The word empanada comes from the Galician verb empanar which means “enbreaded.” It is a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling. Empanadas are very common in Latin American, Filipino and Southern European cultures. The possibilities are endless, baked or fried, sweet or sweet, whatever your heart desires.
In some places like Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Creole empanadas are such an intrinsic part of their identity that the Ministry of Culture declared it a Cultural Heritage of Food and Gastronomy.
Yesterday, on April 8th, it was National Empanada Day and that’s why we’re bringing you a list of best L.A. empanada places.
Cook’s Tortas
You have to try their flaky strawberry cheese empanadas and the Nutella Cheese pastries which are crowned with toasted pecans.
La Mascota
Try their empanadas de piña with the sweet pineapple filling. They’re to die for.
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Socalo
They perfected the guava cheese empanada – a bit of cotija cheese added to cream cheese creates a subtle salty balance and the fresh lime softens the sweetness of the guava paste.
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Carrusel Bakery
They offer traditional favorites such as pineapple and dulce de leche.
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Empanada factory
Empanda factory is running since 2003. There you can try amazing combination of flavors such as spicy mushroom and spinach, corn, spicy steak or ham and cheese, etc. Don’t forget to order some of their house made chimichurri.
Empanada’s Place
Empanada’s Place offers traditional Argentine turnovers like tucumana (chopped beef), arabe (lemon herb ground beef), potato and cheese, cheese and onions, spinach and eggplant.
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Pie Hole
On April 13th, all Pie Hole locations in Southern California are bringing out the new menu which will offer emPIEnada baked hand pies. Try them all – sweet cherry, peaches and cream cheese, chorizo and egg and the signature “Hand Slam” with ham, egg and cheddar.
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Bon Appétit!
