Empanadas Maria Elba

Chilean restaurant · Hood River

Empanadas Maria Elba

Chilean restaurant · Hood River

1109 13th St, Hood River, OR 97031

Highlights

Authentic Chilean empanadas, completo hot dogs, and mote con huesillo

1109 13th St, Hood River, OR 97031 Get directions

empanadasmariaelba.com

@eater

Where to Eat and Drink in Hood River

"Fried empanadas overflowing with melty cheese; colorful completo hot dogs topped with diced tomatoes, sauerkraut, mashed avocado, and mayonnaise (don’t knock it til you’ve tried it); and doughy sopaipillas bring the flavors of Chilean homes and markets to Hood River’s food cart scene. Owner Norma Vega and her husband originally hail from Chile’s capital city of Santiago, but now serve popular Chilean street food from this food cart along 13th Street. The house specialty is the empanada, stuffed with traditional fillings like a blend of ground beef, onion, eggs, and black olives called pino, or non-traditional fruity fillings like pineapple. The recipes come from Vega’s grandmother, for whom the cart is named. In the summer, you can cool off with a glass of mote con huesillo, a syrupy-sweet drink made with peaches and husked wheat brought from Chile." - Zoe Baillargeon, Molly Allen

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View Postcard for Empanadas Maria Elba

Arlyn Mills

Google

I got the sopapilla with Chilean caramel and powdered sugar and it was delicious! So good!

Corinne E.

Yelp

It all tastes like home (or adopted home, in my case). The tíos, Pablo and Norma, are fantastic, great for conversation, and accommodating. The mote con huesillo and empanadas de pino (traditional beef filling) are to die for. The kids love the strawberry lemonade and cheese empanadas, and we ALL love the sweets (try the chilenitos!). There are some great vegetarian options as well, along with other typically Chilean staples (Chilean style hot dogs, fried breads, etc). There's something for each one in your group! If visiting from out of town or anticipating a very large order, you can contact them and order ahead!

Kim G.

Yelp

Piping hot Chilean empanadas from a food truck! Yes, please! Beef, chicken, spinach & cheese, mushroom & cheese - they are all fantastic. Quite substantial in size, one is a meal. They even have desert empanadas with fruit filling like apple or pineapple. I had the Chilean Pastry which is layers of what Seemed like puff pastry or filo layered with caramel and topped with powdered sugar. Make sure to grab a napkin. Perfect sweet ending to your meal. The cart shares a lot with Ayala Taqueria. Easy parking on the street.

Ploy N.

Yelp

Lovely truck by the waterfront park owned by very friendly people. You could smell the freshly made empanadas from miles away. We tried the Chicken, Mushroom, and Cheese. Wouldn't say that they were the best I've ever had but being freshly made and warm alone they're pretty good. Could use more filling in general and the baked dough was a bit tough. The best one was probably the Cheese, which was fried. Super gooey filling.

Jason C.

Yelp

Tried their food truck while I was at the North Plains Garlic Festival. I got the spinach one which was super filling and had great flavors. I liked the crust a lot in that it was sturdy but also tender. Definitely was a good deal since it was a sizable empanada. The spicy green sauce I got on the side was also a nice touch.

Mary D.

Yelp

Down by the waterfront this weekend. Was amazing they were open on Sunday. I suggest going here. Sucks cause they are right by a pozza joint Get ice cream from from solstice and then get the peach empanada and eat it together. BOMB

Maria C.

Yelp

If your in Hood River you gotta get traditional Chilean Empanadas! They are amazing!! Wish they had one in Portland! ~ Maria

Paola A R.

Yelp

The best Chilean Empanadas in the West! We tried the beef, fried cheese and Spinach. All of them were so good. The owners are so kind and they are from Chile so they really know how to make the real Empanada. We also tried a sweet beverage called Matte con Huesillo.. it is an explosion of flavors on your mouth!! Highly recommended.

Tracy M.

Yelp

Best empanada ever! Felt like I was in Spain. You don't want to kiss this spot. The fresh strawberry lemonade with strawberry chucks is to die for .

Dan S.

Yelp

Visited the food cart setup in Hood River recently and had our assortment of empanadas at a picnic table nearby. All three were fantastic. I had the beef. Wife had chicken. My daughter had the breakfast version. They were piping hot and delicious. One is a meal, although They're so tasty , I'd gladly sample a couple. Salsa is spicy but unique and delicious also. Will definitely stop in again.