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These Westchester eateries offer classic and specialty empanadas when the craving for the flavor-filled pockets strikes.
Additional reporting by Anaya Rojas
Did you know that empanadas have been around for over 500 years? It’s true! These delicious pastries are thought to have originated in a place called Galacia, located on the northwestern shore of modern-day Spain. The first time they were mentioned by name was in a cookbook published in Catalan in 1520, described as a fried flour pastry filled with fish. In fact, the word empanada comes from the Spanish phrase “Em Pranar,” which means “wrapped in bread.”
In 500 years, the humble empanada has come quite a long way. Now, people of all cultures make and enjoy many different types of empanadas. From ones with savory beef fillings to ones packed with irresistible chicken and cheese, from ones made with traditional flour shells to ones made with a much sweeter maize shell, you’ll rarely find two empanadas that look — or taste — exactly the same.
To help you celebrate National Empanada Day (April 8) and get a delicious bite of that storied history while you’re at it, we’ve compiled a list of seven Westchester eateries that perfectly demonstrate just how versatile these tasty little pastries can be.
Aqui es Santa Fe
32 Broad St, Port Chester; 914.305.1060
Faithfully serving the community of Port Chester since 2008, this restaurant brings the very best of traditional Colombian cuisine to the table. The empanada options reflect this commitment to tradition, including classic flavors such as beef, chicken, three cheese options (including plain, with spinach, and with guava), and the fan-favorite black bean. Those looking for a newer take on these old classics would do well to check out the ham and pineapple or the blueberry goat cheese offering.
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La Hacienda Meat & Grocery Market
1727 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.685.3242
When La Hacienda opened about two years ago, Yonkers locals were taken by the spot’s commitment to authenticity. Despite being a relative newcomer to the Latin cuisine scene of Westchester, this brother-owned luncheonette has the makings of a titan. Empanadas come in the classic chicken, beef, cheese, and birria; give them a try and thank us later.
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La Camelia
234 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco; 914.666.2466
La Camelia’s unique blend of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine has kept its Mount Kisco customers crawling back for seconds since 1984. If it’s a little taste of Spain that you’re after on National Empanada Day, order a batch of the much-loved “Empanadíllas Gallegas.” Don’t let their smaller size discourage you, for these delicious pastries are filled to the brim with veal and served with a side of mixed greens. Good things really do come in small packages!
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Don Coqui
107 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.576.7676
If you’re like us then you know, when it comes to empanadas, boricua is best! When it comes to great Puerto Rican food in White Plains, there are few restaurants that can match Don Coqui’s level of flair, flavor, and finesse. The DC Mixed Empanadas from the dinner menu comes with six of these tasty turnovers cut in half. Customers have their choice of shrimp, beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetable fillings. Pro Tip: If you’re looking to organize a get-together with some friends or family, this option is also available on Don Coqui’s exclusive party menu.
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Don Jose
2141 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.881.1303
Get ready to bailar because Don Jose’s flavor-filled empanadas will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Inspired by classic Mexican cuisine, this traditional food joint is providing the patrons of Yonkers (and beyond) with deliciously colorful dishes. Packed with the customer’s choice of slivers of stewed chicken, chipotle tinga, or tender birria shredded beef, each plate of these crispy and tasty empanadas is served with a side of green tomatillo salsa, Mexican cream, and cotija cheese.
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The Cube Inn
22 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.372.7974
Don’t let the tongue-in-cheek name fool you; this family-owned restaurant is no joke when it comes to serving “killer Cuban cuisine.” Since it opened its doors in late 2020, The Cube Inn has been loyally providing the residents of Tarrytown with a little slice of Havana. The Cube Inn has five different flavors of delicious Cuban-style empanadas, including beef (picadillo), chicken (fricassee), Creole shrimp, veggie (sofrito and cheese), and cheese (guayaba).
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Shirley’s India
1 Leroy Pl, New Rochelle; 914.632.6736
When you hear the word “empanada,” odds are that Indian cuisine is one of the last things you’d think of; but that very well might change after a visit to this New Rochelle mainstay. In addition to its extensive menu of Indian favorites, Shirley’s has added a limited-edition empanada that’s sure to bring the heat just in time for National Empanada Day. In keeping with the restaurant’s roots, the special empanada is packed with potato masala, butter chicken, and cheese filling. The pastries are also topped with powdered sugar and served with butter chicken sauce and “not mint” sauce. Pro Tip: These limited-edition empanadas will be going away in the coming weeks, so be sure to grab some while you still can.
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Related: 10 Burritos to Take You From Breakfast to Dinner in Westchester