Capital)

30 minutes from San Salvador, this town is legendary for its rice pupusas. Dozens of pupuserias line the main road.

Juayua (Ruta de las Flores)

Pupuseria Esmeralda is renowned throughout the country. Try their giant mixed pupusa for $2.50!

San Salvador

Pupuserias on every corner. Markets like Mercado Central offer the lowest prices.

El Tunco / La Libertad

Beach pupuserias with sunset views. Higher prices but unique atmosphere.

Suchitoto

The stands near the central church are excellent. Artisanal pupuserias in a colonial setting.

When to Eat Pupusas?

Traditionally, pupusas are eaten in the evening (from 5pm) and at breakfast. Most pupuserias open around 4-5pm and close around 9-10pm.

Sunday evening is THE quintessential pupusa time: Salvadoran families gather to share this traditional meal.

Pupusa Meal Budget

Pro Tips

• Start with a "revuelta" to taste several flavors in one bite
• Try the loroco if you find it - it is a unique taste experience
• Street vendors often offer the best pupusas at the best prices
• Ask for "bien cocida" if you like a golden, crispy crust
• Curtido keeps well - take some to go!
• Rice pupusas in Olocuilta: do not miss this local specialty

Conclusion

Pupusas are much more than an affordable meal: they represent the culinary identity of El Salvador. For less than $5, you can feast on an authentic meal while participating in a thousand-year tradition. Whether you choose the classic "revuelta" or the exotic "queso con loroco," every bite connects you to the soul of this magnificent country.

Buen provecho!