Best Colombian Empanadas: Taste the Flavor at Raíces Colombianas

What if the secret to true Colombian flavor was hidden in a single, golden bite? From the first crunch to the final hint of spice, Colombian empanadas tell a deeper story than taste alone. But not all empanadas are the same. Where can you truly taste the difference? You might be surprised—especially if you start at Raíces Colombianas.

TL;DR

Raíces Colombianas ofrece empanadas auténticas hechas con ingredientes tradicionales, destacando su masa crujiente de maíz blanco y rellenos jugosos como carne o pollo con papa y guiso. Cada empanada cuenta una historia cultural, reflejando la diversidad de sabores colombianos. Con recetas caseras, salsas artesanales y una fusión de tradición e innovación, este lugar es más que un restaurante: es una experiencia culinaria colombiana completa.

Come enjoy Colombian appetizers in Queens at Raíces Colombianas. 😍🍴

Why are Colombian empanadas from Raíces Colombianas so popular?

Colombian empanadas are a symbol of identity and cultural fusion. Born from the blend of Arab, Indigenous, Creole, and Afro-Colombian culinary traditions, this dish has become a true national icon. At Raíces Colombianas, each empanada tells that story.

They’re known for their signature crispy texture and flavorful, juicy fillings. Made with corn dough and filled with traditional combinations like rice and chicken or ground beef, the empanadas stay moist and tasty thanks to a slow-cooked stew seasoned with garlic, thyme, and onion. The result is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.

Each empanada can be paired with a variety of house-made sauces—from spicy ají blended with onion and cilantro to creamy parsley-based mayonnaise or fresh guacamole. This gives every customer the chance to enjoy their ideal bite.

These empanadas bring comfort. They’re the kind of food you find on a neighborhood corner, at school, or after a busy day. Their flavor is built on centuries of tradition and daily dedication.

Have you tried the empanada that tells Colombia’s story in every bite?

What makes the filling unique?

The filling in Raíces Colombianas empanadas isn’t just a mix of ingredients. It’s the result of a careful process that brings together home-cooking techniques, handed-down flavors, and thoughtful touches. Each bite offers a culinary experience that reflects the richness and variety of Colombian cuisine.

Fresh, carefully selected ingredients

The process begins with high-quality choices:

• Meat: Shredded cuts like flank or brisket, slowly cooked with onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and broth.
• Potatoes: A mix of white and yellow varieties, cooked separately to give the filling a smooth, balanced texture.
• Spices: Turmeric or natural coloring, cumin, garlic, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
• Stew (guiso): The core flavor base made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a splash of the meat broth.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Slow-cooking the meat: Cooked in a pressure cooker for about an hour, then shredded. The flavorful broth is reused in the dough and the stew.
2. Making the stew: Onions are cooked until translucent, tomatoes are softened, and then the shredded meat and potatoes are added to combine all flavors.
3. Balanced, juicy filling: The final result is moist but firm enough to stay intact, creating a satisfying contrast with the crispy shell.

Each cook brings their own special touch—often a secret ingredient passed down through family—which gives every empanada a homemade essence.

The filling is the soul of the dish. It’s what makes people want to come back. Rooted in heritage, this recipe continues to cross borders and generations.

The secret to the crispy crust

A great crispy empanada starts with one essential ingredient: ground white corn. In many traditional kitchens, this process begins by soaking the corn for eight hours, then grinding it by hand until it becomes a soft but firm dough. Sometimes, corn flour is added to improve texture and make shaping easier.

The dough defines the empanada’s character. It’s mixed vigorously with salt, resulting in a strong, elastic dough that can handle high frying temperatures. The payoff is a golden, crispy, flavorful shell.

Once shaped, empanadas are fried in very hot oil. The oil must fully cover each empanada to cook them evenly and achieve that signature crunchy exterior. The result: a perfectly golden shell that stays crisp without becoming greasy.

As a saying goes: if it doesn’t crunch, it doesn’t count. A well-made empanada should:

1. Look golden—not pale or burnt
2. Feel firm to the touch
3. Crackle when bitten
4. Hold its filling without falling apart

The finishing touch in many regions is a quick bite followed by a spoonful of spicy ají added directly inside. This moment elevates the flavor and highlights the ideal texture—crispy outside, juicy inside.

The variety of empanada flavors

Colombian empanadas showcase the creativity and flavor diversity of the country. Each region, family, and cook adds their own twist, resulting in an impressive range of tastes for any occasion.

Varieties at Raíces Colombianas

At Raíces Colombianas, the most beloved traditional flavors are prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Two essential types are offered:

• Beef: A bold, hearty empanada filled with seasoned meat, often mixed with potatoes and stew for added flavor and depth.
• Chicken: A softer yet equally tasty option, made with shredded or chopped chicken, potatoes, and flavorful seasonings.

Common flavors in Colombia

Across Colombia, empanadas feature a wide range of both classic and inventive fillings. Popular options include:

Thanks to their versatility, empanadas are a perfect fit for breakfast, dinner, family gatherings, or street food snacks. Each flavor brings its own unique experience—and places like Raíces Colombianas honor that diversity through both recipe and presentation.

Traditional ingredients at Raíces Colombianas

At Raíces Colombianas, every empanada is made with ingredients that pay tribute to Colombia’s most cherished recipes. Tradition isn’t a detail—it’s the foundation of every dish.

The quality of their empanadas starts with traditional ingredients selected to preserve authentic Colombian flavor. Their kitchen combines age-old techniques with a modern touch, staying true to their roots.

Core ingredients:

• Dough: Made from corn flour, inspired by traditional grinding methods, colored and salted for a firm texture and beautiful golden color.
• Classic fillings:
  • Beef or chicken cooked in a stew with onions, garlic, tomato, and spices, creating a homemade taste.
  • Often combined with potatoes for added texture and balance.
• Sauces: Handmade sauces are crafted to complement and enhance each bite.

Each empanada tells a story—one of Colombia’s diversity and culinary creativity. The menu bridges past and present, offering a real taste of home to those who want to reconnect with their roots or try something new.

At Raíces Colombianas, every empanada is an invitation to join our story. Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia or curiosity, our traditional ingredients are here to welcome you with heart and flavor.

Key Takeaways

1. Raíces Colombianas offers more than food—it provides a cultural experience that blends tradition with culinary innovation, honoring Colombia’s diverse heritage.
2. Colombian empanadas are deeply rooted in a fusion of Arab, Indigenous, Creole, and Afro-Colombian culinary traditions, making them a national symbol of identity and history.
3. Raíces Colombianas’ empanadas stand out for their crispy corn-based crust and juicy, flavorful fillings like rice with chicken or ground beef, enhanced by slow-cooked guisos (stews) and homemade sauces.
4. The fillings are crafted from fresh, carefully selected ingredients, combining shredded meats, potatoes, and richly seasoned guisos. A secret touch in each recipe adds a distinctive homemade flavor.
5. The crunchy texture comes from white corn soaked and ground using traditional methods. The dough is vigorously kneaded and fried in hot oil to achieve a golden, non-greasy crust that cracks when bitten.
6. Raíces Colombianas offers two main types: Beef and Chicken. These represent traditional recipes, but Colombian empanadas in general vary widely—featuring pork, vegetarian, egg and potato, or even sweet versions with fruit or panela.
7. Each empanada is built on traditional Colombian staples: cornmeal dough, meat or chicken stews with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, often paired with artisanal sauces like ají or creamy herb blends.
8. Whether you’re discovering Colombian cuisine or reconnecting with your roots, Raíces Colombianas invites you to enjoy the flavor, history, and warmth that each empanada delivers.

Our location

Raíces Colombianas Restaurant

4.8 - 208 reviews in google

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Carlos Moreno

A month ago

My girl and I came to Raices on a Thursday night and I had such a good time. Antonia was our bartender and she was amazing! Great drinks and food! My girlfriend had a Colombian punch and I had whisky. We love this place and the service! 100% recommended.

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Attila Mocanu

A month ago

Great place for authentic Colombian food. Service is fast and portions are big. Lots of screens to watch sports.

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Ivonne Demera

A month ago

Excellent service!! I’m so pleased with the food and attentive service from Luis and Julian. I’ll definitely recommend and will keep coming back.

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