10 Best Salvadorian Dishes

El Salvador is known for its stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, and its world-famous national dish, the Pupusa. But that is definitely not the only delicious plate El Pulgarcito de América has to offer!

When I moved to California and mentioned I was Salvadoran, people would often say, "Oh, pupusas!" I’d laugh, but I was honestly glad they at least knew that much. Others didn't even know El Salvador existed, sometimes asking, "What part of Mexico is that?" If you’re one of those people, I don't blame you; it’s such a small country that if I hadn't been born there, I might not have known either! Thankfully, I grew up experiencing a rich cuisine filled with love.

So, you might be wondering, "What do Salvadorians eat?" The dishes you’re about to read are more than just meals. I’ve made sure to include antojitos, aka traditional snacks/appetizers that are easy to make at home, though you’ll often find them sold by street vendors or right outside people's houses in the neighborhood.

I’ve put together a list of the 10 best Salvadoran dishes to try on your next trip, at your favorite local spot, or even in your own kitchen! Let's dive in!

The Main Meals

#1 Carne Asada

This dish is loaded with a little bit of everything! It’s a wholesome meal served with grilled steak (the carne asada), sausage, queso duro or queso fresco, avocado, tortillas, and casamiento (rice and beans cooked together). It also comes with a fresh salad and chimol, which you might know as pico de gallo or chirmol. While it's perfect for a typical lunch or dinner, many families save it for special occasions like New Year’s Eve.

#2 Pan con Pollo

This is my absolute favorite! I love it so much I could easily eat two in one sitting. The name literally means "bread with chicken," and while a torta is the closest comparison, it’s still very unique. We use a baguette-style bread (similar to a bolillo) filled with chicken that has been marinated in mustard and spices, seared, and stewed in a rich sauce made of tomatoes, garlic, and relajo (a traditional spice mix). It’s topped with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radish, and watercress. One bite and you’re locked in!

#3 Sopa de Res (Beef Soup)

Since the weather in El Salvador usually stays between 90°F and 100°F with high humidity, you’d think soup would be the last thing on anyone's mind. But Sopa de Res is a must, especially on "sick days" because it’s packed with recovery minerals. It’s made with beef bones for a rich broth and filled with hearty vegetables like corn, squash, plantain, cabbage, yuca, and more. Once you start sweating from the heat of the soup, you know you’re already healing!

#4 Sopa de Frijoles (Bean Soup)

You might be wondering, "Beans as a soup?" Yes! This dish is simple, nutritious, and so easy to make at home. It features red beans, short ribs, onions, and garlic. It’s often served with avocado, rice, and hard-boiled eggs, accompanied by queso duro or queso fresco as well and a dollop of sour cream. It’s pure comfort in a bowl. Yumz, yumz!

#5 Bistec Encebollado

As you can tell beef is our go-to meat in El Salvador, and this dish is fast, tasty, and simple. It consists of thinly cut steak and thick rings of white onion marinated in yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Paired with steamed white rice (or any other type of rice) and a fresh salad, it's a meal anyone can master at home. You can do it too!

#6 Salpicón

This is the most refreshing dish on the list. The beef is boiled until tender, cooled, and then finely minced and mixed with radish, red or white onion, cilantro, fresh mint, and lime juice. It is incredibly light and perfect for a warm day with some chips or tostadas.

The Antojitos (Traditional Snacks/Appetizers)

#7 Enchiladas Salvadoreñas

Unlike the rolled Mexican version, our enchiladas are made on a crispy, flat, handmade corn tortilla. They are topped with refried beans, curtido (pickled cabbage slaw), hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and cheese. It’s making me hungry just thinking about it! Every time I visit El Salvador, these are at the top of my "must-have" list.

#8 Pastelitos

While enchiladas are usually topped with beans and veggies, pastelitos are tucked inside! They are made from a similar savory corn dough but shaped like small Mexican empanadas and filled with chicken or beef and finely diced carrots and potatoes. Served hot with a side of curtido and salsa (a tomato-based sauce), they are the perfect crispy snack.

#9 Yuca Frita (Fried Cassava)

If you’ve never had yuca before, frying it is the best way to try it. For this snack, it must first be boiled until tender and then fried until golden and crispy. We serve it hot with chicharrón (fried pork belly), pepescas (small dried, salty fish), or just plenty of curtido and dripping salsa on top.

#10 Mataniños

This is the Salvadoran version of a hot dog. The name "Mataniños" (child-killers) sounds a bit intense, but they are para chuparse los dedos! so good you'll want to lick your fingers! It’s a popular street food made with soft bread filled with curtido and mortadella, toasted, and topped with mayo, mustard, and ketchup. These bring back great childhood memories of hearing the vendors beep their horns when they passed around the house, and you knew it was time for a snack if you had a few extra coins!

Now that you have an idea of what El Salvador has to offer, you’re ready to order like a pro next time you visit a Salvadoran restaurant.

If you have a Salvadoran friend, this is a great way to start a conversation! Ask them about their favorite dish; I’m sure they’ll be surprised and happy that you know exactly what they’re talking about. Who knows? You might even get an invite to the next Carne Asada!

 @letsexplorenow