My favorite thing to eat when I visit San Francisco, hands down, are pupusas—a true culinary gem and a staple in El Salvadoran cuisine. Pupusas are thick, handmade corn tortillas filled with a variety of savory ingredients. The process of making pupusas involves skillful hands molding the masa (corn dough) into a pocket, which is then generously filled before being pressed and cooked on a griddle until golden brown.
I purchased these pupusas in The Mission, my favorite area of San Francisco, and they are entirely vegan, featuring only a wholesome bean filling. During the final stage of preparation, these vegan pupusas are adorned with a vibrant cabbage slaw and a zesty salsa, enhancing their flavors with a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness. The combination of the hearty, comforting masa, the savory bean filling, and the crisp toppings creates a symphony of tastes and textures that not only honors El Salvadoran culinary tradition but also celebrates a delicious, vegan twist on a beloved classic. I am so sorry that I forgot the name of the restaurant, but I promise I will catch the next time I’m our West!