El Salvador hotel breakfasts run the gamut between American style — cereal, continental cold fare — and European — hot and cold, sweet and savory, fresh juices. Some hotels in El Salvador include breakfast in the hotel rate. I’m not a morning person and generally only prefer to drag myself to a hotel breakfast if it’s unique. I can open up my own American cereal box at home should I choose . . . which I don’t.
That gives you an idea of what solid ground you’re on when I say: The Hilton San Salvador breakfast buffet is worth waking up for. I was happy to be hosted to experience it!
Everything was prepared or presented for breakfast. I’m torn about those breakfast buffets that haul out something that was leftover from dinner the night before for some banquet. Like, I wasn’t there! What a loser feeling. Kinda of when some friend asks you why you weren’t at some party the night before, you missed everything — but you weren’t invited in the first place. What did this buffet item look like all plated and nice for other people? Hmpf. On the other hand, I do love leftovers in the fridge from a beautiful dinner the night before. It makes my day.
The buffet is a mix of Salvadoran and American foods, which isn’t a shock, Hilton being an American hotel chain. So, whether you just want something quick and familiar or to try something new, you’ll be set.
There are plenty of local fruits, like mango. I stuck with those. Wild mangos are so prevalent in El Salvador, they drop randomly from the trees and the stray dogs — “chuchos” — grab them up. What a world! Mangos have a lot of natural sugar, but also a high Vitamin A content. Jocotes are tiny, firm plum-like fruits grown in the area.
You can make canapes for yourself or grab one of theirs. Avocados also grow wild in El Salvador.
Just like in Europe, fresh breads are awarded a place of honor on the buffet: wrapped, with a cutting board.
If you have some extra time set aside, there’s a “typicos” station. We would probably translate that better not as typical, but as “authentic” or “home cooking”. There are papusas, their accompaniments and what looked like stews. They also had an eggs fixed your way station, because nobody really likes eggs sitting in a chafing dish.
Fresh juices and smoothies are available, which a lot of people like to start the day with: they’re a quick way to get some vitamins in. Notice the special utensil to break up juices, mix with water. That’s not a bad idea if full-test juice doesn’t work for you: get the flavor without the crash.
If you want to go indulgent, there are several deep, dark chocolatey treats.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 