Guanaco's Tacos serves taste of El Salvador to Capitol Hill

While Seattle offers a variety of culinary options, Guanaco's Tacos Pupuseria brings new flavors to Capitol Hill: a taste of El Salvador.

Guanaco's second and newest location opened last week and is in the back of Alley Mall on 219 Broadway East; the first is located in the University District.

The diverse menu offers flavorful South American bites for extremely reasonable prices.

Pupusas (a traditional Salvadorian dish), at first glance, look like pancakes. These corn or rice flour tortillas are filled with any combination of cheese, pork, chicken, refried beans, zucchini, spinach and jalapenos.

Diners can hear the slapping noises of the pupusas being shaped while awaiting the arrival of their meal.

Even better, at only $2.35 each, the price is right to try more than one combination
of ingredients.

The pupusas are served with curtido, a spicy, crunchy slaw made of pickled cabbage, to spread on top.

Aside from the pupusas, Guanaco's menu also features burritos, tacos and grilled chicken fish and steak a la Guanaco. Tacos with steak, pork, chicken or vegetarian filling are $2.85 each. Mahi mahi tacos are $2.75.

The sampler platters, at $7 each, are definitely the way to go. The number three—one pupusa, one baby corn tamale smothered in sour cream and a generous helping of refried beans—offers a satisfying amount of food and flavor that fits the budget of a
college student.

Guanaco's menu includes a variety of options for vegetarian diners as well. Pupusas, burritos, tacos and stuffed chili peppers can all be made without meat. There are vegetarian options for appetizers as well: yucca frita (fried) or cocida (boiled) are tropical tuber-like potatoes served with curtido, radish and cucumber.

Don't miss the empanadas for dessert: sweet plantain pockets filled with sweet cream or refried beans then topped with sugar and cinnamon.

If you are unfamiliar with the cuisine of El Salvador, Guanaco's Taco Pupuseria is a great place to get acquainted with it. The tangy flavors paired with photos of Salvadorian scenery and artwork gives Seattle a glimpse into El Salvador—one that should not
be missed.

Taylor may be reached at tolson@su-spectator.com