Empa Mundo - World of Empanadas

This is the best empanada place in Texas. The customer service is excellent. The empanadas are delicious and savory every bite. Anytime that we have visitors come to DFW, we take them to this place and they always want more. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but my favorite is the brisket and the chicken flavored one. For dessert, you cannot forget to get a guava flavored one.

I wanted to like this place so bad but sadly I won't be back. I'll start with the good. Service friendly & fast. Moving on.... sewage scent when you first walk in. I thought I'd like it based on the review score but it was just ok to me. I'm not their target audience as Keith Lee says. Lol And based on the reviews, I'm sure they'll continue to have plenty of business. I however, wish I could've gotten my money back honestly. The French fries were not salted but still oddly very bland. Even without salt typically French fries have a fried potato taste. These didn't. They were tasteless. The strawberry cheesecake emp had an slight fishy taste. I don't know if that's because they use the same grease as everything else but it just tasted odd. I didn't like the alfajor or pineapple cookies ...too dry and hard for my liking and the Texas twinkie and brisket ones were just ok. She confused my Texas twinkie for the strawberry cheesecake so there was powdered sugar on it and nothing on the actual strawberry cheesecake one. I feel like they charge too much for what you get but most places have to do that these days because of inflation so I get it but twenty bucks for four of these that I would consider snack size is just too much to me.

The food here is an absolute must try if you live in Dallas, and if you're lucky enough to have a long layover while you're traveling through town, you have to make this a stop. it seems like such a small, out of the way place, but there is love in this food. I am so lucky to live as close to the shop as I do. I come in all the time and it's been my mission to try everything on the menu at least once. I swear I get a new favorite almost every time I go in. Mimi is absolutely wonderful, she'll remember your name and everything about you and loves to take the time to come out and chat in between orders if she can.

Amazing service. The lady working was so kind and helpful. It's always great to shares laughs at a great business like this. Incredible food and each empanada is worth trying. I can't recommend this place enough

Insanely good. Best I’ve ever had. The guava cheese for dessert was 💯 and the chimichurri sauce is a must for the savory empanadas.

Delicious. I tried the cheesesteak, choriqueao and chilipanzingas. If I had to pick one chilipanzingas would be my favorite. I hope I come back again in the future!

This place is fantastic. The staff is super friendly, talks and laughs while preparing your meal, and the food is excellent. The dough is the best for empanadas that I have ever had. Highly recommend!

Found this place randomly after driving in Irving. Great selection of empanadas, very old school and simple decorations. The food came out quickly the ordering process was easy and the lady helping out was very pleasant. I walked in and the there was a line of people ordering. The empanadas were stuffed very well and they tasted very fresh. Actually worth the trip to get a different style empanada. Menu board should be updated to January as it was posted as if it were November.

MS. MIMI!!! The sweetest person and the food reflects that. I came based solely on the amazing Yelp reviews and you Yelpers did not disappoint. From the moment I walked in and was greeted by the aromas and the sweet sound of Ms. Mimi's voice, I knew I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon! We chatted for about 20 min about the menu, her love for the people of Irving, and just life. It was awesome! But the food...wow! These Empanadas are most certainly something to write home about! I couldn't pick one so I picked 4, why not. At $5, each was overstuffed with juicy meat and a variety of fillings, all inside a crispy, golden, flaky crust. When I tell you that each bite got better and better...and better! When I saw Ms. Mimi get to work and drop these beauties in the oil I just knew this review would be what it is. This is the exact kind of place that motivated me to start my Yelp Elite journey and my Instagram foodie page (@angelfooddude); Family-owned for years, serving the community fresh food at a fair value, and loving every minute of it. I salute you, Ms. Mimi. I will definitely be back to visit you soon when I get back to my Dallas office. I cannot wait to cater a lunch for everyone with your amazing Empanadas!!!

I haven't been here in several years, but this used to be one of the best places to get empanadas. It was run by an older Argentinian man who was very proud and passionate about his business and it showed in the food. It has since been taken over by a nice Asian family who has expanded the menu and tried to keep things as close to the original as possible. It's just not quite the same as I remembered it. I ordered the new spring roll empanada which sounded interesting. Not a huge fan. It seemed to be a blend of mush resembling the filing of a spring roll with some vermicelli inside. It wasn't bad, but not a new favorite. I also tried the Criolla which I remembered being one of my favorites. It was just okay. They seemed to have changed the recipe a little--hardly any hard boiled egg or olive. Very filling and hot and fresh. It was cool to see that you can now get some of their empanadas frozen to go. I'll try them again and get the chilipanzinga again next time. I remember this one being a favorite as well, but really wanted to try the spring roll one. Small dining area and they seem to do a decent take out business as well.

I'm so glad I was able to try this place and I'll definitely be back. I was greeted immediately when I walked in and the lady was super nice and showed me how to order. It's small, cute and festive on the inside. Now for the food! Everything was a 10/10 and that red sauce?!??!! It's like Frank's hot sauce...I want to put it on everything! I literally have nothing bad to say about anything ordered. Spicy chicken: this was my favorite out of all of them. Loved the flavor and the spice was on point! If you're a spice punk, get the regular chicken. Texas brisket: really enjoyed the flavor of the brisket in this one. The potatoes added a nice heartiness to it. Cheesesteak: This one didn't miss on being a cheesesteak in empanada form. As soon as I bit into it, the smell alone would've made me think I was eating a cheesesteak. Texas Twinkie: while I was expecting a little more spice, this was was all very flavorful. Strawberry cheesecake: while I don't typically do warm fruit, this was good. It wasn't too sweet and had just the right balance of sweetness and flavor. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach but these were also good reheated in the air fryer the next day.

Lovely little shop for empanadas. They package them in individual bags with clearly marked labels. This is such a good move so you know which is which and what is your favorite! The food came out fresh and prompt. However, they were super hot, so definitely cut them open to release some of the heat so you don't burn your mouth. I tried the Cubano, Chicken Gordon Bleu, and the guava and cheese. They are hearty, fried, and very flavorful. I couldn't even finish the small three of them in one sitting! They have seasonal and special flavors along with the multiple savory and sweet options to go for. You order by marking with a pencil on the menu and then pay when you're done. The decor on the walls is made up of many, many, many dollar bills (international bills as well) with names or notes written with the same menu pencils! The walls are almost full and covered with them.

I got pulled pork, Mimi's special, and cheesesteak. Pulled pork was my favorite. I didn't like Mimi's special because all I could taste was potato. Cheese steak was good, but not as good as pulled pork. The food came out kind of slow. The empanadas tasted nice and crispy, and I liked their spicy sauce.

2nd visit and I am the Yelp Duchess. Yeah baby!! Today we got 5 to split: Humita (corn and cheese) Texas Twinkie (our new favorite) Criolla (the original authentic) Ham & blue cheese Sweet potato (a perfect way to end the meal) This is my absolute favorite lunch spot in all of Dallas!

Updated review since my last visit to Empa Mundo was over 6 months ago. Boy, does Irving have a special gem amongst them with this tiny but might empanada spot. Looking for sweet and savory magic all sitting inside a golden, flaky crust? Head over here. Some newer flavors (for me) that stood out: breakfast empanada with bacon, egg, and cheese and the spicy chicken. Both were bursting with flavor but man that spicy chicken had the most amazing kick to it! YUM! My eyes were bigger than my stomach when I ordered a dozen lol. You really and truly only need two to fill you up. But hey, the leftovers in the air fryer over the next couple of days were *chef's kiss.* Each empanada costs roughly $4-$5 so you'll spend some money for a large order. But even if you split a few up between your family/friends, they go a long way. As always, the chimichurri salsa on the side is icing on the cake.

This has always been a must when in Irving. Thought I'd update my review due to the added items in the menu... not gon lie... you can't just have one. The Texas Twinkie is to die for. The spicy chicken is perfect ... we loved the choriqueso. We ate inside and it's such a cozy restaurant... the service was quick My favorite thing is this place is honest about there flavors. If it has peppers, expect a spicy empanada. None of that de-seeding nonsense happens here

I heard about this popular empanada place in Irving and I knew I had to come. I had empanadas for the first time this past spring in San Antonio and it was life changing. The lady who owns this place is so sweet and you can tell she is passionate about her business. This place is unique with how it has money from all the world all over its walls. I got the brisket empanada and the guava and cheese empanada to go. Both were still warm after a 40 minute drive home. The guava and cheese was really good. The guava is a bit on the sweeter side for me but that cream cheese is amazing. The brisket empanada was also incredible. The meat is stewed perfectly, the brisket was so soft and tender. Pour some chimichurri on that sucker if you want to experience another dimension of flavor. The chinichurri is tangy, fresh, and has a little bit of spice, but it's a game changer. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try

Great empanadas, Argentina cuisine at its best. So many flavors , check out the menu. Friendly service by Mimi. Store front offers simple clean tables and chairs in a happy place with signed dollars on the walls and flags from other countries. To me it says no matter where you come from, you can enjoy the great taste Empa Mundo!! I have for over 20 years.

Empanadas are outstanding and filled with stuffing. Really good stuff. Tried several of their flavors and the spicy chicken really is spicy but one of my faves. Gentleman working the counter was super helpful describing the flavors and the place has Messi and Argentina vibes all over. Highly recommend.

I found this place in Yelp while traveling in the Dallas area. It was excellent! And the empanadas lived up to the hype! I got brisket & a corn/cheese & both were amazing! I ordered a small size of the chimichurri fries (holy cow if that's the small I don't want to see the large!) the empanadas were filling enough I didn't really need the fries! While the fries tasted great, they were very greasy (& a little soggy, but I chalk this up to takeout) it was nice to be able to order online & know when my order would be ready. The staff here is so nice! I walked in to pick up my order & was greeted with a smile & a hello! My order was even ready a few mins early which was a plus! This looks like a popular lunch spot with lots of room to sit! This was a great Dallas Yelp lunch find!

Finally got a chance to check this place out and it was definitely worth the drive. I ordered the Spicy Chicken Empanada and also the Breakfast one and they both were amazing. Like the spicy chicken is on a different level and will definitely be back for it again. Great service and a local joint. Highly recommend checking them out.

BEST EMPANADAS I HAVE HAD IN LIFE! So upset that this place was as good as the reviews said, now it's all I think about when I am over in Irving lol. The empanadas are packed with goodness ! I mean you can literally have any type of empanada you think of, and if you think you thought of all of them you haven't because their menu has more lol. I don't even have pictures because I ate it so fast . Go stop by and be blessed!

Friendly service. Co workers loved the empanadas. Something different to bring to the party.

Love, love, love this place. I will oftentimes drive from wherever I am in the metro to drop in for the wonderful crispy meaty turnovers! The place is run single-handedly by the owner, Mimi and she is the second reason I'll drop in. She's a wonderful and delightful person! The ambiance is casual and can a little crowded or warm on some days but laid back and a gem to visit over and over again. Or order large quantities and go home, take to events, etc. can't say enough good things about this gem!

Empanadas! Super-duper yummy. This little store front in Irving made the top 20 out of top 50 cheap eats in the USA and Canada! Pat's favorite was the Texas Twinkie fully loaded with beef, cheese, and peppers. My favorite was the spicy chicken. All were delicious! Service was done by Mimi herself!

I got the cheesesteak, brisket, and spicy chicken. Ate the brisket first and that was so good I had to double back and eat the cheesesteak. Finished both and they were fire. Liked them both equally. The women working was very friendly was well so service was good.

Always delicious! We come every time we are in town. And now they've added more options

I love this place! They make empanadas from scratch and freeze them in large quantities- doing so means that your order comes out super quickly since all they have to do is heat it up for you. Their chilipanzinga is my favorite empanadas, but beware- when they say it's spicy, it's SPICY! Also your orders come with a side of chili oil, which I never used for the empanadas, but rather I take the oil home and use it for sautéing. Delicious!

First stop in Texas starving so we decided to come here. We needed something quick and I had had this place bookmarked for quite some time. I got to try their spinach & cheese, pulled pork, and shrimp empanada. They were $3.79 each and if you check-in you get their shrimp one complementary. If you want their sauce they are $.50 each which we did get a few of. I liked all of them except for the shrimp. It had raisins in it which I did not care for. Also, it seemed like mostly rice with some shrimp flavor. I like that they had a large variety of empanadas. The lady who helped us was cool but not super friendly. Oh and I think their sauce gave me a stomach ache. The inside of this place is casual and there's a few places to sit and eat. If you like empanadas it is worth checking out. I would like to come back to try their other flavors.

Do not let the exterior fool you! This hole in the wall is amazing. They're all about empanadas and they're great at it. The staff was very friendly and made several suggestions. We ordered a spicy chicken, chorizo & guava and cheese. The chicken definitely got heat, beware. The chorizo was fantastic; very crispy shell with plenty of fillings. The guava made for a perfect snack at the end,the ricotta cheese added an unique touch. I would love to go back and try the many other varieties. We definitely recommend trying!

I loved the vibes as soon as we stepped in. There was one woman working who I assume was the owner. She was great. Now let's talk about these empanadas... they were amazing. We got the Texas Brisket, Cheesesteak, Texas Twinkie, Choriqueso, and the Spinach and Cheese. They were all delicious but that Choriqueso was chefs kiss. We had it a few days ago and I've been thinking about it since. The best empanadas I've had, definitely recommend if you're thinking about it.

BEST EMPANADAS IN DALLAS?!?! After years of having this bookmarked on my list of places to visit, I finally made it out and ordered almost everything on the menu!! Everything I've tried so far was delicious and well worth the wait. As you can see, i have a whole box of empanadas to hopefully lay me the week who am i kidding... they'll probably be gone by tomorrow Went on a late Sunday evening and the cutest lady was in the back endlessly frying empanadas. Super impressive how she was able to keep everyone's order straight because all the fryers were going with all different flavors. GO GO GO! You won't regret it. All flavors are delicious, & you can't go wrong! And the spicy chimichurri sauce #fattypatty approved

delicious empanadas! definitely enjoyed the savory empanadas more- we tried: - chilipanzinga: actually really spicy. be prepared! have water ready, reminded me of a ham and cheese hot pocket. but spicy - pulled pork: yum - chicken: daily special item was also really delicious! - guava and cheese: not bad - nutella and banana: better must get their spicy chimichurri sauce, definitely adds another layer a great option to stop by on the way to the airport-- better than anything you can get at the airport tip: the owner is super nice but hard to understand over the phone...

This is such a great place to get some fresh empanadas. I haven't had one since I was in Hawaii & not only did they hit the spot, but they exceeded expectations! I went ahead to order online for pickup around lunchtime, & the place was jam packed. I'm glad ordering online & picking up was easy. Not to mention, they have a variety of flavors from brisket to pizza to ham & cheese; there's something for everyone! Not to mention they have some dessert empanada, lick banana nutella & guava & cream cheese. They also have some cookies available if you're in the mood for it. Plus, the staff is nice so we're definitely going order here frequently Visit the.pikachew on Instagram & Mukbee for more awesome food pics

Stopped off on my way back from the airport, and I have never been so satisfied with any other decision I've made in my life. What better way to try empanadas for the first time, than to come to Empa Mundo. This is a tiny place so it may be easy to miss in the shopping center . Very festive inside , with tons of signed dollar bills on the surrounding walls. Lady running the place is very energetic and friendly. The Empanadas are so flaky and crispy wowwww. When you bite in there is so much flavor and not to mention the fresh and savory each empanada was. I had a hard time choosing because I wanted to try them all , but I picked the brisket, criolla , chicken, and chorizo. My personally favorite was the criolla taking the cake and runner up was the brisket ! I'll definitely be back soon, such a wonderful experience all around.

I have driven to Empa Mundo during a full on rainstorm and I have no regrets. I was not a huge empanada fan until I've tried the fried empanadas from here. First off, the price for these are a STEAL in this economy. I usually get full off 2-3, but since I live so far away I will order maybe 6 so I can save the rest to air-fry for breakfast or lunch. They taste just as good the next day imo. I love the variety of flavors they offer and they keep adding more every time I visit! My favorites so far have been the super spicy chilipanzinga, Texas Brisket, Cheesesteak, Chicken, breakfast empanada and the guava & cheese! But I haven't had one I didn't like so far. I believe they are fried fresh so sometimes it may take a while, but you can always call ahead to place your order when you're driving over. This is a must visit for me every time I'm driving through Irving!

Love her empanadas! The woman was so lovely. We always make sure to stop by every time we're near the area. Can't really remember exactly but we enjoyed the chilipanzanga, chorizo, guava cheese, humita, brisket, pretty much everything we ordered would recommend!

Best empanadas you can find in the DFW no question. The brisket & potato and cheesesteak empanadas are to die for. I'm positive the others are great as well but it's not broken don't fix it!!

The best empas! Hands down Small and cozy Good pricing and fast service Had always heard about it but now definately a favorite

These are, without a doubt, the best guava and cheese empanadas I've ever had!!!! WOW, absolutely incredible! The owner is incredibly kind, warm, and genuinely amazing. This place as a whole? Simply outstanding. As an airline employee who travels weekly, I've experienced food from all over, but this spot has truly won my heart.

I've been wanting to try this place for awhile but it's so far. However, if you're ever near DFW airport, it's only a 15 min drive down southeast. Finally came to get some empanadas during my trip back to Dallas! The lady we saw (I think was the owner) is so adorable. I asked her which empanada to get she said everything is good. This place just feels so authentic. The walls are decorated with money from different countries (most USD) from customers that came to try her amazing empanadas. She has so many flavors to pick from! I got the tuna, Texas brisket, and the Hawaiian. The tuna one was delicious. My sister got the chilipanzinga - and that was way too spicy for me. Would avoid that one if you can't do spice. If you get your order to go the lady will also include "heating" instructions. She also has "special" flavors of the day on top of her regular empanada list. I wish I live right next to this place so I can come every week. I want to come back and try all the flavors. Come support this amazing business!! If you have currency from a different country, come add your collection and name to the wall!

The relaxed atmosphere makes you feel right at home, and the service is the best I have ever experienced at a casual dining restaurant. The quality of the food is outstanding, and everything tastes fantastic! I will definitely recommend this place to everyone, and we will be back!

Quick order at the counter place with lots of different types of empanadas! So yummy!!!

If you are a fan of fried goodness then this will hit the spot. The service was friendly and quick. It's cool that they have meal empanadas and options that are for dessert. I recommend getting at least 3 to be sure you get full. The place looks like a family hole in the wall but it was definitely good!

Food Awesome they focus on one thing and do it well Their empanadas are cooked when ordered (premade) made in-house Service the ladies are always nice (3rd time here) Menu easy to order Ambiance unpretentious

A can not miss, hole in the wall restaurant in a sad shopping strip. It's truly a no frills gem. There is always a lunch crowd. Food is made fresh and there is plenty of selection.

5 stars is not enough for Empamundo!! The empanadas are the best I've ever ha 5 stars is not enough for Empamundo!! The empanadas are the best I've ever had!

Empa Mundo hands down makes the best empanadas. Their Argentinian styled empanadas come out fresh, hot and crispy. That first crunch of the shell when you bite in is divine. And you have to put the homemade chimichurri sauce on the empanadas too. My family has been going to this hole in the wall for over 4 years. We have yet to find another place that makes empanadas as good. And we have tried many places in Florida. My friends who traveled to Dallas for work have stopped in and loved this place too. The owner is super sweet and dedicated to her restaurant. This place is a must go! My favorite empanadas: chorizo and pulled pork

Am I the last long time DFWer to not eat here?? All of you new Yelpers, come here so you can be calibrated with great empanadas and super service! Seriously! There is a reason they were best of DFW Yelp for years! I had ordered online a brisket, a pulled pork, a chicken cordon bleu and a banana Nutella for dessert. Online ordering had them ready to go when I arrived. No wait. The counter person handed them to me as I walked up to the counter and I felt like royalty! I barely made it out to the car. I started with one bite and ended up eating all of them. They ARE that good! Easy to find and plenty of parking. Go here as you really need to.

Wow!!! First, please excuse the fact that I did not take pictures of my empanadas. They look like empanadas. However, these were outrageously outstanding! I was expecting a thin empanada with some moist filling however, although they're not very big, they come packed full of filling. The combinations that they had were incredible. And, they were packed with flavor. I had the spicy chicken and what was basically the spicy pork and the cheesesteak. Three is enough although I could've probably eaten a couple more out of gluttony. I resisted the temptation to order a couple more. These were extremely good, and you will not be disappointed.

Great empanadas! Was looking for good cheap eat, and glad I came across Empa Mundo! Ordered the Criolla, Chorizo, and Spinach and Cheese. All were delicious and balanced. Although fried, didn't not taste any greasiness. The filings were all very flavorful and went well with the dipping sauce. Can't wait to try again and again!

Beat empanadas ever, after my second or third visit the owner remembered me, she likes to know and talk to her customers. Small location but don't let that fool you, best place to go!

Hands down the best empanadas in the metroplex! The vibes are immaculate the second you walk in and the food was absolutely delicious. I would recommend the Chilipanzinga empanadas if you haven't already, 100/10!!

People have been praising this restaurant for its excellent empanadas. Wow, I'm really blown away by the quality of these empanadas. First and foremost, the empanadas are made to order and delivered hot to your table. We started with the brisket empanada, which had beef, potatoes, and onions and was delicious. Second, we tried the Hawaiian empanada (pineapple, ham, and prune), which became my partner's favorite. The tableside dipping sauce was also delicious. I guess it's a combination of Italian seasoning and oil. We can't wait to return here on our next trip!

great selection of empenadas. I had the Texas Twinkie wich had a nice kick to it. The El Cubano and the Humita with corn and cheese. All had great flavors. It's a great place for a bite.

Delicious, Charming, Remarkable Empa Mundo sets the bar very high for small businesses! Food is cooked to perfection and the menu is user-friendly. Your body will naturally want more as soon as you take the first bite. Reactions vary from "Mmmm" to "WOW". The restaurant is designed like a mini globe with multiple countries being represented. Service is remarkable and personal! The chef remembered my roommate by name (well nickname) as we walked up to order. Best empanadas in Dallas, Texas and probably the US!! Definitely deserving of all the accolades it's been given throughout the years!

A small hole in the wall spot. The one lady operating the store was really sweet. The brisket empanada was to die for! The spicy chicken was very spicy. I was expecting the guava and cheese to be very sweet but it wasn't too sweet. Overall great place