South of the Border flavors come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some come in bite-size tacos, others in a bowl and others in between warm masa. This up and coming restaurant is taking the locals and foodies by surprise. Co-Owners, Juan Saravia and Stephanie Figueroa decided to open a foodie heaven and share a little of their Salvadorian roots with people from all over the city.
The restaurant is right in the heart of the Salvadorian community and prides itself on providing the traditional dishes like, pan con pollo, pastelitos, and one of the community’s favorite pupusas. In just 8 months, La Pupusa Urban Eatery has gathered the attention of bloggers, content creators, city officials and even fans from neighboring cities like Long Beach, San Fernando Valley and more.
La Pupusa Urban Eatery is located in the Pico/Union district, just West of LA Live, North of USC and Southeast from Koreatown.
Inspired by their grandmothers cooking and L.A. culture, Juan and Stephanie started this journey in memoriam of their loved ones. Upon arriving at the restaurant, you are greeted with a joyful energy, a TV that’s blasting tunes from hip-hop to cumbias and salvi chips with a side of black beans and salsa. At first, I didn’t know what they were, they looked like pupusa triangle bite size. They are soft, warm and ready to be dipped in beans and placed over your taste buds! They are La Pupusas’ very own welcoming appetizer as you look over the menu.
As one waits for delicious pupusas, people of all ages enter with smiles. They’re either there to pick up lunch or meet a comadre. Space is small and cozy like a grandmothers’ hug. The walls are covered with Salvadorian inspired art, flag and the smell of home cooked meals that my mom raised me with.
Although, La Pupusa is inspired by traditional roots, Juan and Stephanie have added their own touch to dishes like plátanos fritos. A traditional dessert in the Salvadorian community are empanadas, which are best described as ground plantain pies filled with custard. These heavenly pillows are made of mashed plantains, filled with either sweet custard or beans and sprinkled sugar around them. They are literally, sweet inside and out! However, co-owners decided to take a step further and add to the menu their creation of plátanos fritos, a carnie style, buttermilk battered, deep fried, served with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle and powdered sugar. This is beyond heaven! My Salvie tastebuds were going crazy as I enjoyed the taste of my childhood favorite with a twist of ice cream to enhance the flavors!
La Pupusa Urban Eatery not only celebrates Salvadorian upbringing but also embraces Los Angeles cultures and its diverse cuisines. La Pupusa, adds something new and exciting to the community. A blend of cultures, traditions and imagination to a world of food connoisseurs that look for bliss in a dish.
For more information please visit: www.lapupusadtla.com
IG @LaPupusaDTLA
