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El Encanto - Gaithersburg: Authentic Salvadoran Pupusas & Central American Flavors

El Encanto - Gaithersburg is a gem for Salvadoran and Central American cuisine nestled in Gaithersburg, MD. Known for its fresh, authentic flavors, this eatery shines with dishes like their famous pupusas—creamy, savory, and perfectly paired with their unique tomato sauce and repollo. Vegan and meat lovers alike will find delights such as the camarones al ajillo, chicken tacos, and birria tacos, all praised for consistent, bold taste. Beyond food, El Encanto impresses with friendly, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit special. It truly lives up to its enchanting name, delivering comfort and culture in each bite.

El Encanto - Gaithersburg at a glance

  • Address 8035 Snouffer School Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, United States
  • Phone +1 301-740-9641
  • Restaurant type Restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

El Encanto - Gaithersburg: Reviews & Ratings

Zizzi's Genetics
5

I have been coming here for years, I absolutely love the Salvadoran/central american cuisine. Nowadays as a vegan (who can be quite too busy to cook my own food), i’ll order bean and cheese pupusas to munch on yum!!! Their recipe for the pupusas as well as the sauce is my #1 favorite as well ;)

Juan Guido
5

I called El Encanto to place an order, and from the start, the service was outstanding. The lady who answered the phone was incredibly helpful, especially since their menu offers so many options. When I arrived to pick up my order, I noticed how clean and welcoming the place was. The customer service was a perfect 10/10—everyone was lovely and attentive. I wasn’t sure what drink to choose, and the lady recommended one that turned out to be absolutely delicious. As for the food, I ordered the Pupusas Locas, and they did not disappoint! The flavors were amazing, and everything tasted fresh and authentic. Overall, El Encanto lives up to its name—it’s truly enchanting. I’ll definitely be coming back soon!

Ricardo Garciaguirre
5

I tried the camarones al ajillo and the crazy pupusas both are delicious. My wife in the other hand loves the chicken tacos that comes with rice and beans.

Michael Carranza
5

Salpicón, Pupusas and Birria tacos are amazing and always consistent in flavor

michelle C.G
5

The food was delicious, the only complain is I order 17 ordes of popusas separated, at the end their put the tomato together and the repollo together. Even though I make the order separate, I look abligate to waste almost 15 to 20 minutes on distribute them. But apart of that, the popusas was delicious.

Location

  • El Encanto - Gaithersburg
    El Encanto - Gaithersburg
    8035 Snouffer School Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, United States Hotline: +1 301-740-9641

El Encanto - Gaithersburg stands out as a true gem for lovers of Salvadoran and Central American cuisine. Nestled conveniently on Snouffer School Road, this spot offers an authentic taste experience that has locals coming back for years. The aroma of freshly made pupusas—the signature dish—is inviting, promising a hearty, comforting meal. Whether you’re a vegan seeking flavorful bean and cheese pupusas or a fan of seafood like camarones al ajillo, the menu is thoughtfully crafted to satisfy diverse palates.

What truly elevates El Encanto is its impeccable customer service. From the moment you place your order, the staff is attentive and welcoming, guiding you through a rich menu of traditional dishes. The ambiance mirrors the warmth of the people, clean and inviting—a perfect reflection of the food’s genuine roots.

The Pupusas Locas are a personal favorite, bursting with fresh ingredients and layered flavors balanced by their signature sauce. Other standout dishes such as birria tacos, salpicón, and chicken tacos served with rice and beans showcase the depth and consistency of flavor that define El Encanto. Each bite tells a story of culinary heritage, made with care and passion.

While some details like the grouping of tomato and repollo with separate pupusa orders can be a minor inconvenience, it does little to detract from the overall experience. The commitment to quality and authenticity shines through every dish.

In essence, El Encanto - Gaithersburg lives up to its name—an enchanting place where every visit feels like a flavorful journey into Central America’s rich culinary traditions. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Salvadoran fare in a welcoming setting.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards