Is there anything more perfect than a gigantic pocket of homemade fried dough stuffed with melted chocolate and creamy banana? Of course, not! That’s why Empanada Mama, nestled between 51st and 52nd on 9th avenue, is here to stay. They give the people what they want for about $2.50 a pop- everything from sautéed Portobello empanadas to sweet plantain with cheese. They even have variations on their dough, ranging from wheat to corn flour.

Mi novio y yo hit up Empanada Mama after a mediocre Mexican lunch down the street. We owed it to ourselves to eat something yummy while keeping with the Mexican theme (at least that’s how we rationalized it). Their dessert empanadas looked outstanding, so in we went to the brightly painted eatery...

Loud music, vibrant colors, girly drinks… was I in Cancun?! Everyone was relaxed, smiling and thoroughly enjoying the food. Such a nice change of pace from the hurried panic of the city streets. I happily sat back, adjusted to the vibe, and prepared to order. 

Naturally, I was intrigued by the “fig, caramel & cheese” empanada, but Adam cringed and begged me not to order it. Ah well, there’s always a next time. I settled with the Belgian Chocolate & Banana empanada, and Adam ordered the "USA" Apple & Cinnamon.

Our nicely sized empanadas arrived in no time, piping hot and wrapped in parchment paper. I eagerly bit into mine and was transported to Mexican heaven. The chocolate was rich and creamy, and oozed out of the empanada like lava. I was impressed by the dough, too - flakey, buttery and not at all greasy. Adam’s apple & cinnamon empanada was equally delicious and tasted like a perfectly baked slice of apple pie. But as a chocoholic, I’m inclined to vote mine as the better of the two. 

We paid a collective $5.50 for the two ultra-satisfying desserts - usually the price of a single narrow slice of cake in any other shop around town. Between the fun atmosphere, delectable food and savvy price, Empanada Mama is a place to which I’d eagerly return. Me gusta mucho!