10 Must-Try Empanadas in Metro Manila
For when you're craving the warm, flavorful goodness of this tasty treat
(SPOT.ph) Hearty, delicious, filling—an empanada is these and more. It’s a flavor-packed delight in a bite-sized package, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that this tasty treat is one of the most loved comfort foods in many parts of the globe.
For Filipinos, our love affair with empanadas is rich in personal stories and precious moments connected to this favorite snack or appetizer. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe passed down through generations or shared meals during life’s most important milestones, empanadas have found their way into our hearts and homes through the years.
If you’re craving the warm, tasty goodness of an empanada, these stores have got you covered.
Here’s a list so you can stop asking yourself where to find empanadas near me:
Casa Daza by Chef Sandy
Branches: Alabang Town Center, Ayala Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Festival Mall, Glorietta, Greenhills, Landmark BGC, Landmark Makati, Landmark TriNoma, NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, Powerplant Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Place Manila, Salcedo Saturday Market, SM Aura Supermarket, SM City Grand Central, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, The Medical City
With cookbook author and TV chef Sandy Daza at the helm of this store, expect nothing but the finest in every bite of their famous empanada. You can’t go wrong snacking on Casa Daza by Chef Sandy’s bestsellers Classic Original, Chicken, Humba, Tuna and Spicy Tuna, Vegetarian and Vegetarian Curry.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at casadazabychefsandy@gmail.com.
Mama Empanadas
Branches:
- The Marketplace in Rustan’s Makati
- The Marketplace in Power Plant Mall
- The Marketplace in Santolan Town Plaza
- The Marketplace in Shangri-La Mall
- LG/F Estancia Mall
- LG/F Greenhills Mall
- Main Kitchen in Cubao
Few things in life can rival the warmth and love found in a mother's cooking. Mama Empanadas has been whipping up dishes from family recipes since 1979. With three generations of mothers behind the brand, it’s easy to see why their empanadas are made with so much love. Take your pick from their Classic Chicken, Sirloin Beef Taco, Italian Sausage, Sriracha Chicken, and Herbed Tuna.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09158633156.
Aling Norma Castro’s Special Empanada
Address: J. Basa St., San Juan
This empanada store proves to all and sundry that sometimes, the most delicious flavors come from the simplest of kitchens. Located by the streetside on J. Basa St., the humble store has been frequented by locals in San Juan City since 1989. Today, the special empanadas—in Chicken, Tuna, and Ham & Cheese—made by Aling Norma Castro have become one of the city’s local delicacies.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 7757 1149.
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar
Address: Ground Floor, Frabelle 1, 109 Rada Street, Makati City
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n.
- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n.
- Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Celebrity chef JP Anglo adds an Ilonggo touch to empanada by filling it with kansi, a sour beef soup originating from Iloilo. Sarsa Kitchen + Bar’s empanadas are well loved, and the Negrense restaurant believes theirs is still the best afternoon snack. Visit their well-designed restaurant to check it out for yourself.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09175280115
Half Saints
Address: G/F The Ignacia Place 62 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Quezon City
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Including Half Saints in this list is a no-brainer. Their Mushroom and Cheese Sofrito Empanada had everyone raving about how this meat-free empanada is bursting with flavor. Made with the finest local ingredients, it’s a mixture of sautéed garlic, onion, tomatoes, pimiento, chili, and cilantro with finely chopped fresh button mushrooms and cheese in purses of spiced flaky pie crust.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09359330512.
Pet-friendly? No
Chingolo Deli
Branches:
- Molito Lifestyle Center
- UPRC 3, Chino Roces Ave. Ext. Makati
Chingolo Deli’s Empanadas by Bolzico Beef will keep you hooked and leave you wanting more! No one’s going to blame you as their empanadas are loaded with flavors. Pick whatever suits you: Regular Empanadas (Beef & Egg, Char Siu Pork, or Chicken & Mushroom) or Premium Empanadas (Original Beef, Chili & Cheese, Creamy Beef Mushroom, or Cheesy Beef Barbeque). They also have the Empanada Sampler if it’s that hard to decide what flavor to try first.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09171590972 (Molito) or 09176202443 (Makati).
Red Ribbon
Locations: Check store locations here
Red Ribbon is famous for their all-occasion cakes, but the bakery is also serving other sweet treats and pastries. Treat yourself to their empanada selections: Fried Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Beef, and Pork. Whether your order comes individually or in a box of 6, you won’t regret bringing this savory delight home with you.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page.
Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe
Branches and Operating Hours:
- S&R Libis: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Tropical Palms: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sgt Esguerra: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mother and daughter teamed up to create this cozy cafe that feels like home. Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe’s traditional home cooked meals, pastries, and baked goodies are served with a side dish of warmth and homey goodness. Their homemade, old-fashioned empanadas, for one, are crafted with love and a whole lot of heart. Try them in the following flavors: Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Corned Beef.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09998850092.
Fariñas Ilocos Empanada
Branches: Stores located nationwide
Why go all the way to Ilocos to try its famous empanada when there are branches of Fariñas Ilocos Empanada across the metro? With ingredients delivered daily from Ilocos, you are guaranteed to have a taste of authentic Ilokano food. Their bestselling empanadas (particularly the Ultimate Empanada) are crispy on the outside and filled with flavors on the inside—courtesy of egg, longganisa, crunchy bagnet, and vegetables.
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09260540385.
Lola’s Ilocos Empanada
Address: 704 H. Ventura St. corner Fajardo St. Sampaloc, Manila
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Lola’s Ilocos Empanada brings you the familiar flavor of the well-loved empanada from the north, but with more twists and surprises. Their empanada menu looks exciting: EmpaNachos, Mozzarella Ilocos Empanada, Cheesy Ilocos Empanada, Special Ilocos Empanada, Double Ilocos Empanada, All Meat Ilocos Empanada, Veggie Ilocos Empanada, and Classic Ilocos Empanada. So what are you waiting for?
Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09969062088
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