The signature empanada that made Boomerang famous. The corn dough is fried to golden perfection—crispy on the exterior, soft within—and filled generously with tender shredded beef and cubed potatoes. Reviewers consistently call out the balance: crispy but never greasy, filling but never soggy. Multiple reviews mention getting two or three because one isn't enough once you start eating.
Tips from diners
Get at least two—the portion is generous for one person, and the price (2,100 COP each) makes it easy to try multiple fillings.
Ask for the picante sauce on the side—it's not spicy but adds a bright flavor that elevates the empanada. Get it on the side so you can control the amount.
A more delicate alternative to the beef empanada, this pastry uses a slightly different dough that yields a crispier exterior and more refined texture. Filled with well-shredded chicken that's been sautéed, it's lighter than the beef but equally satisfying. Some regulars prefer this over the meat empanadas.
Tips from diners
This is a nice change from the beef empanada—lighter and more delicate. Try one of each to see which you prefer.
Fried cheese sticks with a crispy coating and melted cheese center.
Tips from diners
These are great as a side to share—order them alongside empanadas to have a complete meal.
Fried arepa with a whole fried egg inside, a Colombian breakfast classic.
Tips from diners
The egg inside is fully cooked and surprisingly not greasy despite the frying. Order early in the day when they're freshest.
Two empanadas and one arepa de huevo, a filling combination.
Tips from diners
This combo is slightly cheaper than buying items separately—perfect for lunch or a hearty snack.
Empanadas Boomerang has earned a reputation as Medellín's most consistently excellent empanada stand, operating in the Laureles neighborhood since the early 2000s. What sets them apart is their refusal to compromise on texture—the corn shell is always crispy without being greasy, and the fillings are generous and well-seasoned. Reviewers across multiple platforms call out the balance of crispy exterior and moist filling as what makes them different from other empanada vendors.
This is a casual counter stand with no seating—grab your food and eat standing up or take it with you. Most locals eat while standing or walking.
Peak hours are 12-1 PM and 5-6 PM—get there slightly earlier to avoid lines. Even during rush, the wait is rarely more than 5-10 minutes.
The neighborhood has several small plazas nearby where you can sit to eat if you don't want to eat standing up.
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