SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Like all farmers markets, the Greenhaven Pocket has certain vendors that attract more customers. One of those vendors consist of two ladies who speak little English. They started out with few customers, but now have a large collection of regular customers. At first you might think the line is because of slow service, but then it is clear the service is anything but slow. They have a product that the Greenhaven Pocket is really enjoying.

There is a handmade sign at the top of which is one word. Probably all of the customers think “Pupusas!!” is the name of the vendor! It is very close. It is actually Pupusería Torres.

The customers know they are really enjoying these thick handmade griddle cakes or what could be described as a flatbread. They can have them stuffed with one or more ingredients, which may include cheese, pork, or refried beans.  If they did some quick research on their cell phones, they could learn that in El Salvador, “pupusa” has been declared the national dish and has a specific day to celebrate it.

The handmade sign also has another word. It is “chicharrones.” It is the pork, and it is usually made in meatier cuts rather than just rinds.

The two ladies are mother and daughter. Veronica Torres does the cooking and her daughter Lorena Torres talks to the customers.  They serve their pupusa accompanied by “curtido,” which is a spicy fermented cabbage slaw, and tomato salsa.  

It is traditionally eaten by hand, and it has become a very popular item at the Greenhaven Pocket Farmers Market. The farmers market staff and friends have been enjoying the national dish of El Salvador in the suburbs of Sacramento. Some have it for breakfast, some have for lunch, and some take it home for dinner.