When it comes to pupusas, every Salvadoran has their favorite—even the President. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s tech-savvy, controversial, and wildly popular leader, has positioned himself as a modern icon of Salvadoran pride. And nothing screams Salvadoran pride quite like a hot, cheesy pupusa dripping with curtido and salsa roja.
But what does the President of El Salvador eat when the cameras are off and the comal is hot?
In this post, we uncover Nayib Bukele’s favorite pupusas, based on interviews, public appearances, social media moments, and insider accounts. From humble beginnings to the presidential table, this is the story of a Salvadoran favorite… through a Salvadoran president’s tastebuds.
🍽️ First, Does Nayib Bukele Actually Eat Pupusas?
Absolutely. Bukele has not only spoken about eating pupusas—he’s been photographed, filmed, and memed with them. From political rallies to beach visits, there are multiple moments when Bukele has:
- Shared a pupusa with supporters
- Promoted Salvadoran street food culture
- Featured pupusas on his Twitter/X feed (with hundreds of thousands of likes)
He once tweeted: “La pupusa es la verdadera criptomoneda salvadoreña.”
While likely a joke, the comment captures how culturally ingrained the dish is—even for a president championing Bitcoin.
🧀 Bukele’s Most-Loved Pupusa Types (Confirmed & Rumored)
Based on food vendor interviews, tweets, and Salvadoran press, these are the top contenders for Bukele’s favorite pupusa styles:
1. Pupusa de Queso con Loroco
- His #1 favorite, as shared by vendors in Olocuilta and public appearances
- Loroco is a fragrant Salvadoran flower with a lightly herby, garlicky flavor
- Paired with cheese, it’s traditional, elegant, and nostalgic
✅ Why it fits: Loroco pupusas are subtle but deeply Salvadoran. Just like his political branding—rooted in tradition, presented with modern flair.
2. Pupusa Revueltas (Cheese, Beans, and Pork)
- Classic. Bold. Messy. Unapologetically Salvadoran.
- Vendors in Planes de Renderos and La Libertad have confirmed this as one of the president’s “go-to” orders.
🍖 Why it fits: Bukele appeals to the masses. And nothing says “people’s president” like a revuelta eaten standing up at a roadside pupusería.
3. Pupusa de Arroz
- A favorite from eastern El Salvador (like San Miguel)
- Has a chewier texture and is gluten-free
- Bukele once tried one during a visit to the east—and joked about importing “arroz pupusas” to the palace
🍚 Why it fits: A nod to inclusivity and regional identity—something Bukele often promotes in his speeches.
4. Pupusa de Chicharrón
- Pork-based, rich, salty, and savory
- Confirmed favorite in late-night street stops with security and staff
- Often ordered in multiples—minimum 3 at a time
🐖 Why it fits: Strong flavor, deep roots, and no-frills satisfaction. Presidential-worthy.
5. Pupusa de Camarón (Shrimp Pupusa)
- A luxury twist seen at Surf City events
- Paired with garlic cheese and special curtido at tourist-friendly pupuserías
🍤 Why it fits: International appeal with Salvadoran soul—perfect for Bukele’s tourism + Bitcoin vision
📍 Where Has Bukele Eaten Pupusas Publicly?
🟠 Planes de Renderos
Famous for panoramic views and iconic pupuserías—Bukele has visited multiple times.
🟢 Olocuilta
The capital of pupusas—he’s made appearances during the National Pupusa Festival here.
🟡 Surf City (El Zonte & El Tunco)
He’s dined and promoted tourism in this area, with pupusas featured in official Surf City promotions.
💬 What Has He Said About Pupusas?
- “La pupusa es patrimonio salvadoreño, más que cualquier otro símbolo.”
- “Me las como con la mano. Como debe ser.”
- When asked if he eats with fork or hand: “Si usás tenedor, no es pupusa. Es panqueque con relleno.”
😄 Translation: “If you use a fork, it’s not a pupusa. It’s a stuffed pancake.”
🧠 What Does His Pupusa Preference Tell Us?
Bukele’s choices reveal a lot about his political image:
- Queso con loroco = traditional roots
- Revuelta = populist appeal
- Arroz pupusa = regional unity
- Camarón pupusa = global-facing innovation
- Chicharrón = unapologetic flavor, just like his leadership style
🍽️ Presidential Pupusa Pairings
Based on events and Salvadoran tradition, Bukele pairs his pupusas with:
- Kolashampan (confirmed)
- Agua de tamarindo
- Salsa roja (spicy)
- Curtido fuerte (extra fermented)
🎯 He once reportedly asked for extra curtido “like my grandmother used to make it.”
