If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Salvadoran cuisine in Los Angeles, there’s Sarita’s Pupuseria at Grand Central Market. Sarita’s is one of its most beloved vendors at this iconic food hall.
Sarita’s Salvadorian dishes are based on owner Sara Clark’s family recipes.
At Sarita’s, the star of the show is, of course, the pupusas. These stuffed tortillas are made from a blend of corn flour and water, then filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, such as pork, beans, cheese, and even cactus.
They’re cooked on a griddle until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then served with curtido, a tangy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and vinegar.
Sarita’s Pupuseria also offers fried plantains, fried pork belly, stews, and more.
The items are made-to-order fresh and can take a long time (like 30+ minutes). We waited about 45 minutes during an off-peak hour.
We got a pork pupusa which had tender meat and a nicely melted cheese. It was not easy to cut so we ate it by ripping off parts of the tortilla and grabbing some fillings with each bite. Every bite was flavorful.
I came to know about Sarita’s Pupuseria because they were featured in the movie La La Land (circa 2016) with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. It was where Mia and Sebastian had their first date (in case you want to recreate the scene!).
