Food of the Month August 2019: Empanadas from La Empanada

One is never enough. Andre and Andrea from La Empanada transforms everyday flour into delicious empanadas. They are Canberra’s go-to food service to taste the scrumptious South American snack. You can count on seeing them every Sunday at the Old Bus Depot Markets. 

“Andrea and I came to Canberra and we realised there was only a limited number of South American food options,” says La Empanada Co-Owner Andre Nogales. “What can we bring to the table?”

The La Empanada menu includes the classics of beef, spinach & cheese, chorizo, and chicken & jalapeno. They also serve weekly specials that include the Argentina made with beef, sultanas and green olives, and Italy made with pepperoni, ham, mozzarella, and Napoletana sauce. 

“Our shop came about within a year’s time”

They had an extensive process of trying different flavours to provide the now popular classics and specials. Through experience and feedback, they eventually found the flavours that customers liked the most. They have also had a dulce de leche empanada with a caramel base and a mixed berry cheesecake for dessert options.

La Empanada began in the Old Bus Depot Markets in July 2017. The business quickly grew thanks to the warm reception from visitors at the Markets. This prompted then to open their own shop from the ANU pop up village. They also provide catering services for events and parties.

“The demand was also there for us to put up a shop,” says Andre. “Our shop came about all within a year’s time. It happened very fast, to be honest.”

Grab a bit of the delicious empanadas from La Empanada Sundays at the Old Bus Depot Markets. See their full menu and avail of catering services on their website.

For the latest on the food trends from the Markets in Canberra, remember to follow us on Facebook @OldBusDepotMarkets.