Mamma Llama’s

I loved the empanadas I had at the farmers market so much that I went to the storefront to purchase some more later. Sadly anything you buy at the store is all frozen unless you call first and place an order for something to be made ahead. Why? Anyways, I bought frozen and came home to cook, and followed instructions only to find that the empanadas did not cook as they did at the farmers market, these were soggy. I did not have the flaky brown crust. It took much longer than the instructions suggested and I have to broil for a short time to get that golden flaky crust. Anyhow although these empanadas are tasty and have that creative culinary flare with health in mind, I still think they are WAY over-​priced. I’d rather give up on these pricey empies and go for tamales at Tucson Tamale company. Tucson Tamale has the same flare and health driven recipes, with the right pricing and WITH MORE organic ingredients. I mean $ 7 for an empanada??? Really? AND you have a store front that doesn’t serve to order? Why not just do mail-​order and then stop over-​charging us to pay your rent. Sadly disappointing…

I love this place! It has a real nice décor & ambiance. I wish it were a restaurant. I’m always jonesin’ for an empanada when I decide to go there but by the time I get home the mood is gone. Or I realize I forgot to buy salad fixin’s.
Minus a star because I always feel like I’m interrupting something when I walk in Mamma’s. I don’t know why. It doesn’t matter who’s behind the counter it always seems like they’d rather be someplace else. Like Mamma Llama’s restaurant.

We hadn’t bought any empanadas from Mamas Llama’s in a while and we had a craving for them. I’ll review the three we purchased recently. Keep in mind they are frozen at purchase and you’ll need to bake them at home.
Chimichurri: chicken, rice, tomato, corn, peppers, peas, shallots, cilantro, cream, lime juice and spices. This one is the least favorite for our whole family. I probably won’t buy it again. It is bland overall. 6 small ones for $ 14.50
Alaskan Wild Salmon: Hands down the favorite for all of us. Pricey at $ 17.50 or so for 6 small ones. But, boy are they worth it. These are chock full of salmon and very flavorful. Don’t over bake them as they might become dry! We serve them with additional wedges of lime.
Peruvian Twist: Artichokes, green chiles, garlic, salt, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, parmesan, mozzarella, and asiago cheese. Wonderful flavor with the piquant subtlety of the parmesan to give it a little bite that you feel in the hinge of your jaw. 6 for $ 14.50
The crust on all of these is very flaky and light. We’ll have to get back in the habit of keeping several varieties in the freezer and have one or two per person with a nice green salad or other veggie.
They seem pricey but the homemade goodness is worth it. Besides, it is always nice to support a local business, especially one with such tasty goodies.

How have I missed Mama Llamas? Greeted by Lisa (one of owners) who walked me through the product. Empanadas– little handmade pockets (tarts) of fresh and flavorful ingredients– I chose the seasonal specialty of Sweet Potatoes and the Brazilian, filled with pork, pistachios, apricots and more… take home frozen and bake… what a wonderful food adventure! So many wonderful choices and combinations… served one of each with a small salad and Sat supper was layered with flavor from these delightfully delicious ethnic sweet/​savory filled pastries. Don’t fret about the price. you get 6 empanadas per bag– each one worth every penny! My new favorite gourmet food find in Tucson. Congrats to the Mama Llama’s culinary team! Chef Jo

Waste your time with this place only if you want a quick meal this has barely anything to do with empanadas. More like expensive hotpockets.
I really really really wanted to like this place. I’ve been eating empanadas since I was a kid and they are the ultimate comfort food. 1) The dough: really poor quality. Too flakey and too soggy. 2) Filling: way under seasoned and over mixed. The meat just becomes tough and looses its flavor. 3) Flavor Combinations: Very poor. I had most varieties available for the day and they were just unexciting. 4) Naming: Calling something brazilian doesn’t make it brazilian. I asked how she went from chimichurri chicken to Colombian. She said, I don’t know we just pick a name that we like. ARE YOU KIDDING! I don’t put a sausage in a bun and call it a brat. Lame.

I was really excited about the concept of take and bake gourmet empanadas in a range of interesting flavors. We bought a couple of flavors and some breakfast empanadas. But, in the end, they were just okay for the pretty high price.

Amazing take and bake gourmet empanadas. My wife and I love the «Viva Argentina» empanadas. They are great when you have guests over and don’t have time to spend slaving in the kitchen but still want something unique and impresive. We stock up every Saturday from their farmers market booth.

Mama Llamas Empanadas are just downright delicious and easy to prepare. Not all of the flavors sing to my taste buds, but those that do are a symphony. Although a bit pricy, they are generally worth it. The empanadas come frozen and are bought by the pair. They cook up just great in my convection toaster oven or in a regular oven. The crust is flaky and never soggy, and the fillings (especially the beef) are a composition of textures, flavors, and exotic spices. Just a yummy comfort ready in 20ish minutes. There is no restaurant seating, It’s strictly catered fare or frozen and take it home to bake. PS, the minichocolate empanadas are wonderful with a crème anglaise