Silvia's Pupuseria - Salvadorian Food — Restaurant in National City

We came to this pupusas place to try them out based on the 4+ stars rating it has on google maps, but we also noticed it had some bad reviews of people complaining on the portion size of the pupusas and that they hardly have any ingredients inside, so we decided to buy one pupusa to try and if we liked it we would dine there (family of 3 adults and 1 baby), there was only 8 people eating inside, so we ordered 1 pupusa revuelta to go, so even though it was relatively slow it still took them over 20 minutes to prepare 1 pupusa, also we noticed they had kids going in and out of the kitchen which is very dangerous and a huge hazard, another no-no they only take cash so if you want to pay with credit card or debit you can't, after waiting around 15 minutes we asked why it was taking so long to get 1 pupusa ready and no common sense explanation was given, we asked for our $$$ back and they refused to refund us our $$$, so after 20+ minutes of waiting our pupusa was ready, so we left because if it took them that long to prepare 1 pupusa, we figured how much longer would it take them to prepare a bigger order for our whole family, once we left, we opened the pupusa and the taste was good can't complain about that, but the bad reviews where very honest and on point with the comments of the size of the pupusa based on the price they charge for them, we proceeded to go eat at the usual place where we've gone for 15+ years on 3824 University ave. called El Salvador Pupuseria y Restaurante, pupusas are served in more generous portions and prices are also more convenient and you can pay with CC or debit, food is prepared in a...

Pupuseria Silvia delivers on both flavor and authenticity, which is great to see since Salvadoran cuisine isn’t as common in the San Diego area. The moment you walk in, the air is filled with the rich, comforting aroma of sizzling masa and melting cheese. The pupusas arrive hot off the griddle, their golden, crispy edges giving way to a warm, gooey center packed with flavor. The revuelta (pork, beans, and cheese) is a standout—savory and deeply satisfying—while the loroco and cheese offers an earthy, floral note that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. The chicharrón was especially delicious, with a bold, well-seasoned richness that melts in your mouth. The chicken, however, was a little on the dry side, though the curtido—a tangy, crunchy mix of pickled cabbage, carrots, and oregano—helped bring it back to life alongside the mild tomato salsa.

Beyond the food, the hospitality here is warm and welcoming, making it feel like a true neighborhood spot. Another big plus is the parking—it's located in a large free parking lot, so there’s no hassle trying to find a spot. The only downside is that the indoor dining area doesn’t quite match the quality of the food. The décor is outdated, and the space could definitely use a remodel to make it more inviting.

Still, with pupusas this good, it’s easy to overlook the ambiance. If you’re craving authentic Salvadoran comfort food, this place is absolutely worth a visit—I’ll...

We are lucky in San Diego and surrounding cities to have a variety of ethnic foods. Salvadorian food is a unique blend of sweet treats like the Platanitos ( ripe fried plantain ) with savory dishes like Yuca con chicharron ( fried casaba rood with pork cracklings ) Don't go to this restaurant to eat Mexican food and write your review based on that. Explore, ask and investigate a bit of this food that is unique and very tasty. Order some Pupusas stuffed made to order corn tortillas filled with combination of items like Loroco, cheese, spinach, chicharron, black beans, jalapeños and more. Served with pickled cabbage and red salsa. The tamales both pork and chicken are wrap in a banana leave. Larger than the ones you a re just to see. The Pan relleno, the equivalent of a torta is light and delicious. Of course they will have the traditional Mexican fare for those that are not adventurous but, take the time and ask questions you'll be greatly surprised on the flavors and new ingredients. You can get carne asada fries anywhere. Prices are low in my opinion and the decor is just as the casual restaurants in El Salvador are decorated. Pay them a visit and order Salvadorian food. You'll be happy you did.

Walter C. Follow me on twitter @walexc1 and face book as...