Confessions of a foodie
#3: Pupusa
The first time I tried this Salvadorean staple was in Gorman House, flea market in the heart of Canberra, Australia close to ten years ago. Pupusa, pronounced as ‘Poo-poo-sah’, is such a satisfying combination of crispy crust, melted cheese, and delicious variety of fillings ranging from spinach, beans, chicken, pork to more exotic options such as loroco, edible flowers.
Pupusa is usually served with Salvadorean coleslaw, more reminiscent of sauerkraut, and salsa. Every time I bite into a pupusa and feel the burning sensation of the melting cheese along with the tang of the fermented cabbage and sweet-n-hot salsa, I find peace in sleepless New York. My go-to place for a dose of this comfort food is La Cabaña Salvadoreña in Washington Heights.
I’m currently doing a lifestyle program, Whole 30, which requires me to cook more at home and follow a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.-free diet, which at times is simply frustrating. And as you might have guessed, pupusas are a no-no, so this confession is my way of fantasizing about how it would feel to indulge in a pupusa. Until I get to enjoy my next pupusa, you should definitely get your hands on one, if you haven’t done so yet!
