Craving the perfect empanada? Our ultimate guide helps you find the best empanadas near me, from authentic Argentinian to crispy Colombian styles, and even how to make them at home.
You get that sudden craving, don’t you? It’s not just for any snack. You need a warm, golden pocket of deliciousness, the kind of perfect comfort food that hits the spot every time. You grab your phone and type in the magic words: “best empanadas near me.”
We’ve all been there. It’s a quest for that perfect bite, a search for authentic flavor, and a little piece of culinary heaven. So let’s talk about how to make your next hunt for the best empanadas near me a huge success.
You know a good empanada when you taste one. But what separates the good from the unforgettable? It comes down to a few key things that work together in perfect harmony.
The first thing you notice is the pastry. Some are flaky, made with butter or lard, and they shatter perfectly with each bite. They almost feel like a savory pie crust, delicate and rich.
Others have a softer, more bread-like texture that is chewy and substantial. This style is hearty and satisfying in a different way. Neither one is wrong; they just come from different traditions and offer different experiences.
Then you have corn-based doughs. These are often used for fried empanadas, especially popular in Colombia and Venezuela. They give you an incredible crunch and a distinct, slightly sweet corn flavor that is impossible to replicate with wheat flour.
The filling is where the real story is. A classic filling with tender beef, often called picadillo, is a staple. It’s frequently spiced with cumin and might have bits of olive or hard-boiled egg mixed in for extra flavor and texture.
Shredded chicken in a savory sauce is another favorite, and you will often find a simple but perfect chicken empanada on the menu. Of course, a simple cheese empanada with gooey melted cheese is a classic for a reason. Quality ingredients are what matter most, and you can always taste when they are fresh.
Some shops get creative. You might find fillings like spicy chorizo, mushrooms and goat cheese, or even sweet empanadas with fillings like guava and cream cheese. A great empanada filled with goodness is juicy but not watery, and it packs a ton of flavor into every single bite.
The age-old debate continues: baked or fried? Baking often results in a drier, flakier crust. This method, used for many baked empanadas, can feel a little lighter and lets the pure flavors of the dough really shine through.
Frying gives you that irresistible golden-brown crunch. The hot oil transforms the dough, creating a bubbly, crispy exterior that is deeply satisfying. It’s a more indulgent experience, for sure, and one that many people crave.
As The Kitchn explains, both methods have their own amazing results. The best method depends on the style of the empanada and your personal preference. A true empanada lover appreciates both; sometimes you want the crunch, other times you want the flaky pastry.
Alright, let’s get practical. You’re hungry, and you need a plan. Here is how you can turn your search into a successful mission to find deliciousness.
Your phone is your best friend here. Start with a simple search on Google Maps or Yelp. Look at the places with high ratings and a lot of reviews to get a general idea of what’s popular.
But don’t just look at the star rating; read the actual reviews. Look for keywords like “authentic,” “homemade,” “fresh,” or “family-run.” These are clues you’re on the right track to finding something special.
Pay attention to photos. Do the empanadas look golden and plump? Do they look generously filled and made with care? Pictures can tell you a lot before you even leave the house, and many places now let you order online directly from their page.
Digital tools are great, but people are better. Ask coworkers or friends where they go for their empanada fix. People absolutely love to share their favorite food spots, especially the hidden gems.
Visit a local farmers’ market. The vendors there often have amazing connections to the local food scene. You might even find someone selling fresh empanadas right there among the produce stalls.
Check out local food groups on Facebook or Reddit. People in these online communities are passionate. They give honest reviews and will point you to places you’d never find otherwise.
Empanadas come from all over Latin America and beyond, and every country has its own special version. Do a little research on your city’s neighborhoods to see where different communities are centered.
Is there an area with a strong Colombian, Argentine, or Chilean community? That is a great place to start your search for the most authentic flavors. A trip to a neighborhood reminiscent of Buenos Aires might be the key to finding amazing Argentinian empanadas.
These places often serve food just like they would back home. You get an experience that is about more than just the food. You get a taste of the culture, too, and it’s worth the effort to explore.
I have a rule: some of the best food comes from the most unassuming places. Don’t be afraid of a simple storefront, a food truck, or a small counter inside a grocery store. These are often the places with the most passion.
A fancy restaurant doesn’t always mean better empanadas. Sometimes, it’s the small, family-owned bakery that has perfected its recipe over generations. Look for a clean place with a focused menu that offers traditional options.
If you see a line of people waiting, that’s almost always a good sign. It means what they’re serving is worth it. Get in that line and prepare for something delicious.
Knowing a little about regional styles can help you find exactly what you’re craving. It also makes you appreciate the art of the empanada even more. Let’s explore some of the most popular types.
Argentine empanadas are famous, and for good reason. They are typically baked and have a flaky wheat flour dough. The fillings are savory and complex, a true testament to the country’s culinary heritage.
The Mendocina style often includes beef, onion, paprika, and cumin. The Tucumana style is known for its hand-cut tender beef and very juicy filling. As you can learn from authentic sources, the specific crimp on the edge, the repulgue, can even tell you what kind of filling is inside before you take a bite.
You won’t usually find these fried. The beauty is in the delicate pastry and the rich, slow-cooked filling. Whether you are in Buenos Aires or Boston, a good Argentine empanada is a masterpiece.
| Region | Common Filling | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Salta (Salteña) | Beef, potato, green onion | Baked |
| Tucumán (Tucumana) | Hand-cut beef, onion | Baked |
| Mendoza (Mendocina) | Ground beef, onion, olives | Baked |
| Humita | Corn, cheese, onion | Baked |
If you love a serious crunch, you need Colombian-style empanadas. They are made with a bright yellow cornmeal dough called masarepa. This gives them a distinct texture and flavor that’s both hearty and addictive.
They are almost always fried to a deep golden brown. The classic filling is a savory mix of beef or pork and potatoes, seasoned with Latin spices. The texture contrast between the crispy shell and the soft interior is perfect.
The absolute best part? The dipping sauce. They are almost always served with ají picante. It’s a fresh, spicy salsa with cilantro, onion, and lime juice that cuts through the richness of the fried pastry, and the sauce served with it is non-negotiable for the full experience.
Chilean empanadas are large and in charge; they are often a full meal by themselves. The most famous one is the empanada de pino. These are baked, not fried, and have a distinctive, savory flavor.
The pino filling is a delicious mixture of ground beef and onions. What makes it special are the additions. Inside you’ll find a black olive and a wedge of a hard-boiled egg, adding layers of flavor and richness.
The dough is more like bread than pastry, giving it a hearty feel. This is the food of celebrations and national holidays in Chile. It’s a true classic that is both filling and delicious.
Yes, the Philippines has its own amazing version. Spanish influence brought the empanada to the islands. Filipino culture then made it its own, creating something truly special.
The dough can be flaky like a pastry or a little bit sweeter and softer. The fillings are often a mix of sweet and savory notes. A popular filling has ground chicken or pork, potatoes, and raisins.
This gives it a flavor profile that is completely different from its Latin American cousins. As some historians note, its journey from Spain to the Philippines was a key part of its culinary history. In the Ilocos region, they have a version with a crispy, orange-colored rice flour shell that is truly spectacular.
Similar to Colombian ones, Venezuelan empanadas are made with cornmeal dough and fried. They are often shaped like a half-moon. The dough can be a bit thinner, making them super crispy and light.
The fillings are where they really shine with variety. You can get carne mechada (shredded beef), black beans and cheese (domino), or shark (cazón). The sheer number of options is incredible, from simple cheese to complex stews.
They are a popular breakfast food or beach snack. Like in Colombia, they’re often served with a variety of sauces. A creamy garlic sauce called guasacaca is a popular and delicious companion.
Sometimes, the search for the best empanadas near me ends right in your own kitchen. Making them yourself is so rewarding. Plus, you get to control everything that goes inside, from the seasoning to the fillings.
Don’t be scared of making the dough. It is easier than you think. You can also buy premade empanada discs in the freezer section of many grocery stores, which is a great shortcut.
But if you want to try making your own, here’s a basic recipe for a baked pastry dough:
Just mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, mix in the egg and cold water until a dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
A classic beef filling is a great place to start your empanada-making journey. It’s simple, savory, and pretty much everyone loves ground beef empanadas. They are a timeless example of comfort food.
Just brown a pound of ground beef with one chopped onion. Drain any excess fat. Then stir in some spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, along with some salt and pepper.
Let the filling cool completely before you assemble the empanadas. This is a very important step. A hot filling will melt the dough and make it soggy, leading to a disappointing result.
For delicious chicken empanadas, you can make a simple yet flavorful filling. Sauté one chopped onion and a bell pepper until soft. Add two cups of shredded cooked chicken and a half cup of corn.
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese to make it creamy, along with your favorite seasonings like chili powder and garlic powder. This kind of menu chicken option is always a crowd-pleaser. Let this mixture cool completely before using.
The seal on the empanada is not just for looks. It keeps all that delicious filling from leaking out while it cooks. This decorative crimp is called the repulgue in Spanish.
You can simply press the edges together with the tines of a fork. Or you can try the traditional rope-like seal. You fold a small corner over and press, then take the new corner and fold it over again, repeating all the way down the edge.
There are tons of videos online that can show you how to do it. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it. But it’s fun to learn, and it makes your homemade beef empanadas or chicken empanadas look so professional.
Perhaps you’re not just looking for empanadas. Maybe you’re the one making them for everyone else. If that’s you, here are a few thoughts from a dedicated customer on what makes a place stand out.
We want quality and consistency above all else. We want to know that the beef empanada we loved last week will be just as good this week. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference, and we can absolutely taste it.
We also want a taste of home, whether it’s your home country or just a nostalgic family recipe. Authenticity is something people crave and will happily pay for. When a place offers traditional flavors, it builds a loyal following.
And of course, we appreciate friendly service. A smile and a warm welcome can make a great empanada taste even better. It turns a quick snack into a great experience that we want to repeat.
The basics are important, but so is being memorable. Maybe you offer a special empanada of the month to keep the menu exciting. This gets people excited to come back and try something new regularly.
Catering to different diets is a huge plus now. Having a really good vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free option can bring in a whole new group of customers. People with dietary needs love to feel included and will become your biggest advocates.
Tell your story. Are you a family business with a recipe passed down for generations? Put that on your menu or your wall. People love to support a business with a genuine story and a clear passion for what they do.
When we search for you, we need to be able to find you. Make sure your business information is correct on Google Maps. Include your current hours, your exact address, and a phone number.
Great photos are a must. We eat with our eyes first. Get clear, well-lit pictures of your empanadas and post them on your website and social media platforms like Instagram.
Keep your menu updated online, and if possible, offer a way to order online. This helps customers decide what they want before they even arrive and can streamline your entire process. The easier you make it for people to buy from you, the more they will.
The quest for the best empanadas near me is a journey worth taking. It’s about more than just satisfying a craving for a snack. It’s about discovering new flavors, exploring different cultures through their food, and connecting with the people who make these amazing little pockets of joy.
That feeling of finding the perfect spot, with a golden, flaky crust and a generously filled, savory interior, is a true victory. It’s the simple pleasure of good food made with care. It’s a taste of tradition and a bite of pure comfort food.
Whether you find them at a bustling food truck, a small family-run bakery, or decide to make them in your own kitchen, the perfect empanada is waiting. Happy hunting, and I hope your search for the best empanadas near me is both delicious and successful.