Made a trip down to check our Chef Alex from Queens. I came just in time because the wait for empanadas was nearly 2 hrs after my order. I took advantage of the 4 for 10 deal and went with Sofrito chicken, cheeseburger and potato and beef. All of empanadas were delicious but the sauces set it off for me. Will def be back again soon. read more

Mami's Empanadas - 4 for $10 can't beat it - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My wife and I love this little empanada stand. They have a varied menu, much of which we have sampled -- Cuban sandwich, arepas, rice pudding, ceviche, delicious Latin American beverages, and of course, the empanadas (both corn and flour varieties) for which the place is named. But in our book, the big food reason to come back here over and over and over again (which we have) is the empanadas. Air-fried to a crispy texture on the outside, full of all kinds of deliciousness on the inside -- chicken, veggie, domino (bean and cheese), potato and Colombian ground beef, cheese, and anything else the chef's culinary creativity can imagine -- even sweet ones on special occasions (we had both berry and pumpkin around Halloween time). And at 4 for $7, they're a must-buy; at that price, I'll never order fewer than 4. Even if I can't eat them all, I'll just take the rest home. They're that good. Don't go to sleep on the drink options either. As noted above, they carry a variety of Latin American beverages (apple soda and others), but the ones that wowed us were the aguapanela con limon, an infused cane sugar beverage and an oatmeal-based drink (avena?) that was very similar to horchata. Muy sabroso! Chef and proprietor (his card says CEO - chief empanada officer!) Alex is not only a culinary wizard; he's a fantastic host. He seems to genuinely enjoy interacting with customers, explaining the different dishes, and building a relationship. We have found him friendly, interesting, and a delight to get to know. The downsides? Parking can be a bear in that area, though there is a free spot or two near the stand to which they can direct you. Otherwise, there's metered parking a short walk away. Also, they run out of things far too quickly for my taste, so as others have advised, it's wise to call ahead to see what is available. [This was for their old location; will adjust my review now that I've located them again!] read more

Best empanadas in town! Alex is a master at his craft. I enjoy d the bacon cheeseburger and the Guava plantain .. Also grabbed the combo, rib and pork! Very Ono. I will be back. read more

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So delicious $3 each or 4 for $10. Great snack. Note new location on Cartwright near the zoo parking lot. read more

Mami's Empanadas - Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Don't miss Mami's!!! Alex moved to the other end of Cartwright! Best food on island, sweet guy. Who else gets 5 stars on Yelp? The empanadas are amazing, and now there's a vegan one! We dig the samosa version. I cannot overstate the value for money Alex provided. Prepare to eat more than one empanada per person. The beef hot dogs in fresh dough buns look good and a lot of people order those too. Never tried them so far. We're an empanada-oriented family!! read more

Soooo good! His empanadas were so flavorful and he was soooo nice! super personable and answered all my annoying questions! i never had empanadas before so i dont have anything to compare it to but these had so much flavor and he told me cooks them in an air fryer so they were crispy but not oily at all. The only thing i wish was that the "spicy" sauce was spicy. he warned me that the sauce was really spicy but TO ME it wasnt spicy at all. Other than it i totally recommend this place. read more

You can park by the zoo and take a 2 minute walk to the truck. They have 2 big tables to eat at, not loud, $3 pretty great price. Very good flavors and theychange the menu everyday and make it fresh read more

Mami's Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I was surprised to see this food truck this afternoon but wanted to try it when I returned to my hotel next door. I lived in Venezuela many years and loved the menu, which is Colombian but very similar to Venezuelan. When I tried the food, it far exceeded my expectations. The food is excellent and not at all greasy (everything is air fried). I would eat here everyday if I lived here. The owner is very friendly and passionate about the quality of his food. A MUST TRY!!! read more

Unbelievably good. VEGAN friendly too! I've lived in Miami for a decade and have spent time in Colombia; these empanadas beat any that I've had in either of those places. I tried the vegan potato, spinach and mushroom, and the Guava plantain. Each of them was SO GOOD. I'll be back tomorrow!! read more

Home made tasty stuff. The owner/chef is Colombian and he really cares about making sure you enjoy your meal. My favorite sauce is the one that looks like pico de gallo, try it with the picadillo empanada if they're around on the day you visit. Enjoy read more

OMG my love affair continues with EMPANADAS! Ate here TWICE during my short stay in Waikiki. Seek these guys out, so delicious and friendly. I can't begin to let you know what we ate but what we did eat was not greasy as he told us that he uses an air fryer!!! Will go back when I'm back in Waikiki! Well done! read more

This place was super cute, delicious and right next to our hotel. The owner was super nice and gave us his 4 favorite. We will be coming back to this location multiple times before we leave. I'm not sure what the issue with Drizzels one star rating was. It clearly shows that it's a food truck so unless they didn't look at ANY of the pictures it's pretty hard to miss. They were not greasy at all and came out super hot which is nice. You can tell they were made to order. Oh, and every sauce is homemade! read more

I have been to Colombia This is the real deal Hidden location on the corner of the street I'm mad that I found this place my last day Friendly service Fresh cooked food Great salsa What else could you ask for read more

Empanadas was spot on. And the sauces was great. We enjoyed the chicken, beef and arose with chicken empanadas.

This little food truck is out of the world good. Mami's empanadas are seriously the best I have had since I visited Argentina. The Colombian hot dog is unique and delicious and all of the sauces are veritable explosions of flavor. And don't get me started on the freeze pops, the passion fruit is out of control, my daughters absolutely loved them. read more

You have to come here! I tried some of Alex's empanadas on the menu. Best Colombian style empanadas I've had!. Make sure you text your order in early (like as soon as you wake up) to ensure you get a taste. read more

Solid, quick and cheap, but not very fresh by the end of the day. Good option for an affordable snack in the middle of the Waikiki hubbub

The food was great. It's a mix of Latin food. We were happy to find out that they had to Colombian empanadas (tried the meat and potatoes and chicken and they were very good) arepas, orchata, Colombian hoy dog and has many more options. Everything was delicious! Alex, the owner said he Makes the bread from scratch. The orchata made with fruits and the empanadas are air fried. They also have a restaurant in town that sells more if the bigger dishes. read more

Da Colombian embassy in Hawai'i Arepa,Empanada,Chorizo,Agua de Panela Ambiente Familiar Atendido por su propietario Advice:Call in advance to confirm the service hours and food availability because this guy cooks ALL his food from scratch so the menu varies and the food flies! read more

Mami's Empanadas - Al vaquero en todas las esquinas lo tenemos comiendo comida latina - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great for a late-night eat. Super friendly, and fantastic food! We were visiting Hono and the previous reviews were helpful in our selection. read more

So glad we found this before we caught our flight :) all of them were really delicious and the owner is so nice and helpful with the menu! If it was located on the beach there would constantly be a line ! Plantain one was great to finish with :)) read more

Mami's Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Literally the best food in Hawaii. If you love empanadas and you will love Mami's. Chef Alex is absolutely wonderful and he puts so much love into his food you can taste it in every bite. My boyfriend and I came here multiple times during our stay in Oahu and it was still the best meal we have had here yet. The even better part is he uses an air fryer and no oil! I loved that my stomach never ever hurt which is really amazing for me for someone who is super sensitive to foods like that. We tried the sofrito chicken empanadas, vegan potato, and beef and potato. We also tried the beef kosher hot dog and it was the best hot dog we have had in our life. Don't sleep on this place. You have to make reservations so you will need to go to the side door to get Chef Alex's number and you text him on the day you want to eat asking for his daily menu. So much respect for this Chef. A one man show who absolutely makes the best food I've ever had. Mahalo Chef!! read more

Holy cow, these empanadas are so good! I don't yelp much these days, but had to leave a review for this small business. I am self admittedly a picky eater and was not expecting much from a food truck in Waikiki out of all places. I ordered the Sofrita chicken, beef and potato and samosa. The empanadas were crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and packed with flavor. The spicy green sauce and pink sauce were my favorite. My fiancée ordered a Cubano and it was super delicious as well. (Chef Alex makes his own bread and dough for the empanadas). He was super friendly and told us more about his food. The empanadas are the superstars here. I was so full but killed them all. With Covid 19 affecting small businesses every where, it's important to support them now more then ever so they will still be around once this mess is over. read more

Great service, extremely friendly staff and awesome food! They sell out, so get there early!

I loved it !!! Definitely I will come back! I ate three different kinds of empanadas, I tried the beef and potatoes, chicken and Bacon cheese burger. Omgg I loved it!!! The owner is so friendly and kind. my husband and I, we loved it!! read more

I love these empañadas. I ordered from Alex twice on my one week vacation to Hawaii. The sofrito chicken and colombian beef and potato empañadas were both outstanding and the coconut ice pop was also tasty. I would certainly place another order on my next trip to Hawaii. Please note: You must call Alex the morning of the day that you place yoyr order so that it may be prepared and ready for you that afternoon. Ex: Call or Text between 9am and 10am and Alex will text you the menu so that you may text him back your order and then he will let you know what time that afternoon you may pick up your order. read more

Chef Alex Arango does exceptional work. His food is not only amazing, try the beef and potato or chicken empanadas -- they are so savory and delicious and because they are air-fried healthier -- or the Cuban Sandwich. Or maybe you want to try the pork belly Arepas. We tried them all. I felt like I could have a whole meal of finger food. Alex is conversational and loves to explain his process. This guy is out there living the dream. Doing something he loves and it shows in every way. read more

Mami's Empanadas - Albert's first empanada. Delicious! - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'm so sad I found this place right before leaving island. Hands down the best empanadas you could possibly find in Hawaii. My favorite was the chicken and beef with potatoes. You can get them for $3 each or 4 for $10. They are air fry so it's not greasy. If you like spicy the green sauce is bomb!!!!! read more

Mami's Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Was in town visiting from California and my sister and I happened to see a few food trucks side by side down the street from where we were staying. A friend who visits this area often recommended the empanadas from here so my sister and I made a stop one night. The owner works alone so when we ordered, he did advise that it may be a bit of a wait as everything is made to order and he suggested we text or call in the future. The wait was definitely worth it!!! We ordered two of each empanada (so we could both try them all) but I must say that my favorite was the sofrito chicken empanada. So juicy and flavorful!! Then add the green sauce....it was amazingly good! If you're in the area and are willing to wait for freshly made air fried empanadas, definitely stop by and give it a try. read more

Mmmm that Columbian hot dog! I don't even like hot dogs though, that's why I am so mind blown. We split one without cheese and I regret not getting my own. My one beef (ha!) with this food truck is the price. It's a little steep for $8 a dog. Their empanadas are consistently good and they often run out of flavors as it gets later in the day. Even being a sweets person, I gravitate toward their savory empanadas. Had the arepa once, not a fan. I prefer the sandwich-style, thick arepas to the thin, open-faced style this truck makes. Just a personal preference though. He has a store front in downtown I am dying to check out with Saturday night specials! read more

Mami's Empanadas - Heaven. - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is NOT CUBAN, maybe Puerto Rican? Mexican?Venezuelan? But certainly not Cuban by any means... read more

I wanted to try this place but it doesn't open on time everyday apparently. It's currently 6:25, we've been sitting here for 30mins & it is advertised to be open 6pm-11pm, yet me and my gf are the only ones here staring at an empty black truck. I was excited to try the Latin flavors the island had to provide but it seems we won't even get to try it. Word of advice, open & close on time, people won't be so surprised when they arrive at the establishment. read more

Great empanadas just be sure to text the chef and ask what his menu is for the day and order by text in advance for pick up. He makes them fresh daily. His ice pops are really good too. read more

It was great foods! I've never had empanadas ,I'm impressed!so delicious! Also homemade sorbet were really yum! Owner is very nice! We had a great dinner!! Definitely come back! read more

Mami's Empanadas - Cubano Sandwich - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This little cart saved us when the hurricane was rolling in. We traipsed around the city looking for food when everything was closed. We came back to our hotel late at night with two starving kids and saw this little cart open! We'd never had empanadas before but didn't really care because it was food! Well we were blown away. These empanadas were so good. I loved the corn based ones but they were all delicious. What really put them over the top were the sauces. I ended up drinking some. Unfortunately, the cart was closed the next two days and we left for home:( read more

Always good food. I already tried all the flavones and was never disappointed. Easy walking distance from downtown. Great service. read more

Mami's Empanadas - Cheese empanadas to go - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I only gave him 4 stars because of the wait. You will have to wait 30-40 minutes for them. He is a one mans show and you feel it. They are delicious. He makes his own salsa. Worth the wait trust. Call ahead to ensure he's there. They are crispy and the inside is really seasoned. read more

Alex has an amazing selection of Latin American food and drinks. I could tell he is a hard worker, passionate about his creations, business, and genuine demeanor. This was a great find of the beaten path. I got a selection of empanadas containing beef and chicken. His sauces are equally remarkable... my favorite was the arroz con pollo empanada with his house made green sauce. I will be back again, and I will definitely bring a friend! read more

Mami's Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Delicious homemade empanadas and Latin American favorites at a modest price tucked away in a small food trailer at a corner street in Waikiki. The food was one thing, but what really made this experience 5 star was the commendable service we received from the owner himself who not only taught us about his food, but shared his knowledge on latin cooking and flavors. Call ahead before you drop by because the owner mentioned that he recently opened a restaurant in downtown and when it gets too busy, he sometimes has to close the truck. I did it both times I went, and he was gracious to text me back and tell me that they were closed so I didn't have to drive down all the way to Waikiki. We got 8 empanadas for $20 to try all the flavors that day. The owner said they change the flavors up daily on the menu to try out different stuffings. All the empanadas we tried were pretty much spot on. The Argentina: beef, chili cheese burger, and pineapple cheese macadamia nut were some of my favorites. Each one was seasoned nicely and the pastry dough was light and crispy. So the owner pre-makes them and when ordered takes them out of the freezer and "air frys" them, so they're not greasy or oily at all and are so satisfying and hearty to eat. They've got plenty of non-meat and vegetarian options, which include beans and potatoes. They've got dessert empanadas for those with a sweet tooth as well. The owner was thoughtful enough to write down the different flavors on the container so we knew which one we were eating and he also gave us a bunch of sauces to try. One last thing-- gotta try the agua panela drink. It's made from sugar cane juice, a little bit tart though, but so refreshing! Needless to say, this place delivers when it comes to customer service. I will definitely be coming back here for more empanadas and to try out their other dishes. read more

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Such a hidden gem! Amazingggg empanadas that were cooked to perfection. Tasty standard as well as unusual flavors that the owner creates. You can tell this is a passion driven business, owner was so sweet and excited about the new flavors he was creating. Sweeet later night spot for all the tipsy folks coming out of Waikiki. Lived on Oahu for years and so sad I just discovered this place as I was moving :/ Keep up the rad work y'all! read more