The New York City Traveler

Taste What’s Cooking in Hell’s Kitchen at Empanada Mama

by Heather on May 11th, 2008

I first fell in love with empanadas while in Mexico many, many years ago.  The small turnovers with sweet or savory fillings is the Latin American answer to the French crepe.  So I was ecstatic to find that there was a restaurant dedicated to these tasty delights right here in Manhattan.  Located in a sliver of a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant (seating for 16 at tables, and 9 at the tiny counter), popular with theatre-goers and the Midtown West hipsters alike, is Empanada Mama.    

Empanadas, small turnovers filled then fried until golden brown, is the main feature on the menu and at Mama Empanada, there are no less than 44 varieties of empanadas on the menu.   The main feature is the traditional wheat flour empanadas, 23 types of which are on the menu.  The fillings range from the more traditional like shredded chicken and shredded beef (both $2.50) to the more unique like the Tuna Jalapeno ($2.95) and the Americano, filled with hot dogs and cheddar cheese ($2.50).  For a departure from the traditional, Empanada Mama also offers 8 types of corn flour empanadas and 5 varieties of oven baked wheat flour empanadas. 

The empanadas are served in small white paper bags with the type of empanada stamped on the front and served on the side is a red tomato salsa and green cilantro salsa.  I have tried shredded chicken, shredded beef and Brazil (ground beef, olives, sauteed onions, and potatoes), all of which I found fantastic, and I simply cannot get enough of the in-house salsa.   

Empanadas aren’t the only things on the expansive menu.  Traditional Latin American favorites such as a variety of arepas (from $4.75), tapas (from 3.95), and entrees like Arroz con Pollo ($10.95) also round-out the menu.  The beer selection was also impressive for a small restaurant.  I found my favorite Brazilian beer, Brahma, as well as Presidente (Dominican Republic), and the Stella Artois (all $6). 

Save room for dessert!  Sweet empanadas, like Elvis (bananas and peanut butter) and USA (apples and cinnamon) are available, as well as the traditional favorites like flan and rice pudding. 

Like many Manhattan restaurants, with a minimum order of $10, Empanada Mama delivers.  The delivery zone is from 42nd to 62nd and from 5ht Avenue to 12th Avenue.    

Location:  Empanada Mama, 763 Ninth Avenue between West 51st and West 52nd (map), 212-698-9008

Subway:  C, E to 50th Street  

Hours:  Daily 11am-midnight, delivery ends at 11pm.

Photo credit: personal collection

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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage, Midtown