This rating is specifically for the chicken tamal - I finally got to get one from them because I tend to go to Grocery Outlet to do my shopping on Sundays so this place is always closed ahah. Since I was in the area today, I finally went in to get my chicken tamal (if you're not familiar with Salvadorean tamales, they're sooo worth a try! They're wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn and are much more soft and moist). These were $6/tamal. Kinda pricey but they are a bit bigger than most-however the size is moreso due to the amount of masa to meat ratio, which I don't mind since I do love the masa parts. I do wish their chicken was either more shredded or more flavored since some bites of chicken were on the dry side. The bites that wern't so dry were delicious though! Looking at their pics/reviews now it seems other people have tried other kinds of tamales, but I only saw one option on the menu so that's what I went with. All in all, not my absolute favorite tamales, but it hits the spot. read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Tamal de pollo - look at the size of this brick! - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

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I have curious about pupusa after watching several YouTube video reviews. Although I have seen restaurants offering them for as so long as I can remember I must admit I have never had any. So today was my day for an adventure. I found this El Salvador Restaurant nearby has decent review albeit not many though. It looked clean and tidy. Walking in around 11:45 am to an empty dimly lit dining, a lady behind the counter greeted me and told to sit anywhere. It was warm with no air circulating as the ceiling fans weren't turned on. I mentioned to her it was my first time having pupusa so she patiently pointed several options. Complimentary chips and salsa were served. I thought the salad needed something to give it kick. I chose lunch #1 that consists of 2 pupusa, plantains, red bed beans and sour cream; separately ordered a lemonade. The drink came short afterwards. It was lemony slightly sweet. My plate came hot as it should and the accompanying coleslaw and red sauce were brought over as well. Pickled coleslaw and red sauce were added to the top of my first pupusa which as the cheese a beans. It was too hot to hold by hand so I ate it with knife and fork. It was definitely something g I never had before. A little hot sauce helped. I wish the doughy covering wasn't so overwhelming as I would appreciate the filling much more. It was the same experience for the second pupusa that was the pork, cheese and beans. Finally the fried plantains, I haven't grown to appreciate at this point and this example didn't improve my opinion, I'm hate to admit. I wasn't sure how to apply the red beans and sour cream so I dipped the plantains in them. I guess I need some guidance. On this initial visit, overall, it definitely was a good experience, service was pleasant, food was good though not sure if it was a great representation of this particular good. But I felt it was a good experience and I'm quite open to trying other dishes here. read more

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I had the Salvadorean bistec plate and the chicken, cheese, and vegetables pupusa and a cheese and spinach pupusa. The pupusas were absolutely phenomenal. The cheese pulls and even the amount of cheese loaded in the pupusa made me still think about the pupusas to this day. The chicken and cheese one was delicious. The chicken was packed and loaded within a pocket of oozy, gooey, deliciousness. The cheese and spinach pupusa was decent, but it didn't leave any lasting impressions. The bistec plate was good as well. The tomato sauce was subtle in flavor and really toned down the savory-ness of the seasoning of the steak. The beans are always good and the rice wasn't the typical orange/yellow rice that I'm used to whenever I order steak plates. Overall, I'm for sure coming back for the pupusas! read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Bistec plate - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

Nostalgia Salvadorena opened in Mi Mercado Latino's vacated space. spacious dining area surrounded by random pics of food and nature. music blared from a boombox near the door. was seated soon upon entry. was told someone would take order. bell on table to signal for service. each person on floor had a specific duty and each checked in on me. some how some one forget their duty, the others didn't notice. offerings: appetizers, chicken, seafood, beef, sides, lunch specials, soups, salads, specials, drinks, desserts, pupusa comped fried tortilla chips and salsa. -both above average tasty and salty. warmed commercial chips? eats: lunch special #10 (17.95) 2 pupusas and tropical salad -spinach & cheese pupusa, zucchini & cheese pupusa. big pieces. alike all pupusa, the veggies melted, flavors blended into dough. cheese more abundant and robust than other pupusas. -curtido (fermented cabbage) forgotten? didn't mention it since it wasn't on menu. when curtido appeared on other tables, I told the "server" who came by re: missing curtido. saw him discuss it with all the other servers. nothing was said or done afterwards. tropical salad -6 pieces of previously grilled shrimp was atop salad. It was dry, cold, bland. -mango, romaine lettuce, pineapple, cheese were all fresh. since salad was missing dressing, I poured salsa into it. salad unaffected. drink; Jamaica (3.99) -nice balance of hibiscus flavor, sugar, not overly sweet 3.5 stars inconsistent service, food quality varied from good to poor. doubtful repeat. menu is difficult to comprehend. needs pics.... *invoice #146887279 paid at cashier's station, not left on table. read more

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Pupusa is good, the dipper sauce goes so well with it, I'm in love. We also got a menudo, and it's pretty tasty flavorful, however there's very little meat, and the cilantro that came with it was all wilted and old. The rice was super delicious wish I had more. I think I'll be back to try other pupusas if I'm in the area again. read more

New Salvadorian restaurant in Hayward! Plenty of parking but it can get full on the weekends. The host was friendly and answered my questions. The food is cooked to order. I opted to take home. The restaurant was clean and has a home style vibe. The plants are beautiful and I definitely think adding more would make it even more welcoming. The food I ordered were 2 pupusas, 2 Jarritos sodas and 1 bread (quesadilla) Overall the food was good and flavorful. The salsa for the pupusas was not spicy at all. I usually like a little more spice. The actual pupusas were tasty but I think they needed more cheese. I ordered the "revueltas" which means mixed. There was not much cheese mixed in. Other reviews mentioned theirs had a lot of cheese so it may have just been the type I ordered. Overall I'm excited that we have a new restaurant option in this vacant spot and I'll definitely be trying more of their dishes. read more

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Just stick with the pupusas. I get that they remodeled the place, which used to be a market, but as one reviewer said, they need to consider the location. I ordered the pollo encebollado and I was foolishly expecting a half chicken, but all I got was a tiny chicken leg. It came with a salad, two tortillas and some slices of orange. The chicken was moist, but super bland. Not a hint of sauce, just some onions on top. The salad was the biggest thing on the table. To be fair, I did have the pupusas revueltas before and they were awesome. I don't know how long they will realistically make it, with their high prices and small portions. read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Large salad. - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

We had 3 pupusas between the two of us and believe me, that was enough food. While I'm no Salvadoran officianado, I dare say that was some darn good food. One was pork, another cheese+jalapenos and the third was a combo of pork and cheese+jalapenos. They were all excellent but glad we got to try the pork on its own and not smothered with cheese cause the flavor was outstanding. The fruit drink was also excellent, reminds me of the street food I'd get in my trips to Indonesia. Just straight up fresh fruit juice with little bits of fresh fruit. Their complimentary chips and salsa was not the greatest but after hearing we liked it spicy, came out with the secret stash of spicy salsa which we appreciated. Knocked down one star because of the prices and how loud the place is. read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Pupusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

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First time ordering here and won't be the last! Food is a 10/10 - we ordered the steak and shrimp and the pupusas and they were great! No greasy, freshly made and good down to every bite. We also got an order of the chicken tamales - excellent as well. Service was also great - professional and quick service. Highly recommend! read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Steak and shrimp platter - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

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OH MY GOD! So good! Best pupusas I ever had! Authentic, well-priced, friendly! Everything so tasty!

Yum!! Hot, fresh, and tasty quick service, and the inside is big for large parties and they also have a full bar. Tried a few different pupusas and they're all great, especially paired with the fresh pickled veggies/sauce. Will definitely return. read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

The tamales are so good full of flavor the pupusas are good to the customer service was good to overall good experience read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Chicken tamal - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

No me gusta golpear con los comentarios cuando el servicio es bueno Desafortunadamente siendo Viernes 6pm y restaurante vacio es una mala senal . Pedi una cerveza y un mar y Tierra plato. La cerveza estaba como si estuvo guardada por mucho tiempo sin Sabor y la Comida muy poca y sin Sabor tampoco . Entiendo Que todo ha subido de precio pero como sugerencia deberian de presentar el plato de una forma que de con poco se vea mucho . El servicio muy bueno . Se que el restaurante tiene buen potencial pero por algo esta vacio. Espero que analizen un poco su sistema y que hagan algunos cambios . read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Presentacion Pobre de un plato. - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

Best tamales I've had in the bay- so tasty!!! That's all I got on a whim after shopping at Grocery Outlet. But amazing- don't skip the tamales!! read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Chicken tamales - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

BEST PUPUSAS we have ever had. Trust me. I am a pupusa lover and this one's have been the best ones so far. There is something different on these ones, the cheese is much better than the others we had tried. Also the onions curtido they bring to the table is something different, delicious. The Empanadas de Leche it's a must try for desert. Muy Buena suerte , sus nuevos clientes y vecinos, Fam, Santos Garcia read more

We love this place. We have gone here about 5 or 6 times and the food is always delicious, the place is mega clean, and the staff is the friendliest!! Highly recommended. read more

Went to this restaurant the other day and immediately everyone was super nice. Welcoming environment! The food was very tasty and the portions were big and very filling. Tried Yuca Fritas, and was immediately in love! Will definitely be back ! read more

Very pricey menu but nice restaurant.Lady street vendor across the street sells cheaper pupusas lol.

The first time we ordered food to go, they screwed up our order. We ordered 4 pork tamales, 4 corn tamales, and 4 pupusas. Got home and found that there were only 2 pork tamales and only 3 corn tamales. Regardless, we went back today (8/11/23) and I ordered 8 corn tamales (They were small the first time we got them) and 2 pupusas. Cost: $65. I asked why so expensive? And the teenage girl at the counter said "Everything is expensive now, all of the ingredients". WTF? Corn is expensive? B.S. I said that the corn tamales are small, and she snapped back "They're not small". Instead of arguing with me, what she should have said is that they are now making them bigger than they were the first time I went there (They're twice the size that they were before). WHY are the pork tamales the same price as the corn tamales? Senseless. The good: Nice clean place with very good food. The bad: 1) EVERY ITEM is WAY overpriced. Corn is CHEAP, tamales are easy to make. 2) The rude girl at the counter. DO NOT argue with customers. Watch your tone of voice. I predict that this business will fail before the end of this year.These people have no business sense. The space is way too big. The prices are ridiculous -- look around, owners -- you're in the ghetto. People in that neighborhood can't afford your insane prices. Hey rude argumentative girl at the counter: Mind your manners. There is almost NEVER anyone in the restaurant. Two people walked up to the restaurant as we were leaving. They asked me how it was, and when I told they said "F*ck this place, and walked away. FAIL. read more

First time trying Salvadorian food! Came not sure what to expect but got guided and went for what was recommended. The lady was nice enough she guided me on pairing things and was an interesting experience. It was honestly Nostalgic since my great grandfather lived and died in San Salvador which is a whole different world from my upbringing. I will try different to learn! read more

Usually when you walk into a place you can smell the food, the ambience was quiet, no music playing just TVs playing rodeo on mute . Me and my husband went here for lunch . We ordered two lunch specials and four tamales we waited about 30 minutes . The whole order was wrong, the tamales didn't have much meat it had more masa then anything . We ordered 4 different kind of pupusas (pork and beans, cheese and chicken, bean and cheese and a veggie) they were all cheese when we ate them. The rice was really hard . The thing I liked the most was the corn tamales... I would try again but will be very cautious read more

Such nice staff and delicious pupusas! Good prices and very clean. A new favorite for me and my husband. read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - Pupusa revueltas - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

We went to this restaurant three times and they were not open. Today they were not opened until 10 min after opening time. Then three employees came in later .the food had very little taste. Maybe it's me but, my wife didn't finish hers either. We will not return. read more

I only got chicken tamales and they were very good ! Would get those again. In the same plaza as Grocery Outlet.

These pupusas are flavorful but unfortunately they're pretty small & if you're thinking of placing an order for pick up expect a 45 minute to 1 hour wait time. Both times I've ordered I've had to wait an extra 25 minutes in the lobby while NO ONE was dining in. On the phone I was told that it's a 15-20 minute eta. Aside from that I would recommend place this as simple/good option for pupusas in Hayward. read more

Very tasty food, feels like a home cooked meal . Good size portions. And great friendly customer service.

The food was good and they had good music. Would definitely be coming back!!! Y'all missing out!!! read more

Nostalgia Salvadorena - desayuno/breakfast - Salvadoran Near Me - Hayward, California

Fabulous pups as in a great family owned place. We recommend the zucchini and cheese, pork and cheese, and jalepeno and cheese. Their curtados are both fabulous. Happy to have this place opened nearby read more

I hate doing this especially for mi gente but I believe with criticism you can learn... I'm sure the food it good but I literally waited 30min for 2 pupusas While a lady that arrived after me reviewed hers first and fast. read more

Really good new Salvadoran place! I ordered two meals to-go and was super happy the food. The #1 meal (2 pupusas, sweet fried plantains, beans, and creama) was a really solid portion and super delicious. We got the chicken and cheese (9/10), bean and cheese (8/10), and Revueltas (10/10) pupusas and they were nice and big with a lot of filling. They came with curtido, mild red sauce, and a small hot sauce which was delicious. The takeout packaging was great, they packaged the pupusas separate from the rest of the stuff so they didn't get soggy, which is different and better than other spots I've been to in the area. The restaurant is in the same shopping center as a Grocery Outlet so there is tons of parking. Highly recommended read more

We were very disappointed with the pupusas. They were very thin and had almost no filling. We really wanted to like the place but we couldn't. It's been months since we have been there and we have no desire to return. It's unfortunate but we cannot trust that other dishes are any better. read more

Good food and generous portions, but $1.50 for a glass of water! The place was empty at 12:00 noon on a Saturday. But $1.50 for a glass of water!!! read more

Only had the pupusas, they are solid and reasonable. Suggest calling in ahead if you want them to go.

The food was absolutely delicious. The shrimp Diablo was spicy but not overpowering. Loved the thick corn tortillas right off the grill along with the pupusas. Also had plantains which were sweet. All of the food came out of the kitchen hot and fresh. The staff was friendly and efficient. The restaurant was clean and had a family atmosphere. They were playing music and some people sung karaoke. Not sure if that's a nightly event. I will be back to this hidden gem. read more

We've been waiting for a pupusa restaurant. This place is clean, great customer service and pupusa's in town! Come and check out their menu with new reduced prices. read more