What is an empanada?
Empanadas, beloved across Latin America and beyond, are savory pastries filled with various ingredients and baked or fried to perfection. These delicious treats typically consist of a flaky dough encasing a flavorful filling, creating a handheld meal that is as versatile as it is tasty. The dough, often made from a combination of flour, water, and fat, is rolled out and filled with an assortment of ingredients ranging from savory meats such as beef, chicken, or pork to vegetarian options like cheese, vegetables, or beans. Once filled, the empanadas are sealed and cooked until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to a piping-hot center full of flavor.
Where did it all start?
The origins of empanadas can be traced back centuries to the culinary traditions of Spain, where they were known as "empanar," meaning to coat or wrap in bread. From there, empanadas spread across the globe, adapting to the local ingredients and flavors of each region they encountered. In Latin America, empanadas became a staple of street food culture, with each country putting its unique spin on the classic recipe. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as a hearty meal shared with friends and family, empanadas continue to captivate taste buds and inspire culinary creativity around the world.
Where to find the best empanada in Oak Park + The Near West Suburbs
Although empanadas are traditionally found in Latin America, luckily, we've got incredible options for authentic empanadas here in the Near West suburbs. Let's take a look.
Cafe Cubano | Oak Park
Located in their new home in Oak Park, Café Cubano stands as Chicagoland's premier destination for authentic Cuban cuisine. With a rich family history steeped in the traditions of old Cuba, this charming eatery is a labor of love for owner and head chef, Javier Fernández Jr. Following in the footsteps of his late father, Fernández Jr. carries on the culinary legacy entrusted to him. Every recipe at Café Cubano is a treasured heirloom, meticulously crafted with fresh, authentic ingredients. From classic Cuban dishes like croquetas and ropa vieja to tasty empanadas, each item reflects the dedication to tradition and excellence that defines Café Cubano.
At Café Cubano, empanadas take center stage as a beloved staple of Cuban cuisine. These savory Spanish hand pies have a flaky, buttery crust filled with seasoned chicken or beef. Café Cubano also serves a deliciously decadent empanada for dessert, filled with sweet guava and whipped cream cheese. The tropical vibe and authentic flavors at Café Cubano embody the feel of old Cuba. Their new address is 113 N. Oak Park Avenue.
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Cubanito Express | Riverside
In Riverside, IL, Cubanito Express is your ticket to a flavorful Caribbean escape right in your backyard. With a commitment to freshness, authenticity, and simplicity, Cubanito Express brings the vibrant tastes of Cuba and Puerto Rico to every dish. From sunrise to sundown, indulge in a delightful array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Feast on the iconic jibarito, a classic Caribbean sandwich where crispy plantains take center stage instead of bread, and meats or vegetables are layered in between. And, of course, no visit to Cubanito Express is complete without sampling their mouthwatering empanadas. Whether you're craving the savory goodness of roasted pork with grilled onions or the sweet sensation of guava and cream cheese, these empanadas offer a delicious taste of paradise that will leave you craving more.
At Cubanito Express, each dish is expertly crafted, transporting you to the tropical islands with every flavorful bite. And remember to pair your meal with a delicious Cuban espresso, the perfect pick-me-up to fuel your day.
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Empanadus | La Grange + Riverside
If you're in Riverside or La Grange, IL, and craving some mouthwatering empanadas, stop into Empanadus. Empanadus is about one thing: empanadas, and they do it well. With an incredible range of flavors, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Sink your teeth into a classic like the beef, packed with premium ground beef, Spanish and green onions, green olives, hard-boiled eggs, and spices for a burst of flavor in every bite. Are you feeling adventurous? Try the buffalo chicken, featuring diced chicken, red peppers, Spanish onions, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and spices for a spicy kick. And for a taste of summer, indulge in the caprese empanada, filled with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant, flavorful young basil.
But the empanada extravaganza doesn't stop there – Empanadus also offers dessert empanadas like the sweet and satisfying apple, filled with apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon, or the indulgent banana & Nutella®, a delightful combination of banana and Nutella® wrapped in pastry perfection. And don't forget to elevate your empanada experience with a side of their incredible chimichurri sauce, a traditional Argentinian condiment made with fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
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Mulata Kitchen + Coffee | Oak Park
In the heart of Oak Park, IL, Mulata Kitchen + Coffee is more than just a restaurant – it celebrates diversity, culture, and community. Inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of the Mulata, a blend of people, cultures, and languages, founder Cristiane Pereira has created a welcoming space where all are invited to come together and share a delicious meal. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting soup, a crisp salad, a gourmet sandwich, or a fan favorite from their previous venture at Taste of Brasil, Mulata Kitchen + Coffee has something for everyone. And let's not forget their customized blends of coffee, highlighting the diverse regions of Brazil and perfect for your morning commute or afternoon pick-me-up.
At Mulata Kitchen + Coffee, handmade Brazilian-style savory baked empanadas, known as "Pastel Assado" in Brazil, are a favorite. The mouthwatering empanadas come in various flavors, from the classic palmito (hearts of palm) to the earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. The options are endless. Are you craving something cheesy? Indulge in the four-cheese empanada. For a savory breakfast on the go, opt for the breakfast empanada. No matter which flavor you choose, each empanada is homemade and crafted with love at Mulata Kitchen + Coffee.
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Meet Us for an Empanada
Are you feeling hungry yet? Whether you're in the mood for a classic beef empanada, sweet guava, and cheese or a savory mushroom-filled pastry, these incredible establishments in Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs have you covered. So why wait? Gather your friends and family, or even fly solo and head to one of these fantastic eateries for a taste of empanada heaven. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
