The Best Empanadas in Toronto

The best empanadas in Toronto cover a nice swath of South America (and even a bit of Asia). These affordable, warm packages of Latin American deliciousness come in a variety of styles, from Argentinian and Chilean baked versions to gluten-free Colombian fried ones, with filling options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians.

Here are the best empanadas in Toronto.

7 - Ave Maria Latin Cafe

If you’ve got a hankering for empanadas while in Koreatown, visit this Latin American grocery store/eatery that sells both the Argentinian (chicken, beef or veggie) version ($3 each) and the gluten-free, Colombian kind ($2.50) stuffed with a mash of potato and beef, whose fried shell is made with cornmeal instead of flour. They all go well with the zingy house-made hot sauce.
6 - Pasteleria Barreda

This unassuming bakery on Christie St. just south of Dupont (and north of Fiesta Farms) is run by a lovely Chilean couple that bakes up beef, chicken, cheese and spinach empanadas ($3 each, including tax). The beef, with bits of egg and olive, is the epitome of a comforting snack.
5 - Latin Taste

Okay, so Kensington has a lot of great empanada options. This small shop on Baldwin St. is mostly Peruvian (and a little Argentinian), but also makes Uruguayan empanadas ($2.75 each) filled with beef, chicken, spinach or spinach & cheese accompanied by red or green salsas.
4 - El Gordo Fine Foods

Another Kensington staple, this stall inside 214 Augusta Ave. started out with just traditional Chilean empanadas but has now expanded to offer a mind-boggling selection of over 40 different fillings ($4 each) split into five categories that fall under beef, chicken, chorizo, lamb or veggie. Interesting combos include kimchi beef/chicken or lamb/veggie curry.
9 - Autentica Spanish Food and Empanadas

Part of the bustling Plaza Latina in North York, this Chilean bakery and cafe is known for its hearty sandwiches and, of course, its large empanadas ($2.95 each), stuffed with beef, chicken, chorizo, seafood, cheese, ham & cheese or spinach & feta.
8 - Port Union Bakery

Yep, Filipinos make empanadas as well, thanks to Spanish colonialism. This bakery in Scarborough turns out flaky chicken or pork empanadas ($0.85 each) along with sweet ones filled with pineapple ($0.50).
3 - The Empanada Company

This shop in Etobicoke bakes up a mix of traditional and contemporary empanadas, from Chilean beef or cheese to more innovative fillings like curry coconut chicken or Cajun pulled pork (all $3.75 each). There’s even a sweet Nutella banana s’mores version ($4.50) for dessert.
2 - El Almacen

Those in the know don’t only come to this cozy Argentinian cafe on West Queen West for <em>mate</em>, they also flock here for flavourful empanadas ($2.50 each). A variety of fillings include beef with green olive, chicken, mixed veggie and spinach & cheese. You’ll probably want to do a tango after tasting these expertly baked delights.
1 - Jumbo Empanadas

A classic spot for a nosh in Kensington Market, this place has been around for over 25 years (so you know it has to be good). The savoury Chilean pastries ($4.50 each) found here are indeed pretty darned large (although there are also mini versions for $1.50 each). Choose from cheese ($2), beef, chicken or veg, and be sure to get the tasty house-made hot sauce to go with ’em.

by Christina Cheung via blogTO