Three brothers, Ken, Alfredo, and Elvis Rosales, have been making everything from scratch at 4035 106 Street since 2005. That includes the empanadas, which use a corn pastry rather than the wheat-flour crust you'd find at an Argentine spot. They're stuffed to order with beef or chicken, finished with crema and feta. It's a distinctly Oaxacan take, and once you taste the difference, the corn-and-order-made approach becomes the only way you want them.
What makes The 3 Amigos empanadas different
Most empanadas in Edmonton come from an Argentine template. Wheat flour, baked or fried, with fillings that were prepared hours ahead. The 3 Amigos does something else. The pastry starts as corn. That's the first signal that these aren't the conventional version. Oaxacan-style empanadas reflect the regional food traditions of southern Mexico, where corn remains central to the cuisine.
Here's why this matters for folks with gluten sensitivity: the corn pastry is naturally gluten-free. It's also softer than wheat flour once cooked. You won't get that dense chewiness. The filling stays warm and the crust gives way without resistance. No jaw workout required.
These aren't the Argentine empanadas most Edmonton diners picture. Oaxacan corn pastry, made to order, stuffed with beef or chicken, and finished with crema and feta.
Beef or chicken: choosing your filling
The beef is a slow-cooked blend, tender without turning mushy. The chicken is roasted, shredded, lighter, and cuts through the feta richness better. If you're unsure, order one of each. Beef tastes more substantial. Chicken lets you taste the crema and cheese. Check our full menu for prices and details.
The crema arrives warm, draped over the top of the pastry. It soaks in slightly, softening the outer edge. The feta is crumbled fresh and won't overwhelm you. It's a whisper of tang, not a shout. This is what separates made-to-order from pre-made. The warm pastry absorbs the crema properly. The cheese stays discrete instead of hardening as it cools.
Pair your empanadas: what to order alongside
The empanadas are a starter, but they're substantial. At $22, they'll sit heavy before a mains course. That said, the Amigo Plato (GF) pairs one empanada with a taco dorado, tostada, gordita, chicken Tinga taco, plus guacamole, crema, pico de gallo, refried beans, and rice. It costs $29 and works as a gluten-friendly sampler. If you're curious but not fully committed, order this.
For sides, grab the Mucho Guacamole ($17). It's hand-mashed avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and house-made corn tortilla chips. Dip an empanada piece in it. You'll understand why regulars in Rideau Park keep coming back.
The Sopa De Tortilla is worth mentioning too. A tortilla soup with roasted tomatoes, guajillo, avocado, mozzarella, crema, and house-made corn tortilla strips. It's gluten-friendly and pairs well with the empanadas if you're building a full course meal. The acidic broth cuts through the richness of the crema-topped pastry.
Oaxacan made-to-order since 2005
Ken, Alfredo, and Elvis Rosales came to Edmonton and opened The 3 Amigos to serve authentic Oaxaca-style cuisine. Two decades in, that commitment hasn't wavered. Every tortilla is made in-house. Every salsa is prepared fresh. The empanadas are built when you order them, not pulled from a warming tray.
Making to order takes longer than pulling from inventory. You notice it the moment the plate arrives. The corn pastry is still warm. The filling was just sealed inside. You're eating something that's minutes old, not hours. That's not marketing. That's the difference between fresh and expedient.
Find us in south Edmonton — pickup or delivery
The 3 Amigos is located at 4035 106 Street, Edmonton, AB T6J 2M3 in Rideau Park, Edmonton, AB. We're based in Rideau Park, serving the whole south side. Empire Park, Edmonton, AB and Southgate, Edmonton, AB are just minutes from us. If you're in Steinhauer, Edmonton, AB, Aspen Gardens, Edmonton, AB, Twin Brooks, Edmonton, AB, or other south Edmonton neighborhoods, we deliver. Dine in if you can. The space is warm, and the energy on Friday and Saturday nights shows why locals make the trip.
Hours: Monday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Tuesday–Thursday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday–Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Closed Sunday. Call us at (780) 490-6394 to confirm availability or place an order ahead. Get in touch with questions about group orders or catering.
Order Empanadas OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Oaxacan empanadas and Argentine empanadas?
Argentine empanadas typically use a wheat-flour crust, are often baked, and feature beef or cheese fillings. Oaxacan empanadas, like ours at The 3 Amigos, use corn pastry, are sometimes fried, and are stuffed to order with fresh fillings finished with crema and crumbled cheese. The corn pastry is naturally gluten-friendly and has a different texture: softer, less chewy.
Can I get empanadas if I need gluten-free food?
Yes. Our empanadas are made with corn pastry, which is naturally gluten-free. We stuff them to order with your choice of beef or chicken, then finish with crema and feta. We also serve other gluten-friendly starters like the Amigo Plato, which includes an empanada alongside a taco dorado, tostada, gordita, and chicken tinga.
What do you serve with the empanadas?
Each one comes topped with crema (Mexican sour cream) and crumbled feta. Pair them with our guacamole. It's hand-mashed with cilantro and lime. Or dip into the Sopa De Tortilla if you want something warming. Some guests order the Amigo Plato as their first stop, which bundles an empanada with four other dishes so you can survey the whole menu.