El Chalateco: Authentic Salvadoran Gem

We have heard about the restaurant El Chalateco several times, through the grapevine, from many members of the Montreal food scene. They serve traditional dishes from El Salvador with unique flavors, at very affordable prices, along with the best pupusas in the city.

The adventure began for Karen Regalado and her husband Ronald Velasquez six years ago when the former owners of the restaurant decided to sell. For Karen, the chef of El Chalateco since its inception in 2008, taking over was a completely natural decision. She is the one who fully developed the menu, which still features the same authentic recipes and flavors.

When we asked Ronald about the origin of the name of the 52-seat restaurant, he replied, “El Chalateco is a person from Chalatenango, a municipality in El Salvador.”

So, what do they serve? A variety of typical Salvadoran dishes. “If you travel there [to El Salvador], you’ll find the same flavors we serve in the restaurant. It is very important for my wife and me to preserve these authentic tastes,” Ronald explains. Everything is made from scratch, with love, and you can really taste it.

The Star of the Menu: Pupusas

The star of the menu is the pupusas, which here stay true to traditional recipes, just like the rest of the offerings. For those who have never tasted this delicious specialty from that part of the world, pupusas are similar to corn tortillas stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Originally, they were made with legumes, but over time, many variations have emerged. They are always served with a tomato sauce and pickled cabbage. If you visit Karen and Ronald, you cannot miss the pupusas stuffed with pork and cheese—meant to be enjoyed with your hands! Their chicharrón is flavorful and crispy, and less greasy than what you usually find elsewhere. It’s almost comparable to griot (a typical fried pork dish from Haiti), but with the beloved Salvadoran flavors. We recommend pairing it all with their homemade horchata, undoubtedly the best we have tasted: it’s flavorful, rich, and simply decadent.

The place is packed at all hours of the day. From the moment it opens, the atmosphere is lively. You really feel at home. Ronald and Karen are absolutely charming; go meet them and taste their delicious creations—you won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your discovery!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 11, 2024

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