La Pupusa Urban Eatery: Honoring Salvadorean Roots With A Modern Los Angeles Twist

Traditional Salvadorean flavors meet modern Los Angeles creativity at La Pupusa Urban Eatery, the family-run business founded by Juan Saravia and his wife, Stephanie. Their mission is simple – to preserve the tastes of El Salvador while embracing the vibrant food culture of LA. Secret LA spoke with the couple about the origins of pupusas, their family’s culinary legacy, and what it means to bring their heritage to Los Angeles. A Dish With Ancient Roots ------------------------- When asked about where pupusas come from, Juan shared a story that reaches far beyond contemporary cuisine. “The origin of the pupusa is indigenous. It was made as an offering to the god of the moon. Back then, pupusas were only made with beans and pumpkin. They weren’t round — they were shaped like half-moons. Over time, food evolved, and now we use ingredients like meat, cheese, and more,” Juan said. A Family Legacy That Crossed Borders ------------------------------------ For the Saravia family, food is more than tradition. It’s a lineage that survived migration, change, and time. “Our family came to the U.S. back in the 70s. My father’s family arrived a little earlier than mine. But my wife’s grandmother — she was the one selling on the streets, around El Liborio,” Juan explained. “They sold tamales, nuégados, chucos, chilate ... all of that. That’s where it all started. The flavor always stayed with us — it’s something from our homeland.” He added that remembering their history is what keeps their recipes grounded. “The most important thing is to remember where it all comes from. Many of us live only in the moment and forget the past. But you have to remember the past. ” Why Los Angeles Matters ----------------------- DTLA Pupusas is more than just a business. It’s a home base for their family’s cultural roots. “Being in Los Angeles is very important for us. Our roots started here, and we really feel in this area that our roots are always stronger than before, ” Juan said. “Since we live in the area, we share in the area. We work with community centers. Our kids play in the parks around here. So the community is very important for us here.” Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs --------------------------------- For those hoping to start their own journey, Juan offers simple but powerful guidance. “If you dream, you have to dream big and work hard. Nothing happens overnight. Everything takes time.” A Message To Anyone Who’s Never Tried Pupusas --------------------------------------------- Juan leaves readers with one last irresistible invitation. “Come try pupusas. There are many flavors, but start with the typical ones. If you’ve never tried one, give it a chance — you’ll be surprised.” 📍Location: 1051 W Washington Blvd Ste G Los Angeles, California 90015 Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/salvadorean-cuisine-at-la-pupusa-urban-eatery/