In a creative push to bolster cultural diplomacy in the Middle East, the Embassy of El Salvador in Riyadh hosted “Pupusa Making Workshop: A Taste of El Salvador.” Held on July 28, the event brought guests together to explore the rich history, preparation, and cultural significance of El Salvador’s national dish as part of the country’s expanding presence in the region.

The interactive gathering featured a screening of the documentary Las Pupusas – Chapter 1, followed by a live demonstration detailing every step of the culinary craft—from shaping corn dough to preparing traditional curtido and tomato sauce. Attendees then tried their hand at crafting their own pupusas before enjoying a shared dinner, bridging cultures through a hands-on gastronomic experience.

Presiding over the event, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Abderrahman Agdaou highlighted the opening of El Salvador’s mission two years ago under President Nayib Bukele’s vision to solidify ties with Saudi Arabia. “Gastronomy serves as one of the most representative expressions of a nation’s cultural identity and an effective tool to strengthen cultural diplomacy,” noted Agdaou, emphasizing the historical roots of the corn-based staple.

In a creative nod to local integration, diplomats demonstrated how traditional recipes can adapt to Saudi markets, even suggesting local twists using camel meat or Najdi lamb. The embassy confirmed that this workshop is part of a broader lineup of cultural initiatives planned throughout the year to promote Salvadoran heritage across the Kingdom.