For the past three years, Rosa Martinez and her husband, Martin Martinez, have served traditional pupusas to the Tucson community via their food truck, Pupusería Rosita’s.
Rosa learned the art of pupusa-making from her grandmother and mother in El Salvador. “My grandma would make pupusas, then my mom started making and selling them,” Rosa said. “Now it’s my turn.”
From El Salvador to Tucson’s Food Scene
Rosa previously ran a small restaurant in El Salvador. After immigrating to the United States, she brought her family recipes with her. Once in Tucson, her creativity flourished.
She took inspiration from local restaurants and food vendors, infusing her Salvadoran dishes with new ideas. These include Mexican influences, inspired by Martin’s heritage.
Humble Beginnings at Farmers Markets
Originally from California, the couple moved to Tucson eight years ago. They launched their food business seven years ago with a rented food truck.
Pupusería Rosita’s began serving at farmers markets and community events like Tucson Meet Yourself, which they attended in 2023 and 2024.
A Menu Focused on Comfort and Choice
The menu includes traditional pupusas filled with pork, cheese, and beans. Rosa also offers options like spinach with cheese and squash with cheese for those avoiding meat or beans.
“Pupusas are originally made with chicharrón, beans, and cheese,” she said. “However, I added options like spinach with cheese and squash with cheese for those who don’t like beans or chicharrón. If you only like cheese, you can get that too. I want everyone to enjoy the food.”
Each pupusa comes with Rosa’s house-made curtido (a fermented cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa. She adds peppers to the curtido for an extra kick.
Fusion Flavors Meet Salvadoran Roots
During my visit, I tried the revuelta pupusa, which includes pork, beans, and cheese. The curtido and salsa added the perfect acidity to balance the richness of the filling.
Rosa also offers fusion-style creations like the pupusa asada and the pupusa birria. These include shredded beef or grilled meat for a heartier experience.
Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future
Though Rosa hopes to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, she finds joy in serving food from her truck. For now, her mission stays simple: share Salvadoran culture, one pupusa at a time.
Where to Find Pupusería Rosita’s
Visit Pupusería Rosita’s at 2202 W. Drexel Rd., behind La Michoacana Munchies & More. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
