Cuisine

El Salvador is influenced by Colombia and Spain. Pupusa (tortilla) is a typical dish – hearty, basic and delicious. As with most Pacific countries, ceviche (raw marinated fish, usually fish) is a popular, seafood dish popular in coastal regions. Guests can enjoy grilled mussels, lobster and crab. Salvador has a wide variety of fresh fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes and papayas are popular) and minutas (crushed ice with fruit syrup) and fresh coconuts sold on street sidewalks everywhere. A light breakfast that can include fruit or HUEVOS picados (eggs with vegetables), SOPAS (soup) and mariscadas (seafood chowders) usually feature most menus in restaurants.

In San Salvador, there are many cafes and restaurants at Paseo General Escalon, at Zona Rosa and shopping malls like Metrocenter and Gran Vía. Casual eateries abound around the Boulevard de los area. International cuisines include Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French and Argentinian. There are a lot of fast food and street food outlets in El Salvador. Santa Ana (El Salvador's second city) sells a lot of street food at Avenida Norte near laid-back sidewalk cafes. In smaller towns and cities, dining options are more limited.