What began as a simple idea rooted in heritage has grown into one of Irving’s most heartwarming culinary stories. La Unión Pupusas y Café, co-owned by sisters Cynthia and Jessica and their mother, Gloria, is a family-run coffee and pupusa trailer dedicated to sharing authentic Salvadoran flavors with the Dallas community.
For Cynthia, the inspiration goes back to her family’s origins in La Unión, El Salvador. She recalls her grandmother preparing Café de Goya alongside a traditional Salvadoran breakfast during a visit to their home country, a moment that imprinted the warmth, culture, and togetherness that food brings. “In our family, food has always meant love,” she said. “We wanted people who visit our café to experience that same feeling.”
The idea for a coffee truck came naturally. Jessica initially proposed serving specialty coffee, and Cynthia immediately suggested pairing it with pupusas, their most beloved family recipe. Together, they created a concept that blends the comfort of their childhood with modern coffee culture. Their grandmother still buys coffee bags directly from a local farmer in El Salvador, a taste the sisters hoped to replicate by partnering with local roasters and creating their own in-house syrups and flavor bases.
Their menu reflects a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. The Choco Banano Latte is inspired by childhood treats, the Horchata Latte is based on their mother’s horchata de morro, and the crowd-favorite Matcha Horchata continues to gain popularity. One of their signature items, the Mama Goya, features their homemade piloncillo syrup, a comforting caramel-like sweetness that surprises many first-time customers. Alongside their coffee offerings, Gloria prepares authentic pupusas with traditional fillings, giving customers a chance to enjoy the flavors the family was raised on.
Serving the Irving community has been a meaningful experience for the family. Cynthia says they have been especially moved by how many fellow Salvadorans stop by to share memories and traditions of their own. “Every pop-up feels like family,” she said. “The support we’ve received from all backgrounds has been incredible.”
On November 30, Irving Weekly visited La Unión Pupusas y Café during one of their events, and even in the cold weather, the turnout was impressive. Guests bundled up to enjoy warm drinks and freshly made treats. We tried the signature Mama Goya, a rich latte made with their in-house piloncillo syrup, as well as their Salvadoran quesadilla, a traditional sweet bread that pairs perfectly with coffee. Both items captured the heart of their menu: comforting, authentic, and full of tradition.
Despite the joy their business brings, running a mobile café has not been without challenges. Cynthia and Jessica both work full-time jobs, are mothers, and manage events on weekends. Balancing it all can be challenging, but the family attributes their unity and faith to helping them stay grounded. “Whenever things get overwhelming, we remind ourselves why we started,” Cynthia said. “To share love, culture, and faith through what we create.”
Customers can keep up with La Unión Pupusas y Café’s schedule, locations, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram at @launiondallas.
Looking ahead, the family hopes to open a brick-and-mortar café, a warm and welcoming space that feels like home and celebrates Salvadoran culture through food, coffee, and community. “It’s something we dream about often,” Cynthia shared. “With faith, hard work, and the support of our community, we know we’ll get there.”
Cynthia leaves readers with a message close to her heart: “Follow your dreams. When God puts something in your heart, it’s for a reason. Trust it, nurture it, and watch what He can do with it. We’re so grateful for every step of this journey and for everyone who has supported us.”
