El Comal, Detroit

Once a secret known only to adventurous diners, El Comal has become more popular and accessible after moving to larger quarters. Patrons rave about Elda Castellano's affordable, hearty and wondrous Central American food. There are Mexican staples on the menu, but the hard-to-find Guatemalan, Salvadoran and Colombian items overshadow them. Among the favorites are pupusas (cornmeal cake filled with beans, pork or cheese), fried plantains and golden hen soup. The handmade tortillas are cooked fresh on a large grill (El Comal means "grill"). It's a very unpretentious place; the food's the star.

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