When coming up with a concept their business, choosing empanadas was a no-brainer for siblings Julieta and Lucas Garnil.
“Lucas started the business almost two years ago on his own,” says co-owner Julieta Garnil. “It took off fast, and before we knew it, he was selling [empanadas] at the local farmers markets — that’s really where it all began.”
Once Lucas built the trailer for Tango Empanadas, which is currently located in Kahuku, that’s when Julieta got involved with the business.
“First, I was just helping out, but soon, we turned into a dream team,” she says. “Here we are today, still growing and loving the ride.”
Making empanadas is an integral part of the Garnils’ history, according to Garnil.
“Empanadas runs deep in our family, tradition and culture,” she explains. “We use our mom’s recipe, which also comes from our grandma. Our dad passed along his chimichurri sauce recipe, which makes our empanadas so special and yummy.”
Meanwhile, the business’s name reflects Argentina’s most popular dance and music style, according to Garnil.
“It’s [tango] Argentina’s cultural pride — just like empanadas,” she says.
The business offers six flavors of empanadas ($6 each, or three for $15); meaty fillings include traditional beef, chicken breast and pork.
All empanadas are made from scratch with spices that are imported from Argentina, according to Garnil.
“Our most traditional — and bestseller — is the beef; it’s a classic,” she says. “Chicken is always a crowd favorite, too, and for our local Hawaiian friends, the pork is a must-try. People go crazy for it.”
Traditional beef consists of ground beef, boiled eggs, green olives, green onions, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Meanwhile, the pork flavor features ground pork, white onions, bell peppers, and Parmesan and provolone cheeses.
The biz also provides meatless options like spinach and cheese; grilled eggplant with cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, basil and cheese; and asparagus and mushroom.
“[Of the three] spinach and cheese is usually the winner,” Garnil says.
Spinach and cheese features a melty blend of organic spinach, mozzarella cheese, white onions, carrots and salt and pepper.
While empanadas are the business’s main focus, Garnil encourages customers to try the chimichurri fries ($5 small, $7 large). The crispy fries come topped with homemade chimichurri mayo.
Chimichurri sauce can also be added to any empanada order (additional $1). The business’s chimichurri sauce features a blend of spices, including Oregano, parsley, garlic, paprika, rosemary, salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.
“We recommend pouring it inside (the empanada) after your first bite,” Garnil says. “Trust us, it’s a flavor party.”
A combo of three empanadas and chimichurri fries ($20) is also available. The biz offers family packs ($65) — designed to feed four people — which include 12 empanadas of your choice and a large side of fries.
If you want something sweet after enjoying the savory empanadas, the biz offers desserts like alfajor with dulce de leche and coconut flakes (three for $10), white or dark chocolate-covered alfajor with dulce de leche ($4) and dulce de leche cones dipped in chocolate ($4).
(An alfajor is a popular South American dessert, comprising two crumbly cookies that are sandwiched together with a filling.)
The business’s trailer is open daily at Kahuku Sugar Mill from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also find Tango Empanadas at the Kakaako farmers market from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays; the biz also offers catering for private events.
To learn more, visit tangoempanadashi.com.
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CONTACT
Tango Empanadas
Kahuku Sugar Mill
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku
808-799-6126
tangoempanadashi.com
Instagram: @tangoempanadashi
Open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
