Like most Latin food, the empanada is so simple that its deliciousness is mystifying. How can a dish so straightforward teem with so much flavor? Havana Rumba in St. Matthews is expert at that art of creating dishes with near-overwhelming flavor, and the empanadas are a good example of this. They're simple pastry pockets overfed with your choice of Cuban-style shredded chicken or a vegetarian-friendly mixture of spinach, onions, corn, bell peppers, Monterey Jack and Parmesan.
The empanadas are found on Havana Rumba's appetizer menu, and one order consists of two golden, crimped shells stuffed with generous portions of filling. The fillings are savory and aromatic, usefully dulled by the breading.
They come with a tangy pimenton crema for spreading, and the dish is big enough — and tasty enough — to serve as a small but filling dinner. As an appetizer, the empanadas can be halved and adequately whet the appetite of four.
The dish is $6.50, making it among the best bargains on the menu.
