Empanada Nirvana Montgomery NY — Restaurant in Town of Montgomery

Review: Empanada Nirvana – More Hype Than Heaven

I visited Empanada Nirvana this past Saturday with genuine excitement, hoping to discover a hidden gem. Unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired.

The ambiance was modest — unremarkable but serviceable. However, it was the food that truly missed the mark.

I began with a crunch wrap (name escapes me), which arrived drenched in grease. Not glistening — soaked. It was difficult to handle, let alone enjoy. Disheartened, I moved on to the next item: "My Wife Isn’t That Hungry." A clever name, yes, but the dish itself was flat and forgettable.

The real letdown, however, was the rice and beans. Let me be clear: these are not authentic Puerto Rican rice and beans. Please stop telling people they are — those of us who know the cuisine can tell immediately. The flavors lacked depth, the texture was off, and there was none of that soulful sazón that makes Puerto Rican food what it is.

The empanadas? They were passable. Not bad, not great — just okay. The standout element was the mayo-ketchup sauce: well-balanced, creamy, and properly seasoned.

Now, I understand the location — Montgomery isn’t exactly a cultural crossroads. And often, ethnic restaurants in less diverse areas feel pressure to tame bold flavors to suit broader palates. I suspect that’s what’s happening here. But in doing so, the soul of the food gets lost.

In short, Empanada Nirvana might satisfy some, but for me, once was enough. I truly hope others enjoy it if it suits their tastes — but for those seeking authentic Puerto Rican comfort food,...

Review for Emapanada Nirvana, Montgomery NY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're looking for a hidden gem in Montgomery, NY, look no further than Emapanada Nirvana! This charming eatery has quickly become my favorite spot for a quick bite and an explosion of flavor.

From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The decor is vibrant and reflects the culture beautifully, setting the stage for the culinary adventure that awaits.

Now, let’s talk about the empanadas! The menu offers an impressive variety, each one crafted with care and bursting with flavor. I tried the classic beef empanada, and it was heavenly—perfectly seasoned, with a flaky crust that just melts in your mouth. The chicken and spinach options were equally delightful, showcasing a blend of fresh ingredients that truly elevate the experience.

What sets Emapanada Nirvana apart is not just the food but the passion behind it. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend their favorites or share the story behind each dish. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Don’t skip dessert! The dulce de leche empanada is a must-try—sweet, rich, and the perfect way to end your meal.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Emapanada Nirvana is a fantastic spot to indulge in delicious food that feels like a warm hug. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s truly a little slice of paradise in...

Absolutely disgusted and disappointed!! Today a coworker and I stopped in for food ,as we were leaving we seen roaches crawl out from behind a painting.. When we return to the job and inform our other coworkers about the roaches ,that's when I find out roaches have always been a problem for them! And more!! Other coworkers begin to show me shared videos of roaches crawling on the freezers of nirvana, on the crock pots with food in them and on the cutting boards! Then my manager shows me a video she recorded of what appears to be the owner pumping septic waste from the septic tank to a covert on barea rd..it's terrifying to think what he does when customers aren't around if he does this when a customer is sitting in her car watching him...my family and I have ordered food from empanada nirvana since the day they moved right around the corner from us,it's disgusting to know we have been eating food contaminated by roaches this whole time..I have collected copies of the photos and video from my manager and I will be emailing them to the health department and to the department of environmental control...we have lived in Montgomery for 35 years and have never seen a restaurant with such disregard for customer health and environment safety..so...