Empanadas de la Mami

Empanadas de la Mami brings the vibrant, welcoming soul of Latin America directly to Aarau, offering a genuine taste of home-style cooking from a business deeply rooted in family tradition and heartfelt culinary passion. Founded by Sandra Widmer, who originates from Colombia and has called Switzerland home for nearly three decades, this establishment channels the warmth of Latino heritage into every handcrafted empanada and carefully prepared dish. The philosophy behind Empanadas de la Mami is elegantly simple yet powerfully executed: to share not just the distinctive flavours of Colombia, but also celebrated specialties from across the Spanish-speaking world. Guests experience the richness of Argentinian chimichurri, the sweet decadence of alfajores, and the iconic social experience of authentic Spanish paella. Each recipe is prepared with unwavering dedication and generous amounts of love, allowing the local community to explore a fascinating culinary culture without ever leaving the canton of Aargau.

The very name of the star attraction carries a rich history, as the Spanish verb "empanar" translates to "baking in bread", a technique that dates back to the northern Spanish province of Galicia where these delightful pastries were first documented in a cookbook as early as 1520. Originally filled with abundant seafood from the local coasts, the empanada has traversed the globe, evolving into a beloved staple across the entire Latin American continent. Today, at Empanadas de la Mami, this historic culinary tradition is honoured with a uniquely Colombian twist, prepared with meticulous care alongside Sandra's dedicated team in Erlinsbach. By blending traditional methods with local Swiss sensibilities, the restaurant creates a bridge between two worlds, inviting diners to experience the unmistakable taste of Latino heartblood right in the heart of Aarau.

Our Culinary Heritage

The menu at Empanadas de la Mami is a carefully curated journey through the diverse flavours of Latin America, anchored by the irresistible namesake pastries. The kitchen proudly presents a rotating selection of fillings, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. Every pastry is handcrafted, ensuring a perfect golden crust that encapsulates the vibrant, juicy fillings within.

Signature Empanadas

• Empanada Carne Molida: A classic, robust pastry bursting with richly seasoned ground beef that represents the heart of Colombian comfort food.
• Empanada Spinat-Vegi: A delightful vegetarian option offering a savoury spinach combination that satisfies herb lovers and meat-free diners alike.
• Empanada Vegi con Quinoa: An innovative, nutritious, and hearty plant-based choice featuring protein-rich quinoa, demonstrating the kitchen's modern culinary adaptability.

Beyond the beloved empanadas, the kitchen extends its reach into other iconic Latin American and Spanish culinary territories. Diners can indulge in the complex, herbaceous flavours of freshly made Argentinian chimichurri, an essential condiment that elevates any meat dish to new heights. For those seeking a communal and festive dining experience, the authentic Spanish paella is available, crafted with traditional techniques and vibrant ingredients that transport eaters straight to the Mediterranean coast. To round off the meal on a sweet note, the Alfajores—delicate, crumbly cookies sandwiched with rich dulce de leche—offer a taste of Argentine confectionery perfection. Accompanying these dishes with a cup of expertly brewed Colombian coffee completes the immersive cultural experience.

Services and Catering

Empanadas de la Mami operates as a versatile culinary hub, designed to cater to the varying needs of the Aarau community. Whether guests are looking for a swift, satisfying takeaway lunch or a relaxed dine-in evening meal, the establishment accommodates all preferences with seamless efficiency. The cosy interior provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding over a plate of freshly baked empanadas. For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or at the office, a streamlined online ordering system and a reliable delivery service ensure that hot, fresh food is always just a few clicks away.

The catering services offered by Empanadas de la Mami transform any private gathering or corporate event into an unforgettable culinary celebration. The team works closely with clients to tailor menus and quantities, ensuring that every event is infused with the vibrant spirit of Latin America. The core catering offerings include:

• Apéro Catering: An array of freshly prepared, bite-sized empanadas that serve as the perfect interactive snacks, encouraging socialising and enjoyment among guests at any reception.
• Paella Catering: An exceptional choice for larger, more elaborate occasions, capable of serving groups of up to sixty people with a stunning, visually impressive centrepiece dish.
• Lieferservice: A dedicated delivery option bringing the full menu of hot, freshly cooked empanadas and sides directly to your doorstep or corporate boardroom.

Why Choose Us

Choosing Empanadas de la Mami means opting for an authentic culinary experience crafted by someone who lives and breathes the culture she presents. Sandra Widmer’s personal journey from Colombia to Switzerland infuses the restaurant with a genuine, heartfelt touch that mass-produced eateries simply cannot replicate. The commitment to cooking with "very much love and dedication" is not merely a marketing phrase; it is the foundational principle that guides every aspect of the business. The staff is known for being exceptionally friendly and accommodating, creating an environment where every visitor feels like a welcomed guest in Sandra's own home. Several distinct reasons set this establishment apart:

• Authentic Heritage: Recipes rooted in generations of Latin American tradition, brought to life by a native Colombian founder.
• Heartfelt Preparation: Every dish is handmade with meticulous care and passion by Sandra and her dedicated team in Erlinsbach.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: A cosy, comfortably furnished interior that provides a relaxing escape from the daily grind.
• Friendly Service: Staff members who are consistently praised for being nett and zuvorkommend, ensuring a pleasant visit every time.

The value offered by Empanadas de la Mami is another compelling reason to visit, particularly highlighted by the highly praised lunchtime special. Regular patrons consistently commend the excellent price-performance ratio, specifically noting the splendid lunch offer that pairs two generously filled empanadas with access to a fresh, crisp salad buffet for just twenty Swiss Francs. This balanced midday meal delivers exceptional quality without weighing the diner down, making it an ideal choice for a revitalising Zmittagessen. The combination of top-tier ingredients, authentic recipes, and fair pricing ensures that every visit is a satisfying investment in both flavour and well-being.

Location and Accessibility

Convenience is a cornerstone of the Empanadas de la Mami experience, perfectly exemplified by its prime location at Hintere Bahnhofstrasse 50, right at the Bahnhof Süd in Aarau. This strategic positioning offers exceptional accessibility for commuters, shoppers, and local residents alike, making it effortless to pop in for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The proximity to the railway station means that even those just passing through the canton of Aargau can easily grab a taste of Latin America without deviating from their travel routes. The restaurant functions beautifully as both a cosy eat-in destination and a dynamic takeaway hub, adapting fluidly to the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.

The interior design of the space prioritises ease and relaxation, creating a pleasant atmosphere where guests can comfortably enjoy their food. Reviews frequently highlight the very agreeable ambiance, noting that the premises are comfortably furnished to encourage lingering over a cup of Colombian coffee or savouring the last bites of an alfajor. The dual nature of the location—serving both as a tranquil dining room and a high-efficiency collection point for online orders—ensures that it remains a vital part of the local community's daily routine. Whether stopping by after a train ride or ordering delivery to a nearby office, the accessibility of Empanadas de la Mami is unmatched in the region.

Operating Hours and Ordering

To accommodate the diverse schedules of its patrons, Empanadas de la Mami maintains clearly defined and convenient operating hours throughout the week. This structure allows the team to focus on providing the freshest possible food during peak meal times, ensuring that every empanada is baked to order. The weekly schedule is as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 - 14:00 for lunch, and 17:00 - 20:00 for dinner.
• Friday: 11:00 - 14:00 for lunch, and extended evening hours from 17:00 - 21:00.
• Saturday: 11:00 - 14:00 for lunch, and 17:00 - 21:00 for dinner.
• Sunday: Closed, serving as a rest day for the team.

Ordering from Empanadas de la Mami is designed to be as straightforward and user-friendly as possible. The clearly structured online ordering system on their website allows customers to browse the full menu, select their favourite empanadas, and specify a convenient collection time. This streamlined process is particularly beneficial for the lunch crowd, who can secure their meal ahead of time and avoid any wait during the busy midday rush. For direct inquiries, catering arrangements, or special requests, the team can be easily reached via telephone at +41 79 651 35 46 or through email at info@empanadas-aarau.ch. This commitment to clear communication and efficient service ensures that every customer's needs are met with professionalism and care.