Empanadas El Dominicano is much more than just empanadas. Since 2021, it’s been a little corner of Caribbean flavor in Tucson. Every dish reflects the tradition of Dominican foods. Founded by Wander Pérez, a former professional baseball player, this food truck was born out of a desire to share a piece of the DR with our Southern Arizona community
The first time we participated in Tucson Meet Yourself, our business had been open for less than four months. We knew it was a major festival, and although we thought we were prepared, the reality was quite a challenge. Every single empanada was sealed by hand—using a fork—by just one person: the owner. It was a massive undertaking; at times, there were long lines to order and pick up food, and occasionally we even had to stop taking orders. Fortunately, the community was incredibly patient and generous, and that experience has helped us improve year after year. We have significantly sped up our service times, and preparing for this festival has become a major event for our family.
For that first TMY appearance, we even rescheduled our daughter’s quinceañera so we could be there. We have no regrets; this event not only helps sustain our business but also fills us with joy, pride, and a sense of community
MENU
EMPANADAS / PASTELITOS
Clásicas, doraditas y llenas de sabor — ¡pruébalas todas!
Classic, golden and full of flavor — try them all!
$5 cada una / each
Carne molida – Con pimientos de tres colores, cebolla y tomate
Ground meat– Cooked with three-color bell peppers, onion and tomato
Pollo deshebrado – Pechuga sazonada al estilo dominicano
Shredded chicken – Seasoned breast Dominican style
Jamón con queso – Jamón de pavo con queso mozzarella
Ham & cheese – Turkey ham with mozzarella
Chile verde con queso (V) – Toque sonorense sin picante
Green chile & cheese (V) – Sonoran touch, not spicy
Chorizo con queso – Chorizo de res con queso derretido
Beef chorizo & cheese – Spiced beef with melted mozzarella
PLATILLOS / MAIN DISHES
Sabores caseros, porciones generosas
Homestyle flavors, generous portions
$15 Chuleta frita – Jugosa, sazonada con la receta secreta y frita al instante. Con arroz o tostones
Fried pork chop – Seasoned with the secret recipe and fried instantly, the chop is delicious and juicy. Order it with fried plantains (tostones) or rice.
$14 Arroz con pollo – Pollo guisado con moro de gandules o de habichuelas y plátano maduro
Rice with chicken – Stewed chicken with coconut pigeon pea rice or rice & beans, and sweet plantain
$13 Fritos con salami – Plátanos fritos con salami dominicano en rodajas gruesas
Fried plantains with salami – Thick slices of Dominican salami with crispy plantains
$12 Combo – 1 empanada, arroz y plátano verde o maduro
Combo – 1 empanada, rice, and green or sweet plantain
ACOMPAÑANTES / SIDES
$6 Arroz / Rice (V)
$6 Plátano frito / Fried green plantains (V)
$6 Maduro / Sweet plantain (V)
BEBIDAS TROPICALES / TROPICAL DRINKS
$7 Morir Soñando – leche + limón + hielo = ¡una delicia caribeña!
Milk + lime + ice = a Caribbean delight!
$6 Jugos naturales de guayaba y tamarindo
Natural guava and tamarind juices
ALLERGY INFO
Some Food Items May Contain: Dairy, Gluten
