A famous saying goes, “Food is the ingredient that binds us together,” and that couldn’t be more true when hosting a Salvadoran Au Pair. Sharing a meal isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating connections, celebrating traditions, and making your Au Pair feel at home.
El Salvador’s cuisine reflects its rich blend of Indigenous and Latin American influences, with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and deep cultural significance. If you’re looking for a way to bond with your Au Pair, exploring traditional Salvadoran food is the perfect place to start!
Here are 20 must-try Salvadoran dishes to cook and enjoy together:
1. Pupusas
If there’s one dish that defines Salvadoran food, it’s pupusas. These thick, hand-made corn tortillas are filled with cheese, refried beans, or seasoned pork, then grilled until golden. Topped with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and salsa, pupusas are best eaten with your hands—just like they do in El Salvador!
Want to make your Au Pair feel truly at home? Plan a pupusa night, where everyone gets to pick their own fillings and shape their own pupusas. It’s hands-on, fun, and a memory your kids won’t forget!
2. Tamales
Tamales are a staple food in El Salvador. Unlike Mexican tamales, Salvadoran tamales are wrapped in banana leaves, which give them a subtle sweetness. Filled with chicken, pork, or vegetables, they’re a special-occasion dish, often made in large batches for family celebrations.
Ask your Au Pair if they have a family tamale recipe—every Salvadoran household has its own unique twist!
3. Tortas
A torta is a delicious, hearty sandwich made with soft bread, roasted pork or chicken, pickled vegetables, and a tangy sauce. It’s a kid-friendly Salvadoran meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a casual picnic.
4. Elote Loco
Elote loco, which translates to “crazy corn” in English, is a bold take on the classic corn on the cob. To make it, grilled white corn cobs are slathered in a rich mix of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime — then served on a skewer for easy eating.
If you were visiting El Salvador, you’d find elote loco served on street corners, at local markets, or by vendors at outdoor events. But since you’re hosting your Au Pair in America, why not spice up your summer BBQ by adding elote loco to the mix? It’s a fun, delicious way to blend both cultures and make your gathering even more memorable.
5. Sopa de Mondongo
Sopa de Mondongo is a hearty, nourishing stew made with tender tripe (beef stomach) and a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn. It’s a beloved Salvadoran food, especially during cooler weather or after a long day of hard work.
The true sign of an authentic bowl of sopa de mondongo is a rich, flavorful broth. Many families pass down their recipe through generations, seasoning it with a unique mix of herbs and spices, like cumin, garlic, cilantro, paprika, and bay leaves.
6. Mojarra Frita
Are you a seafood lover? If so, you won’t want to miss out on this crispy fried fish. It’s prepared by taking a whole tilapia or snapper fish, marinating it with spices like garlic, lime, and achiote, then frying it to crispy perfection.
Pair it with rice, fried plantains, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a flavorful family-style dinner perfect for sharing.
7. Quesadilla
When you see the word quesadilla, you probably think, “I know what that is!” — but not so fast. We’re not talking about the Americanized version you find in most casual dining restaurants across the U.S. In fact, we’re not even talking about the tortilla-based Mexican dish! That’s because the term quesadilla has an entirely different meaning when talking about Salvadoran dishes.
In El Salvador, a quesadilla is a sweet, cheesy cake with a golden exterior and a tender, moist texture on the inside. It’s traditionally sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and served with hot chocolate or coffee. So when your Au Pair offers to make quesadilla, get excited — it’s a sweet, cheesy treat that’s totally different but just as delicious!
8. Enchiladas
Salvadoran enchiladas are nothing like the saucy, rolled tortillas you’re likely familiar with. Instead, they’re crispy, fried corn tortillas that are typically served open-faced and piled high with fresh, tasty ingredients like refried beans, shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, curtido (pickled cabbage slaw), tomatoes, and crumbled cheese.
Most locals enjoy enchiladas as their go-to street food or as a favorite for casual meals at home. Why not ditch the usual tacos and treat your family to the bold flavors of Salvadoran enchiladas?
9. Charamuscas
Charamuscas are a favorite frozen treat in El Salvador, enjoyed on hot days. They’re made by blending fresh fruit, milk, or other ingredients like chocolate or condensed milk. The mixture is then poured into small plastic bags, sealed, and frozen.
To enjoy a charamusca, just bite or cut off a corner of the bag and squeeze out the icy goodness. Some people like to let it melt a little for a softer, slushier treat, while others prefer it frozen solid, just like a popsicle. Either way, it’s a refreshing way to cool down!
10. Sopa de Pata
Craving a satisfying, soul-warming dish? Sopa de pata is just what you need. This hearty soup is packed with tender cow’s feet, tripe, yuca, corn, and fresh vegetables. But the real magic is in the broth — bursting with coriander, lemon, chili powder, cilantro, garlic, and cumin flavors. It’s a bold, flavorful bowl that’ll fill you up and leave you coming back for more. Perfect for those moments when you want something comforting and rich!
11. Atol de Elote
Atole de elote is the ultimate cozy drink. It’s made with blanched white corn, milk, sugar, and cinnamon or vanilla.
One fun fact about this delicious beverage? It was first made by the Mayans, who figured out how to turn corn into a tasty, nourishing beverage. Back then, it was an important part of their culture and often enjoyed during celebrations or special events.
Over time, it became a beloved treat all across Central America, and today, Salvadorans enjoy atole de elote as a breakfast drink, a sweet dessert, or just a cozy pick-me-up.
12. Yuca con Chicharrón
Chicarrón (deep-fried pork skins or pork belly) is a traditional Salvadoran food used in various dishes since pork is readily available in markets and butcher shops nationwide. This meal is paired with yuca — a starchy root vegetable that’s either boiled until soft and buttery or fried in oil for a crispy bite.
Curtido is also added to the plate, and a spicy tomato sauce is served on the side to dip or drizzle over the meat. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave after the first taste!
13. Desayuno Típico
Desayuno típico, which translates to “a typical breakfast,” is a scrumptious way to kick-start your day. Ask for this in any Salvadoran restaurant, and you’ll receive a large plate featuring fried plantains, creamy refried beans, eggs prepared to your liking, warm tortillas, and smoky chorizo sausage.
14. Sopa de Gallina India
Sopa de gallina India is a soup that feeds the body and the soul. It’s bursting with rich, natural flavors that are sure to have you returning for a second bowl. The star ingredient is a fully grown, farm-raised hen, known as gallina India, which locals say has a deep, savory taste, unlike most poultry dishes.
The hen is slow-cooked with fresh veggies, garlic, herbs, and spices, creating a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s the ideal El Salvador dinner food for chilly winter evenings!
15. Panes con Pavo
If you’re a fan of turkey sandwiches, you’ll love this flavor-packed version from El Salvador! It’s a popular comfort food that locals enjoy at family gatherings, street fairs, or as a stress-free lunch. Preparation is pretty simple — slices of marinated turkey are piled onto crusty bread topped with curtido, tomatoes, radish, and a drizzle of sauce. With some leftover turkey, you can have one ready in no time!
16. Refresco de Ensalada
Planning to host a backyard summer soiree or simply need a way to cool down during sweltering high temperatures? You need a refresco de ensalada! These traditional Salvadoran beverages are sweet, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing. Plus, they’re easy to make.
Just mix finely chopped fresh fruits like pineapple, apple, mamey, and marañón (cashew fruit) with fresh fruit juice, water, and a touch of sugar. Voila — you can beat the heat while sipping on a tropical delight!
17. Sopa de Pescado
If you’re a fan of seafood chowder or gumbo, you’re in for a treat with Salvadoran Sopa de Pescado. This vibrant, well-seasoned fish soup is packed with flavor and offers a rustic charm that leaves you full and feeling great.
To whip up your own pot, cook whole fish with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a flavorful broth. Add yuca, plantains, and cilantro, then season with achiote and spices. Simmer until tender and serve hot with lime slices.
18. Horchata
Horchata is a creamy, nutty, and refreshingly sweet drink made from milled morro seeds, along with rice, sesame seeds, and spices like cinnamon. It’s similar to almond milk in the U.S. but with a more earthy taste and creamier texture.
Salvadorans love to customize their horchata with different flavors, making each cup unique! Some add vanilla for extra sweetness, while others mix in cocoa powder for more chocolatey richness.
19. Pastelitos
Pastelitos Salvadoreños, or Salvadoran empanadas, are deep-crisped turnovers filled with well-seasoned meat or veggies. The pastry is made with spiced corn masa and then fried for a crunchy texture on the outside, soft inside, and always a joy to eat.
Loved in El Salvador, these snacks are the go-to choice for any occasion — quick to make and packed with flavor!
20. Churrasco Típico
Before buying hamburger patties for your next family BBQ, why not grill up some churrasco instead? It’s a meal made from chicken, pork, or beef, which is then pounded thin and charred over coals.
Traditionally, it’s served with fried plantains, rice, beans, and a side of salad for a complete and satisfying plate. A wonderful excuse to bring people together, enjoy delicious food, and spend time with great company.
Try Salvadoran Dishes with Your Au Pair
An Au Pair provides more than childcare. They become part of your family, introducing new traditions, languages, and perspectives that enrich your children’s lives. Even everyday moments, like cooking together, can spark meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for different cultures.
By hosting an Au Pair, you’ll experience:
- Reliable, live-in childcare that fits your family’s schedule
- A unique cultural exchange that broadens your child’s worldview
- Personalized support and flexibility that adapts to your needs
Discover how an Au Pair can bring lasting benefits to your home. Find an Au Pair today!
