Echo Park: Pupusas and Cochinita Pibil at Mayas Taco Market

Pupusas are one of those foods that I was convinced I didn’t care for. This belief had me perplexed because I love all the components, but I just had never been wowed. I am happy to say that Mayas Taco Market in Echo Park has single-handedly changed that belief.

Mayas beckons you with its brick red exterior, namesake in bold white letters, and Mexican style benches that line the front entrance. The interior of the small, humble establishment consists of 8 tables and a giant jukebox filled with Mexican Nortenos music. While also doubling as a small market with a random assortment of chips, bread, and staples, the restaurant offers a large menu of Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine. I come for two reasons: pupusas and the cochinita pibil tacos.

The pupusas come with the standard fillings: cheese; beans and cheese; loroco (Salvadorian edible flower) and cheese; and my favorite, revuelta, which consist of pork, beans, and cheese. I usually order 2 because I‘m greedy, but they’re on the larger side, so one would be enough for smaller appetites. The pupusas are made to order and come out toasty and fragrant. Inside, the salty, slightly crisp pork is enveloped by the bean and cheese mixture, which makes this combo a winning trifecta every time. The curtido (fermented cabbage salad that comes on the side) is crunchy with the right amount of vinegary-saltiness. They’re also served with a traditional non-spicy red salsa which yields a nice brightness, and a habanero salsa that’s seriously spicy, so tread lightly.

If pupusas don’t rock your boat, then the cochinita pibil tacos most definitely will. What makes their version a standout is the pork, which has a nice oregano bite, plus the meat is served in chunks as oppose to the common shreds. This method keeps the meat juicy and super tender. The tacos are topped with pickled red onions, and a generous amount of sliced avocados.

If you’re in the area on a Monday or Thursday, the pupusas are a steal for only 99 cents. Just keep in mind that the parking situation isn’t that great. There are only 3 spots, and it’s one way in and one way out, so street parking is usually best but might require a walk. On the bright side, if you work up a thirst on the walk over to Mayas, you can quench it with one of their vast selections of Mexican sodas.

-Martha Santiago

Martha is a regular contributor to Eastside Food Bites. Read more about her on our contributor’s page.