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Jumbo Empanadas
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
245 Augusta AvenueToronto, ON M5T 2L8
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 977-0056
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
48 reviews for Jumbo Empanadas
Review Highlights
-
"I can't wait to come again and feast on a corn pie." In 7 reviews -
"Do remember to dip in that lovely salsa of theirs." In 20 reviews -
"But if you go, whatever you do, GET THE CHILEAN SALAD." In 2 reviews
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Athena Y.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2012
The empanadas here are absolutely AMAZING, and only cost $5. My favourite is the beef - a juicy, flavourful mix of beef, olives, raisins, and a hardboiled egg inside a deliciously chewy crust (baked, not fried!).
I've never tried the salsa, because my empanadas are always gone before I get to it, but my friend says that it's very good XD
I took a star off because the place is tiny, with a serious lack of seating. There was a patio outside but no chairs, despite the weather being gorgeous. -
Review from Susan G.
4/23/2012
SO DELICIOUS!
I love this Kensington gem. It's one of those places that doesn't stand out too much, but is so insanely delicious.
My personal favorite order:
- Beef Empanada
- Salad (to be shared with my dining partner)
- San Pellegrino (Blood Orange, ideally).
I can get this all for about $10 - a great value for a filling and delicious lunch!
The only downside to this place (which is also a perk, in a way) is the limited seating. If you're going around lunch time, it can be totally packed, which makes waiting and eating a bit more difficult. I tend to go elsewhere if I'm there for a super busy time.
Also a warning to fellow raisin haters out there: the beef empanada has 3-4 (yes, I've counted) GIANT (gross, bleh) raisins baked inside. Fortunately their giant-ness makes them easy to spot and remove!Listed in: Gems of Kensington Market
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Review from Tracy W.
Toronto, ON
1/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Dear, Jumbo Empanadas,
Yes, Please.
I adore this place. Looking to eat on the cheap? Perhaps dazzle your jealous co-workers with your lunch on a given Tuesday afternoon? Jumbo Empanada delivers. And I love it. You will too, if you give it a try.
The beef empanadas are a good size. I'm not a fan of white doughy foods, and sometimes the crust is a bit hard, however, the book I'm judging holds ground with what's inside. What is inside, you ask? Nicely spiced ground beef, mixed in with some surprising (atleast to me) treasures - a few plump raisins, black olives, and chunks of boiled egg. It works. Dip it in the salsa. Love it. The salsa is so good, I just want to rub it all over myself. But I don't. I save it for the empanada. Duh.
Happy times, friends. Happy times.
Oh - I picked up a corn pie one day, and it fed me for four. How's that for a bargin? -
Review from Thao N.
Brossard, QC
5/16/2012
Yuuuummmm! Jumbo empanadas was so good! Between 3 we shared 2 empanadas, beef and chicken, and a humita as part 1 of our lunch in Kensington. The beef empanada was out of this world! It was moist and the outside was crispy. The humita was also amazing! You could smell the corn the second you unwrapped the corn husks. It tasted divine!
Next time I'm there I'll have to try the corn pie! -
Review from Michael M.
Markham, ON
5/25/2012
love. big. delicious. yummy. beef.
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Review from Della L.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2012
i love this place the cheese empanadas are sooo good i could eat these things all day.
this place is nothing fancy. i didnt care how the place looked once i tasted the food. -
Review from Doug B.
North Bay, ON
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very nice chicken empanadas, hot salsa amazing. Inexpensive. Super-nice people serving at the counter.
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Review from Roxana R.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2012
Their cheese empanadas (fried) are much better than the baked version, but they're very small (cocktail size?). Also, if they had more options (such as cheese and basil, cheese and tomato, etc) it would really make a difference. It would actually replace their baked veggie option which is a bit dull and doughy for my taste.
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Review from Kiran S.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2012
I've been here a few times, I really like it. For $5 you get a fresh empanadas, chicken/veg/beef. I've always had the chicken, never disappointed. And for healthy eaters like myself, this is a good option! They are baked, the filling is light but well flavoured.
I like the little dining area they have. Its comfortable and great for a casual/drop-by lunch. The service is always very friendly :)
Warning! The salsa is spicy (little dips at a time is suggested) -
Review from Eating W.
North York, ON
11/23/2011
Wow. I usually don't like Latin food,but
when I ate here, I made a mental note to go again! It was the first time I have ever eaten an empanada and it was delicious! We ordered the chicken empanadas and they were big. I especially liked the salsa on the side,which was spicy and flavourful!
Although the place is quite small and packed daily, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone! Hope I helped! -
Review from Thomas H.
9/18/2011
I love places that know what they do well, and keep it simple. It's called "Jumbo Empanadas" for a reason.
Think of this as a factory for empanadas. (expecting more is not recommended)
So just walk in, order a beef empanada, and eat it. Be surprised by olives, egg, and other healthy surprises.
Delicious, right?
De Nada, Empanada. -
Review from Lauren S.
Etobicoke, ON
11/6/2011
For under $5 you can fill up on a good sized chicken empanada and a soda. This is one of my top three restaurants in Toronto- amazingly delicious, homemade, spicy and tender. I love empanadas!
Well, I love jumbo empanadas.
:) -
Review from Tas H.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2011
Best empanadas hands down. Beef, Chicken, cheese= all very very delicious and filling. Love their salsa.
I prefer it over the other empanadas in Kensington market because the empanadas here don't taste 'fried'. In fact they taste very healthy and make a filling dinner.
I've gotten cold empanadas for take out multiple times to be heated at home at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes and they always come out great! -
Review from Teresa C.
6/6/2011
BEEF EMPANADA
totally wonderful. for $3.99, you get a big empanada that's stuffed with beef, onions, olives and chunks of hard-boiled egg. the empanada is flavourful and juicy. i love the way the egg balances the flavours with a more mild taste. it's a must-get.
CHEESE EMPANADA
meh. it's tasty. i mean, it's melted cheese inside fried dough/pastry. but that's the thing: that is exactly what it tastes like - melted cheese and fried dough. nothing too special. but i went today and the person in front of me ordered 10 of them. and the person before him ordered three of them. so...give it a try. it's only $1.85 or something close to that (it's a mini empanada).
CHILEAN SALAD
lettuce, avocado, onions, tomatoes, dressed in a cilantro and olive oil dressing. don't order it unless you just need to have something refreshing and light. it's nothing special at all. i could not taste a bit of cilantro in the dressing, which was really disappointing because the cilantro was a big part of why i ordered the salad. also, the description for the salad on the wall said that there was going to be broccoli; nope, no broccoli in my salad. for $5, i wouldn't order this bland salad again.
THE SALSAAAAAA
this place makes fantastic salsa! i can't get enough. it's got this wonderful kick to it. it's spicy and sour. they sell the salsa in containers (S, M, L). everyone loves their salsa. i don't know why the counter people always ask if the customers want salsa because it's one of the reasons i go back!
CONS
1. gets very hot in the summer
2. pretty slow service (not a good combo with #1)
3. basically no waiting area (lots of people take out), which makes it awkward and squishy (also not a good combo with #1 and #2). -
Review from Joanne S.
Toronto, ON
7/3/2011
My one star is for the pico de gallo. Which in comparison to everything else was DELICIOUS!
This is not my first time eating an empanada, it's not even my fifth time. I love empanadas, but what I ate from here was not an empanada. Sure it had a boiled egg inside, raisins and other goodies. But what was with the beef?! It was like pureed baby food wrapped in the thickest empanada ever. I wanted to love it after all the reviews but it just plain sucked.
I'll be trying my luck elsewhere in Kensington Market.Listed in: Lunch Time Escapades
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Review from Yi Qing S.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2011
I went looking for a quick mid-afternoon bite the other day while out with a friend and found what I was looking for in Jumbo Empanadas.
Now, I won't pretend to be some kind of empanada expert. In fact, I am probably the complete opposite. I have no idea what "real" empanadas taste like and to be absolutely honest, I couldn't care less. Being a food purist these days is so passe. That being said, I enjoyed the beef empanada I got at JE. In the past I had gotten empanadas elsewhere in Kensington, and though I can't remember where exactly anymore (see what I mean about not being an empanada freak?), I do remember them tasting somewhat different. The ones I had gotten at another place had a different crust (flakier and more buttery) and also a different texture of meat (rather like course ground meat). At JE, the crust is more like a thin pie crust and the meat, while also minced in some way, was much more tender. They're also served with a small side of salsa, which goes quite well with the empanada.
I wouldn't go out of my way for an empanada at JE, but if you happen to be in the neighbourhood and your stomach is rumbling, go for it. -
Review from Keeley-Ann H.
Mississauga, ON
5/22/2011
Again with the spanish food! So taking a stroll around kensington we tried to eat at the spanish place across from this one but they stopped serving! so in a dizzy we ended up here and good thing we did. Small (very very small) mom & pop shop. We waited too long for the food but it was well worth the wait. The Empanadas were just excellent. And the Pico de Gallo......so good! I tried to emmulate the recipe at home and was not successful in creating the same Pico :( non the less it was still good!
overall this place is good for a quick (not so quick) bite to eat! yumm! -
Review from Antonia W.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2011
I finally got around to trying this place out!!
I wanted to order the veggie empanada and was wondering what was inside it. The girl at the cash didn't know but took the time to ask one of the other people and told me a list of everything in it. I was mainly wondering whether it would be full of potatoes, which would make me not order it, but it was full of spinach and other veggies so it was yes for me! I was happy with it and it came out fresh so the outside was really good. The pastry on the outside is pretty thick.
I had heard so much about this corn pie, so my friend and I decided to order it after we finish our empanadas. The lady said it would take a bit of time to serve it, which was cool. WOW, totally didn't expect it to be as big as it was. This is a filling dish for one or a good dish to share. It was sweet, but there's also meat filling at the bottom which is weird, but strangely tastes really good!!
Great place to come for a cheap meal. -
Review from Kat T.
7/20/2011
I've got to be one of the longest term customers here. Discovered Empanadas in 2002 before I even lived in Canada. I am an aficionado of all things South/Central American. So, the empanada's here are Chilean style, different than I first expected. It's still not my preferred style because the vegetarian options are either deep-fried cheese or spinach and mushroom. I need some variety, so I started getting the broccoli and avocado salad. Spunky!
They've got flavour, and spice. See if it is your style. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
1/30/2011 3 photos
How do I rate my first experience with empanadas?? I found it A-OK!
For $3.99, my beef empanadas is big and filling!!
This place is so busy and it took a long time to get my food... But I wish they warmed up my empanadas a little longer since it was still a little cold inside.
The inside of the restaurant is small and cramped.. I can barely slide myself into the chairs.. or maybe I just been eating too much?? -
Review from Vivien L.
5/17/2011
Jumbo was Yum-mo!
My boyfriend has been meaning to bring me here for the longest time because he knows I enjoy trying new foods. Upon walking in, you can really feel the heat of the ovens in this little place, I can't imagine working here in the summer! It's just a little place but there is a patio outside which I hope to enjoy soon.
We had a beef empanada, cheese empanada, and a corn pie. The empanada were not bad, what I really really reallly enjoyed was the corn pie! It's basically a Shepherd's pie but instead of mashed potato it's mashed corn. There were so many little treasures in both the corn pie and the beef empanadas (i.e. raisins, hard boiled egg, chicken, and olives). To top it all off, there's a mini side dish of fresh salsa! I wish they gave bigger portions of it. I can't wait to come again and feast on a corn pie! -
Review from Cisi Z.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010
Beef and Cheese Empanadas. Filling and good and convenient and held their shape well. Do remember to dip in that lovely salsa of theirs
I'm definitely coming back to eat some other schtuff! -
Review from Giuliana B.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
10/9/2010
I am the first to admit that when it comes to Latin American food, especially South American, I am as picky and demanding as they come. I grew up eating the stuff, empanadas were to me what peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are to most kids. Its hard for me to find an empanada here in Toronto that impresses me, specially since my grandma's and sister empanadas are so delicious!
Jumbo Empanadas is a small, dark and boiling hot restaurant offering three items: Empanadas (chicken,beef,veggie or cheese), Humitas, and Pastel de Choclo (Savoury Corn Pie). I came here with my mom totally famished and looking forward to some comfort food.
To start, this place is crazy busy. The line to place your order is pretty long, and it doesn't move particularly fast. Once you get to the front of the line, you will be greeted by what is possibly the crankiest and most antisocial, too cool for school girl I have ever seen. This chick is totally pms'ing hard core. Anywho, I placed my order of one corn pie, one humita, and 1 beef empanada. I then went to sit and wait for my food to be warmed up and brought to me. About 5 minutes later the same sour faced girl came out and dumped our food on the table without a word. Whatever, I came here for the food.
Now, the food... The humita was seriously horrendous. Humitas are made of fresh grated corn, mixed with fresh cheese and cilantro (optional) wrapped in corn husks and steamed or baked to a perfectly coagulated and doughy consistency. If made correctly, humitas can be addicting and delicious. This however was not the case at Jumbo's. Yuck, that's all I can say. We had one bite and left the rest. Totally tasteless and undercooked. My mom (the humita queen) should go and give the cook a few tips.
The pastel de choclo was equally disappointing. Not as bad as the humitas, but equally bland and devoid of seasoning. When corn pie is made correctly it is sweet, salty, and smoky all at the same time. This pie was none of these things. It was one dimensional and boring. It is filling though, and I guess it is good if you don't know any better. However, I've had the real thing, and this just wasn't up to snuff.
Now, the Empanadas. These were good. The filling is traditional (black olive and boiled egg included). These reminded me of my last trip to Chile and all the empanadas I wolfed down. Yummmm! The empanada was so good that I lined up again and got 4 more beef and 4 cheese to go. Hey, if something is good, you better stock up! Plus, these are great for breakfast.
I'll definitely be getting more empanadas from here, however I won't ever be eating either the corn pie or humitas again. Next time I have a craving for an humita I'll just wait for my mom's yearly gigantic humita bake off. -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2011
Just like the name implies, they serve big empanadas. Like a calzone, it's a portable baked savoury turnover. I had the chorizo empanada which tasted like spiced ground pork. It was unique though, had a few olives, hard boiled egg and raisins. The combination was different and tasty. For 3.99, it was well worth it. The salsa on the side made each bite even better, make sure to dip away!
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Review from Eric M.
4/23/2010 3 photos
19 reviews and only one person tried something other than the Empanadas here? I'm disappointed in you Yelpers. Maybe it's my fault for being the kind of guy that visits Jerusalem and doesn't go to the Sexateria, but 1 out of 19? Sigh...
The empanadas were very tasty but small for the kind of hunger my friend's and I were brewing. We had two corn pies and one veggie empanada for three people and proceeded to inhale our food.
I had never heard of corn pie before or the Inca Gold drink I had with it but both were fantastic. Inca Gold is sort of a cross between pineapple juice and cream soda, but better. I haven't had many drinks with more sugar though. My teeth hurt a bit after ward.
Corn pie is similar to Shepard's pie in that they both have a solid layer of mashed vegetable on top and meaty goodness hidden underneath. Unlike Shepard's pie (unless you're some type of heathen and put weird stuff in it) Corn pie has a corn topping, black olives, ground beef, pulled chicken, the biggest raisins I've ever seen and a hard boiled egg cut in two. It was really one of the nicest, least fussy meals I've ever had.
If you check out JE, do have an empanada but if you don't try something else on the menu you're doing yourself a disservice. I just felt that the other dishes on the menu were under represented and deserved a voice. -
Review from Carmen M.
Giant pockets of delicious dough filled with luscious ground beef, egg and roasted onions? Um, yes please!
Empanadas from Jumbo are not to be missed. I tried the beef and the vegetarian, which was mostly mushrooms and spinach. But if you go, whatever you do, GET THE CHILEAN SALAD!! Seriously, I could have put my face in this yummy goodness. It's lettuce, tomatoes, onions, broccoli, avocado, and a cilantro and fresh basil dressing that is so good, I was practically rendered speechless.
The owner was there chatting with the patrons, and I found the staff to be accommodating and helpful. There's ample seating inside, even though it's a tiny building, and the patio was hopping, minus the swarms of killer bees that are currently inhabiting Toronto.
They accept debit cards and cash.Listed in: I'd Eat Here Tomorrow...
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Review from Neil T.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2010
Not sure why this place is called "Jumbo Empanadas" when the real name should be "Fucking Delicious Corn Pie"! Those crazy Chileans.
First off, the empanadas are good. Really good. And cheap ($4). However, the size of the empanadas (I swear) has shrunk over the years. I don't know exactly, but if they cut the size down 10%, you can see the cost savings this amounts to spread over years. I think it's an empanada conspiracy.
This is good reason for you to opt for the corn pie instead. It's like a sweet corn Sheppard's pie consisting of chicken and beef (yummers), raisins, olives, and sweet corn . As one friend put it, it's Boneriffic.
LOONIE & TOONIE RECOMMENDATION: $1.99 for a cheese empanada or $1 for a mini-empanada. Oh yeah!Listed in: Toonie & a Loonie
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Review from Devan R.
6/13/2009
I'm not gonna lie, before I hit up JE in Kensington Market last night I had already completed a fair amount of research on the joint. A minute into my online recon, it became quite apparent that I was not going to find a negative review on JE, only individuals boasting about the solid nada.
The owner, Irene Morales, moved to Toronto from Chile way back in the day and used to bake empanadas for the Chilean community as a part-time gig. They became in such high demand that she subsequently purchased a hot dog cart and began to sell them out of the cart on Augusta St. now full-time. With the continued success of her pockets of love demand rose and she was able to purchase the venue she currently operates out of.
When I had first arrived I sat out on the patio which could seat up to 20 people. To order you run up the stairs to the actual storefront where you fill find a couple tables look over the patio and another couple inside. Over all the venue is very small but clearly a high turnover demon. In fact as we were ordering and eating there were constantly people coming in and out getting empanadas to go.
You may be asking yourself, what the hell is an empanada? What is so good about one? Well, Irene's delicious empanadas are a perfect pocket pastry stuffed with meat and a medley of olives, raisins, onions and I even found a hard boiled egg in mine! I tried both the chicken, beef, and cheese empanadas. Although the chicken was moist and seasoned well the beef definitely took the cake, it was spiced to perfection and I could have eaten 3 and subsequently taken a nap. The cheese empanadas are minis and I highly recommend getting at least one to accompany your sizeable empanada. They are pre-made and take approximately 3-4 minutes to bake.
With each empanada comes this holy homemade salsa screaming citrus and spice. It's the type of salsa that makes you want to learn how to make salsa.. properly. It's served in a small clay dish and by the end of the meal I was licking every last drop that I could from the little bowl, it was that good. In fact right now I'm hard fiending an empanada, it will definitely be on my to do list for this weekend. If you find yourself in Kensington or not, do it. -
Review from Mel D.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2009
Holy hell.
My eyes were much hungrier then my stomach since I ordered a beef AND cheese empanada - but it was well worth it. I devoured them all and I suggest that anyone who is in the market do the same. It's a small place, boiling hot, but the food (and the fresh salsa on the side) makes up for it. I can't wait for summer to come around again, because they have a nice patio perfect for people watching.
Please go to this place and try it out. Seriously. The food is quick, savory and made with love. -
Review from Adrienne S.
Toronto, ON
4/16/2010
Muy bueno!!!
Oddly enough I woke up last week with a fierce craving for an Empanada (my dad used to make them for me when I was little). I started researching where to find the best ones in Toronto and came across these great reviews for Jumbo Empanada.
I arrived there mid-afternoon and the line-up was to the door way...this was my first clue that I was in for a treat! By some miracle my friend and I were able to get a seat on the patio. Our empanadas came up super-quick and the staff was super friendly!
I am going to tell you right now that this was hands down THE BEST $3.99 that I have ever spent. The egg, roasted onions, olive, ground beef and cheesy goodness packed inside of the doughy yumminess that was my beef and cheese empanada was beyond delicious. Also, the homemade salsa was so fresh and delicious that I had to purchase my own for home. I am sorry dad but I want Jumbo Empanada to adopt me now...
Enjoy! -
Review from Siobhan L.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2011
After spending some time in South America, I find myself occasionally craving an Empanada here in Toronto. Jumbo Empanada is 100% authentic--properly spiced, with full olives and a hard boiled egg inside. My Chilean friend raves about this place, so it must be good!
For lunch I get the beef Empanada, and if I'm really hungry I'll grab a cheese one on the side. There are some interesting choices for sodas here too, the perfect accompaniment.
If you crave a Chilean Empanada in Toronto, this is *the* place to go! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2008 4 photos
I was always so iffy on this place and its egg-brushed empanada crusts. I prefer my empanadas handed to me in a napkin while I stroll down the street listening to bad music blaring from a loudspeaker. Sitting down to eat it with a knife and fork accredited the snack with too much pomp.
I do like these empanadas, though. They're chunky, with a high filling-to-dough ratio, and has these great egg and olive surprises tossed in for a little excitement. Their salads are fresh, too, with what seems like an entire avocado sliced throughout.
But thanks to a visiting friend's mutual passion for trying new things, I finally had my first encounter with a humita, a Chilean-styled tamale made with corn, onions, basil, and a lot of butter, wrapped neatly in a corn husk. Though this treat probably would be strange on its own, having it as a side to this meal took me to plateaus never ascended.
In short, methinks there is a god. -
Review from Arti S.
12/23/2009
I don't know why this place has such great reviews. We ate there last night for the first ( and possibly the last) time and it was underwhelming and greasy. It could have been a bad day - they were really crowded because of the winter solstice celebrations but I don't know if I want to go back and verify this.
It was super cheap though.
We had the vegetarian empanadas. There was a minuscule bowl of salsa accompanying it.
We've had much better luck with other South American restaurants in the area. -
Review from Caitlin L.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2008
This is a must stop if you are in Kensington Market!
Not only do they make delicious empanadas, but their salsa is homemade-which scores big points in my books! I frequently pick up dinner for 2 for under $10! -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
10/21/2009
Yum! I was shopping in the market this weekend and all of a sudden realized I hadn't eaten anything yet that day, so decided now is finally the time to try Jumbo Empanadas.
It's a small place, and not exactly upscale, but who cares? The ladies behind the counter are so nice and friendly, the wait is short, and the end result is delicious. I had the chicken empanada. Salsa was served on the side, and I was out the door for around 5 bucks.
I ate it as I walked around the market and on my bus ride home. The complexity of flavours was surprising. There was also some heat, which I appreciate, but not too much for anyone who is sensitive to spice. Another plus is it's really easy take-out food and perfect for strolling the neighborhood. Muy bien, jumbo empanadas! -
Review from Dhruv S.
Markham, ON
4/18/2011
This is probably the best empanada joint in the city. The reason why it is so good is because when you start off with fresh meat, Latino veggies and a light dough (not fried, even healthier) you cannot go wrong! That's why jumbo empanada$ are the best!
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Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/22/2009
Jumbo, indeed. I had two friends implore me into this fine establishment the other day, and as I was expecting to stop in here for a "snack", I clearly didn't read the sign quite properly.
A lot of people here say they've never had empanadas before, and I have to say that I have also never had empanadas like *this* before. They were giant, fresh and the pastry had a mix of just the right doughy-ness and crispiness. My vegetarian choice was truly fantastic- very tasty and pretty full of veggies like spinach and mushroom (if my memory serves correct)- and that delicious salsa on the side, but after hearing the details of the meat-filled choice, I feel I cannot stop mentally preparing an excuse to accidentally run into Jumbo Empanadas on purpose some day very soon.
I suppose I cannot regret my decision (to not have meat- because I am a definite carnivore) because it was based on a lack of information, and previous, non-definitive experiences with the dish in question. And dining with two vegetarians- yes, I should know better. -
Review from eh B.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2009
Empanadas, yes. Jumbo, yes. Excellent, yes.
Love the empanadas. The little cheese ones are past decadent. The salsa is *crisp*, it is so fresh and tasty. Corn pie, awesome. I never seem to get there before the little dessert-y things are sold out. Some day.
Best of all - the salad and the amazingly bright-tasting dressing. It's the kind of salad a fussy "no thanks, nothing" kid will nibble at - and then you realize you need to order two more salads.
Great food. The eating spaces (indoor and out) could be a bit cleaner, but what do we expect from Kensington Market - white tablecloths? but yeah, clean floors/walls/table would make this a five. -
Review from hugh p.
8/17/2009
This is probably the best place I ate on my recent vacation to Toronto. Found out about this place through yelp (thanks guys). Full disclosure: I can't remember ever eating empanadas before going to this restaurant, but they tasted amazing here. I tried the meat, veggie, and cheese empanadas and they were all great. The shape of each empanada was determined by the filling it had which was fun. The owner and her staff were really friendly and put up with all my annoying questions. You know, questions like, "what's in that?", "how many of those would make a full meal?": basically the questions a silly inexperienced empanada eater would ask. In sum, I really enjoyed my experience at Jumbo Empanadas and I highly recommend this restaurant.
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Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2008
The best cheese empanada and salsa in the city. Though, not a big fan of the meat empanada's. They just don't do it for me. So, I always just settle for the gooey, melt in your mouth cheese empanada's with a good helping of their very, very flavorful and spicy salsa....hmmm yum.
