Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that has gained popularity all over the world. These delicious pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and spices, making them a versatile and satisfying meal. In Philadelphia, empanadas have become a staple in the city’s food scene, with many restaurants and food trucks offering their own unique take on this classic dish.
Empanadas are part of a larger family of Latin American cuisine that includes other popular dishes such as tacos and pupusas. While all three dishes share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Tacos are typically made with a corn or flour tortilla and filled with meat, vegetables, and salsa. Pupusas, on the other hand, are a Salvadoran dish made with a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, and meat. Empanadas, meanwhile, are made with a pastry dough and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a more versatile option.
In this article, we will explore the world of empanadas in Philadelphia. We will take a look at some of the best places to find these delicious pastries, as well as the different types of fillings and flavors that are available. Whether you are a longtime fan of empanadas or are just discovering this tasty dish, this article will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy the best empanadas in Philadelphia. So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the world of empanadas!
Empanada Mama
21 Donaldson St Doylestown
(215) 230-3330
Empanada Mama Menu
Empanada Mama is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves delicious empanadas. The variety of flavors is impressive, and each one is made with high-quality ingredients. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing excellent sauce suggestions to enhance your experience. The Korean beef empanada is a family favorite, but we also highly recommend the Bacon Date, Honey Sriracha Chicken, Mexican Street Corn, and Caramel Pumpkin Pie. The dough is flaky and generously sized, making each bite a delight. Even when ordering over the phone, the staff is genuinely pleasant and accommodating. The labeling of the inside flap of the box lid is a thoughtful touch that shows their attention to detail. Although parking can be a hassle, it’s worth it to visit this lovely local small business. Don’t miss out on Empanada Mama – it’s a guaranteed winner!
Buenos Aires Empanada Bar
1362 Naamans Creek Rd Garnet Valley
(610) 823-3537
Buenos Aires Empanada Bar Menu
Buenos Aires Empanada Bar is a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss. Tucked away in a strip mall, this restaurant is a great find for anyone looking for authentic Argentinian empanadas. The proprietors take pride in their empanadas, and it shows in the delicious flavors and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast version, ham and cheese, and chicken empanadas are all must-tries, and the fact that they are finished as you order them makes them even more special. And if you can’t get enough of them, you can even take them home frozen to finish later. The dough is made fresh and each empanada is filled with love, making them the best caseras you’ll ever have. Ruben, the owner, takes great care of his customers and makes sure everyone leaves happy. Don’t miss out on this amazing restaurant – it’s a true gem!
Empanadas Lab
119 N Main St North Wales
(215) 939-7483
Empanadas Lab Menu
Empanadas Lab is a hidden gem that you don’t want to miss! The owner, Antonio, is passionate about his restaurant and it shows in the quality of the food. The empanadas are flaky on the outside and filled with a variety of delicious options. From the beef with caramelized onions to the pork with pineapple and habanero, each filling is unique and flavorful. Vegetarians will also be pleased to know that there is a mixed vegetable option available. The family that runs the restaurant is friendly and engaged in their business, making you feel good about supporting them. The only downside is that they only accept cash and their hours can be a bit misleading. But don’t let that deter you from trying their amazing empanadas! Even negative reviews are few and far between, and any criticism is minor. Some reviewers suggest that a side dip or sauce would make the empanadas feel more like a complete meal, but overall, the food is remarkable. As a chef myself, I appreciate the light and flaky baked dough, which is a refreshing change from the heavy fried dough that is often used. Empanadas Lab is a must-try for anyone looking for delicious and authentic empanadas.
Hungry Moon Foods
36 S York Rd Hatboro
(814) 446-9090
Hungry Moon Foods Menu
Hungry Moon Foods is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves empanadas. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why these empanadas are worth every penny. The skill, passion, love, and hard work that goes into each empanada is evident in every bite. The chicken, beef, and pulled pork empanadas are all incredibly tasty, and the cheesesteak version is a must-try. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – the Nutella empanada is a real treat.
But it’s not just the empanadas that make Hungry Moon Foods special. The homemade lemonade is the perfect accompaniment to your meal, with just the right balance of sweet and tart and a refreshing hint of fresh mint. And the staff is amazing – friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help you choose the perfect empanada.
Even if you’re not a fan of empanadas, Hungry Moon Foods is worth a visit. They pay homage to the old Village Pretzel while bringing in delicious new food. And with limited hours, it’s worth going early to make sure you don’t miss out on the deliciousness.
Overall, Hungry Moon Foods is a gem of a restaurant that you won’t want to miss. The empanadas are truly exceptional, the lemonade is refreshing, and the staff is wonderful. Don’t hesitate – go try their food immediately!
DECOO RESTAURANT
3066 E St Philadelphia
(215) 425-1604
DECOO RESTAURANT Menu
DECOO RESTAURANT is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious food. The chicken kabab, corn fritter, and chicken and cheese are some of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the corn fritters were amazing. The service was fast and the restaurant was clean, making for a great dining experience. I will definitely be returning to DECOO RESTAURANT and recommending it to all of my friends and family. The prices were also very reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of food. Don’t miss out on this gem of a restaurant!
Que Rica’s
46 A Haddon Ave Haddon Township
(856) 858-8500
Que Rica’s Menu
Que Rica’s is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for delicious and authentic Venezuelan cuisine. With a menu that caters to dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegan options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the food is served hot and fresh. The arepas and empanadas are a must-try, and the chupacabra churros with homemade chocolate sauce are a perfect way to end your meal. Even if you’re not familiar with Venezuelan cuisine, the owner’s passion for his food is evident in every dish. While some reviewers have mentioned minor issues, the overall experience at Que Rica’s is fantastic, and we highly recommend giving it a try.
El Bochinche Restaurant & Bar
4940 N 5th St Philadelphia
(215) 329-0861
El Bochinche Restaurant & Bar Menu
El Bochinche Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem that serves up some of the most delicious empanadas in town. Despite the slow service mentioned in one review, the servers are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The empanadas are affordable and definitely worth the wait. Make sure to bring cash if your purchase is under $12. The restaurant could use some TLC for cleanliness and design, but the food more than makes up for it.
If you’re feeling under the weather, the chicken soup is a must-try. Although there was a mix-up with the order in one review, the soup is still highly recommended. The hot liquid is seasoned to perfection and will warm you up from the inside out. The white rice may not be the star of the show, but it’s a great accompaniment to the soup.
Overall, El Bochinche Restaurant & Bar is a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a quick bite on the go. Don’t let the negative reviews deter you from trying out this amazing restaurant.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of empanadas, you won’t want to miss the mouthwatering options available in Philadelphia. One of my favorite spots is Empanada Mama, where you’ll find an impressive variety of flavors crafted with high-quality ingredients. The Korean beef empanada is a family favorite, and I also highly recommend the Bacon Date, Honey Sriracha Chicken, Mexican Street Corn, and Caramel Pumpkin Pie options. The flaky and generously sized dough adds to the delightful experience. Despite the potential parking hassle, visiting this local gem is absolutely worth it. Make sure not to miss out on Empanada Mama!
In Philadelphia, empanadas have become a beloved part of the local food scene, offering a diverse range of flavors and fillings. From Empanada Mama’s impressive variety to the authentic Argentinian experience at Buenos Aires Empanada Bar, there’s something for everyone. Other notable mentions include Empanadas Lab, Abuelita’s Empanadas, Hungry Moon Foods, DECOO RESTAURANT, Que Rica’s, and El Bochinche Restaurant & Bar.
Whether you’re a long-time empanada enthusiast or new to this delightful dish, Philadelphia’s empanada joints provide a gateway to a world of savory and satisfying flavors. Each restaurant offers its unique twist, made with love and passion for authentic and delicious empanadas. So, venture into the city and savor these delightful pastries for an experience that will leave you craving more.
“If you’re intrigued by the flavors of empanadas and want to explore more of Philadelphia’s Mexican cuisine, don’t miss our feature on the city’s premier Mexican restaurants.
