There are numerous Chinese, Mexican, Italian, French and local restaurants, plus several fast-food chains.
National specialities:
• Rice, beans, meat and salad is a popular meal.
• Seafood.
• Corn tortillas.
• Iguana.
• Armadillo.
• Pupusa (a fried sandwich made of tortillas and filled with pork, cheese and sausage).
National drinks:
• Coffee.
• Frescos (natural fruit drinks).
• Beer (Pilsner and Suprema).
• Tic tac and Torito (alcoholic beverages made from distilled sugar cane).
Tipping: 10 per cent in hotels and restaurants; 15 per cent is appropriate for smaller bills. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, except when the taxi has been hired for the day. Airport porters are usually tipped US$1 per bag.

San Salvador has a few nightclubs and cocktail lounges with dinner and dancing, some of which require membership. There are many cinemas, some showing English-language films with subtitles; there are also some ‘jukebox’ dance-halls and theatres. The Teatro Cafe in the national theartre building, features a guitarist during the week and a variety of cultural events such as poetry and literature readings. If you like traditional Mexican style Mariachi music, head for the Boulevard de Los Heroes. Mariachi groups gather there nightly waiting for hired parties or other special occasions. Inexpensive restaurants fill this area and several Mariachi groups work the streets.

Various goods can be bought at the Mercado Cuartel crafts market, including towels in Maya designs. Other shopping centres can be found at Basilea, Galerias Escalón, Metrocentro, Metrosor and Villas Españolas. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1400-1800. Some shops, especially those that sell food and drink, open until late.