Mama Ding's Pasteles - Spreckelsville

Mama Ding 's has been around for a very, very long time. Mention the name and some will exclaim They 're still open?! And while I have yet to step foot inside, I got a chance to try something from a co-worker 's takeout that I 'm definitely going back for! MENU: Puerto Rican Plate Lunch (pastele, gandule rice, bacalao salad, empanadillas, Portuguese sausage dessert), or broken down into ala carte, box and pan-sized options. FOOD: Empanadillas I absolutely love meat turnovers. Empanadas, empanadillas... What 's the difference between the two? Nothing really, except for the fact that in Puerto Rico, empanadas are referred to as breaded steak or chicken and empanadillas are meat turnovers. Other areas of Spanish-speaking folk call meat turnovers, empanadas. Whatever. All you need to know is that if you like either name, you 're going to absolutely LOVE these. It is a well-known fact to friends that I don 't care for pastele anything due to its odd and weak flavor. I 've had a version from another Maui establishment as a stew and didn 't care for it. So when I was offered a pastele-filled empanadilla, I grimaced at the opportunity but was all smiles and moans after devouring it! The warm dough was thick like a pie crust and insanely soft, flaky and buttery. Once you get past that delicious shell, the pastele filling bursts your tastebuds with mouth-watering, savory, tomatoey flavors that takes these bad boys over the edge! OMG. One was definitely not enough. TIP: They 're a takeout only biz with odd hours and ordering procedures. Definitely call ahead. OVERALL: They 're right up there with the best empanadas we had in Buenos Aires, Argentina!

I lived on Maui for 20+ years and never knew about Mama Ding's. I only know that the family who has this restaurant must be wonderful. They truly know the aloha spirit and the true meaning of ohana. I'm writing this because of a personal experience and the privilege to know what they do for others. If I am to return to Maui, that will be the first place I go.And hopefully, to experience their hospitality and the food.I m sure it's outstanding because of the love they show in many ways.

This food was so good, and the man working was very friendly! You have to order by phone ahead of time, you can’t go inside. The lunch plate was a good amount of food, I shared it with my partner and it was perfect. Definitely recommend!

Best Rican food on the island! Introducing my friends to your food tomorrow... can’t wait! You gotta try it. It’s delicious

Every time I visit Maui, this is one of the first places I run to. The pasteles are wonderful. I usually buy 1 or 2 dozen and eat them every day until I leave.