There is much more to Mexican food than tacos and burritos (burritos are actually much more Mexican US dish). And while San Francisco boasts a seriously eclectic Mexican food scene, when you expand your culinary curiosity to include the 33 countries that comprise Latin America, the options for a dining adventure really start to pile up—especially in this city.
And just as many Mexican restaurants will serve some sort of riff on the taco, other Latin American restaurants have their own shared comfort foods.
From El Salvador’s pupusas to Peru’s lomo saltado, read on for a rundown of five Latin American staples—and where to find them. These dishes might just make you ditch your favorite taqueria the next time you want a tasty, spicy bite.
Pupusas
Redeemer
Panchita’s Restaurant in the Mission District makes a seriously addictive pupusa. I often have to force myself not get at least one every week. Similar to a stuffed tortilla – these bags of masa harania and meat (or veggies or cheese or all of the above) never fail to warm the soul. Pro tip: if you’re not putting a mountain of curtido (a spiced roll) on top of their pupusas de frijole, you’re not doing it right.
Tlayuda
oaxaca
True, Oaxaca is technically not her country. But the southern Mexican state—known for producing world-class mezcal and mole—features a cuisine that is, in many ways, worlds apart from the dishes we can find in Mexico’s northern cities. Tlayudas are large, crispy tortillas filled with refried beans, meat, Oaxaca cheese (of course), cabbage or lettuce, avocado, and salsa. Gringos have been eating an Americanized approximation of Tlayuda for years: Taco Bell’s “Mexican Pizza.” But one bite of the tlayudas from La Oaxaqueña in Mision and anyone with even a remotely discerning palate will realize that nothing can hold a candle to the genuine article. Pro tip: Wash it down with an agua fresca (or “spa water” as TikTok likes to say).
Fried life
PERU
Although you might associate the stir-fry with Asian restaurants, one of Peru’s most popular dishes — Lomo Saltado — is made by rapidly simmering vegetables and meat, tossing them together with a soy sauce and serving over rice (or, yes so often, French fries ). You can try this Peruvian product in the Marina district at Jaranita’s. This restaurant offers a wide variety of Peruvian dishes and a beautiful atmosphere. The Yunza tree in the center of the restaurant, decorated with colorful ribbons and twinkling fairy lights, is particularly beautiful. Enjoy a hearty plate of Lomo Saltado with one of their Jaranita Ritas (or three if you make it for their happy hour special). Pro tip: Peru isn’t the only Latin American country that makes ceviche, but many swear it’s the best. There is only one way for you to decide. Try it.
Mofongo
Puerto Rico
Parada 22’s bright cyan building is hard to miss in the Haight District, especially with its Puerto Rican flag hanging from the window. Mofongos are a staple dish of this island nation. Made with green plantains mixed with bacon, vegetables and the option of shrimp, steak, chicken and pernil asado, mofongo is nothing if not hearty. Pulling up a chair at this cozy restaurant is a bit like sitting around the dinner table in a Puerto Rican home. This feeling is only underscored by the restaurant’s home-cooked flavors, which feel like a warm embrace. We have a feeling Bad Bunny would approve. Pro tip: If you want to continue your Caribbean culinary excursion, pay a visit to neighboring Cha Cha Cha for a glass (or pitcher) or sangria.
empanada
Chile
Chilean empanadas from Eastern Chile are as tasty as they are quick. They offer a variety of flavors – including chicken, jalapeno, and bacon and cheese. Located on 16th Street, this little place offers quality Chilean food using locally sourced ingredients. Pro tip: For the true Chilean experience, you’ll want to try the classic empanada de pino, which is made with beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
