Make Salvadoran Pupusas Like a Local: In‑Person Class at Casa Coco, Santa Ana

Pupusas are El Salvador’s most iconic traditional dish — and yes, they taste just as good as they look. In our hands-on pupusa cooking class in Santa Ana, you’ll learn how to make these delicious stuffed tortillas from scratch, in a fun and easy way. Whether you’re a total beginner in the kitchen or a cooking pro, everyone is welcome at the table!

In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about pupusas: their roots, their ingredients, and how we make them during our class. You’ll also get useful tips so you can impress your friends and family with your new culinary skills — straight from the heart of El Salvador.

What Are Pupusas?

Pupusas are thick, handmade corn tortillas stuffed with all kinds of delicious fillings — from beans and cheese to pork (chicharrón) and veggies. They’re one of the most popular and beloved foods in El Salvador, and the best part? They’re super versatile and made to match every taste.

Pupusas are traditionally served with curtido, a tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a flavorful tomato salsa. The combo of hot, cheesy pupusa with cool, spicy curtido is what makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Whether you're a foodie, a traveler, or just curious about Salvadoran cuisine, trying a pupusa (or three) is a must!

A Little Pupusa History

Pupusas have deep roots that go way back to the Indigenous cultures of Central America. Their origin is believed to be pre-Columbian, and for generations, they’ve been a staple food for many communities in El Salvador.

Over the years, pupusas have evolved and made their way around the world. Today, they’re a national symbol of Salvadoran cuisine — so much so that there's even a National Pupusa Day, celebrated every second Sunday in November. Yep, a whole day just for pupusas!

Ingredients to Make Pupusas

Ready to make your own pupusas? Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need:

Corn flour (masa harina) – This is the base of your pupusa. Make sure to get extra-fine corn flour for the smoothest dough.

Water – Just mix with the corn flour to form the perfect pupusa masa.

Fillings – This is where the fun begins! You can get creative, but here are some classic options:

• Cheese (quesillo or mozzarella)

• Refried beans

• Meat (chicken, beef, pork, fish, or shrimp)

• Veggies (any grated or sautéed vegetables you love)

Don’t worry — in our class, we’ll guide you through every step so your pupusas come out delicious, stretchy, and golden brown.

What to Expect in Our Pupusa Cooking Class

In our hands-on pupusa cooking class in Santa Ana, you’ll learn to make El Salvador’s most iconic dish from scratch. Here’s a sneak peek of what the experience looks like:

Step 1: Prepping the Fillings

We’ll start by preparing the vegetables for your pupusa fillings. You’ll learn the right proportions and discover authentic Salvadoran ingredients like mora, papelillo, and loroco. We’ll also show you how just the right pinch of salt brings everything to life.

Step 2: Making the Curtido

Once the fillings are ready, it’s time to make curtido — the tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw that goes with every pupusa. We’ll teach you about our special homemade pineapple peel vinegar, the vegetable mix, and our secret seasoning that takes the flavor to the next level.

Step 3: Crafting the Salsa

Next up: the sauce! Learn how to prepare our traditional tomato salsa with the perfect balance of veggies, water, spices, and one or two flavor-boosting tricks.

Step 4: Mixing the Masa

Now for the heart of it all — the pupusa dough. You’ll get hands-on with our special corn flours, learn the right water ratio, and master the technique of working the masa with your own hands, just like it’s done in Salvadoran homes.

Step 5: Cooking Your Pupusas

Time to press, stuff, and flip! You’ll learn how to portion the dough, mix and match fillings, and form your own pupusas. Then, we’ll grill them together until they’re hot, golden, and ready to eat.

PUPUSAS CLUB EXPERIENCE at casa coco

Eating pupusas is always a treat… but making pupusas with total strangers (soon-to-be friends!) and a team of passionate locals? That’s a whole different vibe.

This isn’t just a cooking class — it’s an experience. One filled with flavor, laughter, and Salvadoran soul.

Why Join Our Pupusa Cooking Class?

Here’s why our guests say this is one of their favorite moments in El Salvador:

• Passionate Instructors

  
  

  Meet Galilea — a former math teacher turned cooking queen. Her love for food and background in education bring a unique, warm energy to every class. She doesn’t just show you how to cook — she makes you feel part of something special.

  
  

• Homey Atmosphere

  
  

  Our open kitchen at Casa Coco is designed for connection. It’s a place where travelers, locals, and flavors come together. No matter where you're from, you'll feel at home here — like you’ve been invited into a friend’s house.

  
  

• Real Recipes, Real Flavors

  
  

  You won’t just eat authentic Salvadoran pupusas — you’ll learn to make them. We teach you the real recipes, with local ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. Take them home and impress everyone at your next dinner party.

  
  

• A True Community Experience

  
  

  By joining our class, you’re not just cooking — you’re supporting local talent and becoming part of a growing creative movement in El Salvador’s emerging food and tourism scene. It's about food, culture, and connection — all in one evening.

  
  

What Our GUESTS Say

Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what travelers are saying after joining our pupusa class:

“A brilliant class! Great fun and very tasty. It caters for vegan/vegetarian too.”— Madeline P.

“Absolutely amazing experience!!! It was so much fun. We made lots of pupusas!!!”— Jolie C.

“Great cooking class with a great atmosphere full of fun!!!”— Emmanuelle B.

Ready to Join the Fun?

If you’re ready to learn how to make your own pupusas and meet awesome travelers along the way — don’t wait!We’re flipping pupusas every Monday to Saturday at 7:00 PM at Casa Coco Hostel in Santa Ana.

Everyone’s welcome — whether you're a total beginner or a kitchen pro. You’ll leave with new skills, fun memories, and most importantly, a belly full of delicious pupusas.

The kitchen is a space for joy, curiosity, and connection — so come with an open mind and a big appetite.

We can’t wait to meet you.