CALDWELL, Idaho — In the heart of Caldwell, a culinary gem was introduced to the Treasure Valley over a decade ago. That gem brought vibrant flavors of El Salvador right here to Idaho.
"It's a phenomenal culture,” said Jeremy Garcia, the son of the owner of Pupusas M&J. “It's beautiful, got great food and music is great."
Pupusas M&J stands out as the area's sole purveyor of authentic Salvadoran cuisine, filling a unique niche in the local food scene.
"We want other people to experience this," Garcia said.
Nestled among the familiar eateries of Caldwell, this spot offers a journey to Central America, without having to leave Idaho.
"Our Salvadoran cheese bread, it's like no other,” Garcia said. “I mean, it's delicious. A nice cup of coffee, you’re having a great time."
From the savory aroma of pupusas sizzling on the griddle, to the rich, comforting scent of traditional soups, the owners of the restaurant said, when you walk in the door you'll have a sensory experience that's new to many in the area.
When the restaurant opened in 2013, the owners saw an opportunity to share their homelands culinary traditions with their adopted community.
"I think getting people to know that this place is here, this type of food and this culture is open to everybody,” Garcia said. “I want to bring everybody in. We're excited for that."
A little piece of Central America nestled in our backyard. Pupusas M&J isn't just serving meals; its dishing out memories and culture, one Salvadoran specialty at a time. You can find them on Kimball Avenue in Caldwell, Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.