Juayúa, pronounced y-u-a, is a small quaint town in the mountains filled with waterfalls, coffee fields and some of the kindest people in Central America. What first attracted me to this colonial town was la feria gastronómica which takes place every weekend throughout August. About 40-50 food stands line the cobblestone streets cooking everything from sweet corn soup to grilled frog. There was something magic about Juayúa and I wound up staying almost a week with intentions of staying for two days.
- pupusa street stand
Pupusas may be the most traditional Salvadoran food. They’re made from masa de maiz OR rice flour and are generally grilled and stuffed with queso, chicharron (ground pork meat not fried pork rinds), and refried beans. However there are many vegetarian options that are filled with local edible flowers such as loroco, mora, and chipilin. Pupusas are commonly served with curtido a spicy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, chilis, and vinegar and cost anywhere from twenty-five to forty cents.
- spinach pupusa with curtido
- riguas: ground corn mixed with sugar steamed in banana leafs and then grilled
- riguas tradicionales (with cheese) or served with shredded coconut
- ceviche
- atol de elote: served as a drink or soup made of corn, cinnamon, sugar, and evaporated milk
- atol de elote
- grilled frogs & ramps
- HUGE breaded shrimp, ramps, and tortillas stuffed with cheese
- fried yuca with spicy tomato salsa & slaw
Why I ♥ Juayúa
- I stayed at an INCREDIBLE hostel for $7 a night and made life long friends
- Ate 25 cent pupusas everyday for lunch
- Got a massage from a local blind woman for $6 an hour
- Day hike to the waterfalls while learning about coffee production from a VERY cheerful local named Juan
- Street art & flowers EVERYWHERE
- Local markets stocked with fresh vegetables and tropical fruits
