Jumbo Empanadas

What is Jumbo Empanadas? Anchoring Augusta Avenue just north of Baldwin Street, Jumbo Empanadas is a beloved Kensington Market fixture founded by owner Irene Morales, who began baking Chilean specialties from a humble market food cart in 1991. The compact storefront is stripped of pretension, featuring a utilitarian dining area, a glass warmer showcasing golden turnovers, and a casual sidewalk patio primed for neighbourhood people-watching.

Jumbo Empanadas Menu & What to Order The undisputed star is the Jumbo Beef Empanada, an oven-baked pocket stuffed with spiced ground beef, onions, black olives, raisins, and a slice of hard-boiled egg. Vegetarians can opt for the fried mozzarella empanada or the spinach-mushroom filling, both lifted by a spoonful of Morales' signature garlicky, cilantro-spiked pebre salsa. Beyond pastries, the sweet corn humitas steamed in husks and the comforting pastel de choclo (beef and chicken corn pie) are deeply satisfying, especially paired with an ice-cold Inca Kola.

Know Before You Go Service is strictly walk-in and counter-order, with swift turnover whether you grab a table or take your box to Bellevue Square Park. Expect heavy lineups during weekend lunch rushes and sunny Pedestrian Sundays, making weekday afternoons your best bet for avoiding a queue. Streetcar access is quick via the 510 Spadina or 506 Carlton routes, as street parking throughout the market core is extremely limited.