"One bite of this casual Argentinian spot’s smoked malbec empanada and suddenly your inner monologue takes on the hushed, reverential voice that whispers the seductive M&S adverts. This plucky little palm-sized empanada is one of the best vegetarian snacks in London and it’s so rich, sophisticated, and sweet it could feasibly invite Julie Andrews over for tea. Our red onion crush isn’t the only thing available at this all-day empanada emporium on Stoke Newington’s Church Street, but everything else is simply fine. There are pleasant spiced beef meat parcels, a mediocre mushroom and mozzarella number, and a cheesy pineapple and ham invention that will inevitably provoke some hardcore rage from Hawaiian critics everywhere. But anger and haste have no place at De Nadas. It’s a simple setting where locals with dogs in pastel puffer jackets eye up the counter display and grab an oat flat white alongside their lunch. There are a few tables opposite the till and more low-key seating downstairs if you want to have a glass of Malbec in celebration of that must-order malbec empanada, but our move is to pick up a box of empanadas and take them on a romantic stroll to see the fallow deer in Clissold Park. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley video credit: De Nadas Food Rundown Smoked Malbec & Cheese Empanada Who knew smoked onion could be so… sexy. The caramelised sweetness matched with all that gooey cheddar and handmade dough is super indulgent. It tastes like an autumnal walk in a leafy park with a hint of mulled wine. MDQ We’ve seen relationships end over the combination of ham and pineapple. Grow up. Or don’t, because this is the kind of pleasing, cheesy bite that would be at home at a kid’s party." - Heidi Lauth Beasley
