Facebook Marketplace Pupusas Side Quest
What started as a casual scroll through Facebook Marketplace turned into the discovery of an underground food scene quietly thriving within our Queens community.
Zack and I are no strangers to street vendors. We frequent the tamale lady at the 61st Street station, and she is the best. So when we stumbled across a listing for pupusas with a single photo and a $2 price tag, our curiosity was immediately sparked.
We did not even consider that it might be a scam, and honestly, even if it was, it was only a $2 gamble. The listing itself was sparse — just a Woodside location and a note that they were Salvadoran. Under normal circumstances, we might have scrolled past. But Julua's reviews stopped us. She had nearly a perfect rating, with glowing feedback from people who clearly knew what they were talking about.
So we put on our Anthony Bourdain hats and sent Julua a message. Not even two minutes later, she responded with a warm greeting and a full menu. For just $2 each, she offered pork, chicken, bean, and loroco pupusas, each served with sauce and curtido — the traditional Salvadoran slaw. That alone was impressive. At that price, I had assumed beans would be the only option.
After a few messages back and forth, we landed on our order: 2 bean, 1 chicharrón (Zack's watching his cholesterol), and 1 chicken. Julua let us know that while she usually offers delivery, today was pickup only. We replied with an "está bien," and she told us they would be ready in ten minutes. Off we went.
When we arrived, she greeted us with a smile and handed over our order. Eight dollars. No tax, no fees, just cash. Transaction complete, we made the 20 minute walk home, anticipation building with every step.
Time for the review.
Despite the walk, the pupusas were still warm, radiating heat through the packaging. They were wrapped carefully in parchment paper and packed with the kind of attention you expect from a restaurant, not a Marketplace pickup. Even before opening them, the aroma escaped. Warm corn masa, toasted on a griddle, carrying hints of savory filling beneath.
We realized too late that we had declined the curtido. A mistake. But there was no turning back now.
Each pupusa felt substantial in the hand, slightly crisp on the outside from the griddle, yet soft and tender beneath the surface. Zack took the first bite. Immediate approval.
He started with the chicken pupusa. The masa had the perfect balance, lightly crisped edges giving way to a soft, warm interior. The filling was evenly distributed and carefully seasoned. It was not greasy, but it was not dry either. Just enough richness to remind you it was handmade and fresh. The cheese added creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
Then we tried the sauce. It was a smooth, light tomato salsa that added brightness and balance. It coated each bite perfectly, adding moisture and a subtle tang that elevated the entire experience. The amount of sauce she gave us was generous, and it made me wish we had ordered two more pupusas just to finish it.
The bean pupusas were deeply comforting, with a creamy interior that contrasted beautifully against the lightly crisp exterior. The chicharrĂłn brought a richer, more indulgent flavor, savory and satisfying without feeling heavy. Every bite reinforced the same thought. This was made with care.
Zack gave his final verdict. Full approval.
The price was unbelievable. The flavor was exceptional. The service was warm and genuine.
What started as a random Marketplace scroll turned into one of the most memorable food experiences we have had in our own neighborhood. Moments like this remind us how special our community truly is, and how rewarding it is to support the people who make it so vibrant.