The best empanadas I have ever tasted. This place is a hidden gem in Buenos Aires, and when I say…read morehidden, I mean really hidden. You cannot see La Cocina from the street. You must enter the shady underground plaza with the barber and sex shop, walk all the way to the back, and there you will find this unassuming little empanada shop.
No habla Español, but navigating the menu was easy. They make beef, chicken, and ham empanadas, plus four vegetarian flavors. I ordered one of each of the veggie options, plus a few Carne Picante ones for my boyfriend. Their empanadas are made fresh to order, so be prepared to wait about 15 minutes. There are a few tables outside, but if dining in a fluorescent lit basement isn't your thing, you probably want to take your order to go. My empanadas were still piping hot 30 minutes later when I arrived back at my hotel.
The best of the vegetarian selection was the Pikachu, a four cheese empanada with mild chili spices. The filling was packed with richly savory flavor without being overly oily or salty. The Queso y Cebolla (cheese and caramelized onion) and Pascualina (Spinach) were also fantastic, but more on the mild side. The Choclo (sweet corn) was okay, but too sweet. It tasted like congee with honey in it-enjoyable for a bite or too, but not one that I would order again. Highly recommended.
