The best empanadas in Banos Ecuador

I can without a doubt say that the empanadas at Aroma y Sabor de Mercedes are the best empanadas in Banos, Ecuador. They may in fact be the very best in all of Ecuador. So what makes them so great?

The empanadas at Aroma y Sabor de Mercedes

Before you decide to pack a cheap lunch for your trip, read this! These empanadas top the list of foods we ate in Ecuador. I’ll be dreaming about these empanadas for a long time to come. 

Before entering the Pailon del Diablo waterfall park I had spotted a sign for empanadas across the road and knew we’d be heading there later. When we arrived, there was no one there so we secured the best seat in the house, right by the road. 

Mercedes, I can only assume this was Mercedes, handed us two menus and we took a moment to decide. In the end we each ordered one vegetable and cheese empanada, one chicken and cheese empanada and one Corona beer. The empanadas are made to order. Mercedes rolls, fills and crimps the dough before frying the empanadas. She serves them piping hot with the classic Ecuadorian spicy sauce. Don’t believe me? I got it all on video.

We were in heaven from the first bite. The crust was crisp, flaky, and soft all at once and the fillings were perfectly flavorful. I couldn’t help but imagine how much Mercedes could charge for these empanadas in Amsterdam.

On the way out, I complemented the ladies and they gifted me some cute bracelets. So happy to have this memory on my wrist.

The empanadas at Aroma y Sabor de Mercedes cost $2-2.50 each. Honestly, the deal of the century and one of the best foods I’ve eaten in 2023.

If you are biking the Ruta de las Cascadas this is a must-stop!