Did you know that there are several restaurants in Montreal serving pupusas, the national meal of El Salvador?
This iconic dish, both simple and incredibly tasty, is much more than just a meal: it is a true cultural experience. Pupusas occupy the same place in Salvadoran cuisine as tacos in Mexico or ceviche in Peru, dishes that reflect the identity, heritage, and conviviality of a culture.
Pupusas are delicious thick corn or rice flour patties, traditionally filled with cheese, red beans, ground pork, or loroco, an edible flower with a unique aroma. Today, many modern variations offer fillings made with vegetables, seafood, or other types of meat, enriching the flavor palette and inventiveness of this iconic dish. Hand-shaped, pupusas are then cooked on a hot plate until they develop a golden crust on the outside and a perfectly soft texture on the inside.
A pupusa is never eaten alone; it is always accompanied by curtido, a crunchy mixture of pickled cabbage, carrots, and vinegar, as well as salsa roja or mild tomato sauce. The contrast between the softness of the flatbread and the acidity of the curtido is simply irresistible.
So, curious to try pupusas in Montreal? Follow this guide to experience the true taste of El Salvador.
2098 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, H2E 1V4
Located in Villeray, at the corner of Lorimier and Jean Talon, Dona Maria pupuseria serves not only delicious pupusas but also authentic Salvadoran cuisine. Here, whether it's soups, tamales, tacos, fried yuca, or plantains, everything is prepared with love. The service is friendly, the prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. You can eat in or take out. If you go with a group, there are interesting options such as the family combo of 10 pupusas accompanied by fried plantains, a pitcher of horchata, and chips with guacamole. A real treat without breaking the bank!
520 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H2S 1S5
No list of the best pupusas in Montreal would be complete without mentioning El Chalateco, a delicious Salvadoran restaurant located on Beaubien Street in Petite-Patrie. Just a stone's throw from the Beaubien metro station, people flock here all year round to enjoy its generous and tasty pupusas. We especially love the Con Todo (pork, cheese, and beans) and the Queso y Espinaca (cheese and spinach). With its traditional decor, colorful mural, and warm service, El Chalateco offers a true immersion in Salvadoran cuisine. As an added bonus, they also serve an excellent breakfast. Don't miss it!
350 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montréal, H2S 1L7
Open since 1991, La Carreta has undergone a facelift in recent years with its festive and welcoming decor, but the quality of the food has not changed! The beautiful "I love pupusas" neon sign on the wall announces the restaurant's specialty. The pupusas are generously filled and served with traditional curtido in a large mason jar, for true connoisseurs. Enjoy your pupusas with a selection of delicious appetizers and a large glass of horchata or sangria. In the summer, a terrace is set up so you can enjoy Montreal's beautiful warm evenings.
50 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H2P 1T1
This unpretentious family restaurant is one of the best places in town to enjoy authentic pupusas. Open since 2002, Iris serves several types of pupusas, including cheese, loroco, fried pork, black beans, and barbacoa, all at very reasonable prices. Located not far from Jarry Park, this cozy spot also serves delicious breakfasts. A place worth discovering!
51 Rue St-Zotique E, Montréal, H2S 1K7
In the heart of Petite-Patrie, El Amigo Restaurant is a must-visit for authentic pupusas. Filled with cheese, beans, pork, or loroco, they are served with traditional curtido and a tasty salsa sauce. Visitors appreciate the authentic flavors, generous portions, and warm, friendly atmosphere. For those looking for a simple and authentic place, El Amigo is a real culinary gem. Bonus: it's BYOB, perfect for complementing your meal with your favorite drink!
1453 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, H2G 1A5
Cabanas Pupuseria is a family-run neighborhood restaurant specializing in Salvadoran and Latin American cuisine. Although a little old-fashioned, this warm and unpretentious establishment is frequented by the local community, which is always a good sign when looking for authentic cuisine. As its name suggests, Cabanas is renowned for its plump pupusas, which are both crispy and deliciously flavorful. The most popular are the Revueltas (cheese, beans, and pork) and the queso loroco, with its typically Salvadoran floral taste.
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531 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, H2S 1G5
A little further west, on Bélanger Street, is Los Planes, a small Salvadoran restaurant that opened in 1996. With its wide variety of pupusas, it's the perfect place to discover flavors that go beyond the typical offerings. Among the must-try dishes are the Queso Pepperoni, the Loca (cheese, pork, zucchini, and jalapeno), and the Queso Hongos Espinaca (cheese, mushrooms, and spinach). The restaurant also offers generous combos, perfect for groups, and delicious creamy smoothies made with fresh fruit. Just thinking about it makes your appetite grow!
photo credit: capitalfoodieca
2524 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, H2A 1T7
Las Brasas in Montreal is a little gem for lovers of Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine. Simple and welcoming, the restaurant offers crispy pupusas, melt-in-your-mouth birria tacos, and tasty homemade dishes. The portions are generous and the value for money is excellent. The place can get crowded and the atmosphere a little rough around the edges, but that's exactly what gives it its charm. For an authentic, comforting, and unpretentious meal, Las Brasas is a place to remember.
Multiple locations
Don't be fooled by the storefront! Sabor Latino is primarily a supermarket offering a wide range of South American products, but it also has a counter selling prepared foods to go, including excellent pupusas. With locations in Montreal and Brossard, there's probably one near you! On your next visit, take a quick detour to the ready-to-eat counter and choose your favorite between cheese and pork or cheese and beans. And for those who prefer to stay at home, delivery is available through the most popular platforms.
Whether you're curious, a foodie, or a traveler at heart, one thing is certain: Montreal's pupusas are worth the detour. To continue this culinary adventure, check out our complete list of Montreal restaurants serving Salvadoran cuisine.
