🌮 Street Food & Local Cuisine in El Salvador: Complete Guide 2026
El Salvador is a street food paradise. For just a few dollars, you'll enjoy authentic dishes that tell the country's story. From pupusas to fresh ceviches, through vibrant markets, discover authentic and flavorful cuisine.
🫓 Pupusas: The National Dish
Pupusas are the soul of Salvadoran cuisine. These stuffed corn tortillas are a must-try.
Everything about Pupusas
- Price: $1-2 per pupusa
- Most popular fillings: Queso (cheese), Chicharrón (pork), Loroco (local flower), Revueltas (mix cheese/beans/pork)
- Accompaniment: Curtido (fermented cabbage) and tomato sauce
- Where to eat: Local pupuserías (more authentic than tourist restaurants)
💡 Tip: Order "Pupusas revueltas" for a mix of all fillings. Best option to taste everything!
🐟 Ceviche: Coastal Freshness
Salvadoran ceviche is made with white fish marinated in lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro and sometimes peppers.
Ceviche 2026
- Price: $5-8 depending on restaurant
- Types: Fish, shrimp, mixed, oysters
- Best places: Beach pubs in La Libertad, El Tunco, local markets
- Served with: Crackers or tortillas
🌽 Other Street Food Must-Tries
Dishes to try absolutely
- Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried cassava with crispy pork - $3-4
- Tamales: Stuffed corn dough, wrapped in leaf - $0.50-1
- Elote: Grilled corn with butter, cheese and mayo - $1-2
- Empanadas de plátano: Plantain fritters stuffed - $1-2
- Mariscada: Mixed seafood in sauce - $8-15
🏪 Best Markets
Authentic markets
- Mercado Central San Salvador: MASSIVE, 100+ vendors, chaotic authentic vibe, $0.50-3 dishes
- Mercado Clandestino: Less chaotic, food truck options
- Zona Rosa Food Trucks: Modern, $5-12, more "hip" vibe
- La Libertad Beach Pubs: Fresh seafood, $5-10
- Suchitoto Local Market: Authentic, safe, traditional atmosphere
🍽️ Food Tours
Guided experiences
- Taste of Salvador: $60-80, 4h, guide + 8-10 tastings
- Fishing Village Tour: $55-70, local seafood
- Ruta de las Flores: $45-65, picturesque villages
- Coffee Farm + Lunch: $50-75, plantation + meal
💰 Daily Budget
Estimated food budget per day
- Budget (street food): $9-14 per day
- Mid (mix street + restaurants): $19-33 per day
- Comfort (restaurants): $42-75 per day
💡 Pro Tips
🌮 Eat where locals eat = good sign
🌶️ "Sin mucho picante" = not too spicy
🥤 Horchata is sometimes free
🕚 Lunch 12pm-1pm often has specials
🚫 Sunday night many places closed
🧼 Check vendor hand hygiene
🇸🇻 Conclusion
Salvadoran street food is a paradise of authentic flavors at low prices. Ultra-budget, cultural and delicious, it will make you live El Salvador like a local!