When it comes to street food, D.C. shines with its renowned pupusa, a culinary delight that speaks volumes about the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings.
This beloved Salvadoran dish has achieved notable popularity, particularly due to the city’s sizable Salvadoran community, creating a vibrant street food culture. From the busy streets of Columbia Heights to the quiet neighborhoods in Wheaton and Hyattsville, pupusas can be found at every corner, providing a delicious, affordable taste of Salvadoran cuisine.
Pupusas, generally priced between $2 to $3, are typically made to order, ensuring that each one is fresh and flavorful. A great pupusa is defined by a delicate balance between filling and masa, accompanied by a piquant curtido—an essential pickled vegetable mixture—and a fresh salsa. Even a mediocre pupusa can offer a satisfying experience, but it’s the nuances and careful balance that distinguish the exceptional ones.
After sampling over 25 variations, a few establishments stood out, each offering a unique take on this Salvadoran staple.
**D.C.’s MVP Pupusa: Gloria’s Pupuseria**
3411 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Gloria’s Pupuseria in Columbia Heights is a local favorite and embodies what makes pupusas a beloved dish. With colorful decor featuring tributes to singer Selena, the eatery delivers freshly made pupusas that are served piping hot.
The balance in their offerings is unmatched, with well-seasoned fillings that stretch the length of the pupusa without allowing the masa to overpower. These compact creations carry just the right amount of cheese, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the flavors.
Gloria’s also excels in its accompanying curtido, a thinly sliced, piquant version that could easily earn a title of its own as the best curtido in the area. For those exploring other options nearby, El Riconcito is worth a visit.
**Best Pupusa to Have with a Margarita: El Tamarindo**
1785 Florida Ave. NW
El Tamarindo is a lively pupuseria located in Adams Morgan, known not just for its delightful pupusas but also for its vibrant atmosphere. The establishment offers humorous merchandise like “Keep Calm Eat Pupusas” while patrons enjoy a relaxed dining experience.
The pupusas here feature a filling that harmoniously balances meat and cheese, all enveloped in a slightly thicker, non-doughy exterior. A brighter flavor is lent by a sweet profile, complemented by a bright orange salsa that enhances the overall experience. With a full bar and a pleasant patio, this spot makes for a perfect pairing with a margarita. The community would also appreciate Don Juan in Mt. Pleasant as another excellent pupusa destination.
**A Pupusa Worth a Drive to Virginia: Cerrito’s**
43137 Little River Tpke, Chantilly, VA
A little bit of a drive to Chantilly leads to Cerrito’s, a gem discovered during a personal triathlon. These larger-than-average pupusas boast a filling that’s flavorful in a way that stands out from the rest.
Some suggest a hint of turmeric may be in the mix, adding a unique personality to each bite. The salsa served alongside is commendable too, providing just enough heat to entice continuous snacking. Alternatively, Pupuseria La Familiar in Falls Church could be considered for its charm, featuring salsa in baggies as part of the delight.
**A Pupusa Worth a Trek to Maryland: Emily’s**
6824 Riggs Rd, Hyattsville, MD
Maryland boasts a competitive pupusa scene, with many eateries serving up delightful variations. Yet, Emily’s in Hyattsville made an enduring impression, offering a kick of flavor in its hot, perfectly grilled pupusa.
The filling is satisfying, while the assertive yet bright yellow curtido adds a welcome crunch that round out the dish. Another strong contender in the vicinity includes Comedor y Pupuseria San Alejo, just across the street.
**The Washington Nationals’ Greatest Loss: La Casita**
Multiple locations
In a turn of events sure to frustrate fans, La Casita no longer features a stand at the Nationals’ Navy Yard, robbing patrons of an affordable and filling treat during games.
Pupusas had become a popular alternative to typical ballpark snacks, and while the stand may be gone, La Casita’s excellent offerings remain available at various Maryland locations, as well as at Union Market’s La Cochesa in D.C. The frico-like crust on their pupusas complements the delicate curtido beautifully.
**Pupusa Corner’s Best Pupusas: Las Americanas**
3103 Graham Rd, Falls Church, VA
Falls Church, known for its abundance of pupusa spots, is home to a plethora of choices. Among the options available at the intersection of Route 50 and Graham Road, it’s easy to find delicious pupusas at almost every corner.
While many establishments serve respectable offerings, Las Americanas stands out with a robust filling and a delightful char on the exterior of their pupusas. Their unique mix of curtido and salsa makes for a tasty accompaniment, although a tiny bit more salt could elevate it. A mention of Pupuseria Mana also underscores the variety available in this vibrant area.
In summary, D.C. offers a rich tapestry of flavors with its pupusa offerings, each restaurant bringing something special to the table. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, exploring these pupuserias is an adventure guaranteed to introduce you to the heart of Salvadoran street food culture.
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