I am half a proud Latina of Mexican and Ecuadorian descent. One food that means a lot to me and my culture is pupusa. Pupusas are a traditional dish from Latin America, especially El Salvador, but they are also enjoyed in many Mexican households, like mine. They are thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat, and cooked on a griddle until it turns a good color. What makes pupusas special to me isn’t just the taste, it’s the person who makes them. My grandma, who is still with us today, has been making pupusas since before I was born. Every time she makes them, it brings our family together. We gather in the kitchen, laughing, talking, and enjoying the amazing smells as she presses the dough and fills each one with care. 

I first tried a pupusa when I was 5 years old in Mexico. My great grandma made it for me, and I still remember how warm and comforting it was. Sadly, she can’t make them anymore because she has Alzheimer’s disease. Since I’m in America now, I don’t get to see her, but every time I eat a pupusa, I think of her and feel close to my roots. Eating pupusas reminds me of who I am and where I come from. It connects me to my roots, my culture, and my family. It’s not just a meal, it's a memory. Sharing this dish with others is like sharing a piece of my identity. 


 

– CA

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant