Cultural Foodways: Salvadoran Tradition - Oct. 9
October 9th, 6 p.m.
Hickory Soup Kitchen
110 2nd St. Pl. SE, Hickory, NC
Please note that this event will take place at Hickory Soup Kitchen and will NOT be held at the Hart Square site
Join us for a rich cultural foodways experience rooted in Salvadoran tradition.
Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador and a beloved part of Salvadoran identity and tradition. Made from corn masa and filled with ingredients like cheese, beans, pork, or loroco, pupusas are often shared during family gatherings, community festivals, and cultural celebrations. They symbolize warmth, heritage, and the joy of bringing people together through food. In El Salvador, pupusas are traditionally enjoyed with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja (tomato sauce), and are eaten at any time of day—for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
Pupusas are often served with Ensalada de Frutas (Fruit Salad Drink), a refreshing and colorful Salvadoran drink made with finely chopped tropical fruits soaked in a lightly sweetened fruit juice. Common ingredients include apples, pineapple, mango, mamey, and sometimes oranges or papaya. These diced fruits are mixed into a base of fruit juice—often made with orange, pineapple, or a mix of tropical flavors—creating a drink that’s both hydrating and satisfying.
This beloved beverage is often served chilled at celebrations, family gatherings, and street festivals. Unlike typical fruit juices, the joy of ensalada de frutas comes not only from its sweet flavor but also from sipping and chewing the bits of real fruit in every glass. It's a fun, festive way to cool down and enjoy the taste of El Salvador!
Participants will watch as Chef Sulyema Trujillo prepares each course, learning about the flavors, symbolism, and history behind Salvadoran food. The meal will be served during the class, offering a taste of hospitality, and students will take home all the ingredients and recipe cards needed to recreate these dishes in their own kitchens.
Come discover the heart of Salvadoran food culture where meals are more than sustenance, they are a way of preserving tradition and bringing people together.
In collaboration with Hickory Soup Kitchen and Centro Latino Hickory
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About Suleyma Trujillo
My name is Suleyma Trujillo. I moved to North Carolina with my family from El Salvador in 1999. Like many others, we left behind loved ones and familiar places in search of a better future.
One of the biggest adjustments from moving to a different country was the food. The flavors and dishes here, in the United States, were so different from what we were used to in our small but rich culinary culture back home. In El Salvador, our beloved national dish is pupusas, and we missed them dearly. It was hard to find a place nearby that served them, so one day I picked up the phone and called my mother for advice on how to make them from scratch. To my surprise, they turned out delicious—and just like home.
That moment sparked something beautiful. My husband and I began sharing our pupusas with friends, neighbors, and anyone curious about Salvadoran cuisine. Soon, even our church invited us to host food sales—and the response was incredible! People loved them.
Realizing the power of food to bring people together, we formed a team to host festivals, community events where people from different countries could share their food and crafts. These events were more than just cultural celebrations—they became fundraisers to support those facing illness or hardship, with all proceeds going directly to people in need.
It fills me with joy to share a piece of my culture and see how pupusas can connect, comfort, and uplift others. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring happiness to our community through something I love.
Thank you—and we hope you enjoy our pupusas as much as our community does!
About Hickory Soup Kitchen
As the only soup kitchen in Hickory, NC, Hickory Soup Kitchen serves food daily and provides safe shower facilities, take-home groceries, and much more.
In 2023, they averaged more than 150 people coming through the doors each day, totaling over 80,000 plates last year. The facility provides private shower stalls similar to those at your local gym. About 15 people use the facilities each day between 8 am and 10 am Monday through Friday. We also provide towels, soap, and other hygiene products for men and women.
For families who need a little extra help, they offer free groceries once each month. Contents may vary by season and what has been donated, but they try to include fresh produce, fruit, and meats along with easy-to-store items like bread, staples and canned goods. The pantry is open 8:30 am until 11:30 am Monday through Friday.
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