Claudy's Kitchen

"The smell of buttery pastry fills your nose the second Claudy’s empanadas land on your table, or when you open a box of them in nearby Van Cortlandt Park. Almost tart-like in its flakiness, the shell at this Riverdale Peruvian spot stands out—and lives up to the aroma, tasting most deeply of hot butter. Their aji gallina filling is a treat: juicy chicken, swimming in a garlicky, slightly sweet, lightly spiced yellow pepper sauce. Pair it with a purple chicha morada that will stain your teeth and and brighten your day." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, monica prestia

"Right off the 1 train at 242nd Street, this family-run restaurant is an excellent pick-up option for a Van Cortlandt Park picnic. The Peruvian spot has pollo a la brasa (a whole chicken is around $20), chaufa, and combo plates, but we’re especially fond of their empanadas. If for some reason you don’t like the smell of hot butter, these are not for you. But if you belong to the other 99% of the world’s population, the moment you open a box of fresh-from-the-oven Claudy's empanadas will be a very memorable one. There’s butter nearly seeping from the pastry, and the fillings are great too. Grab a fruity, toasted corn-flavored chicha morada from the fridge while you’re at it. photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman Food Rundown Aji De Gallina With cozily cooked chicken, this aji de gallina empanada has a bit of heat, and eats like a creamy chicken pot pie with more flavor. Get this. photo credit: Will Hartman Chicharron If you’re a fan of tender pork and sweet onions in a salsa criolla, you’ll like this. Every few bites, the crunchy pork skin and empanada pastry clash slightly though." - Will Hartman

"Peruvian restaurant Claudy’s kitchen started as a flan and empanada business, but has now found a permanent home in Riverdale, in the Bronx. The flan — which comes in vanilla, passionfruit, lychee, and chocolate variants — is still one of the go-to items here, but consider ordering the ceviche, tamales, or the wide selection of empanadas as well. The restaurant is only open for takeout and delivery, but consider grabbing a bite from here and heading to Van Cortlandt Park." - Eater Staff

"Chicken empanadas Claudy’s Kitchen is a Peruvian family business that’s proud of its heritage and imperfectly shaped, handmade empanadas, which range from $3-3.50 apiece. Situated on a busy stretch of Broadway in The Bronx, varieties here include chopped rotisserie chicken, chicharron (fried pork belly and salsa criolla), and an empanada verde with spinach, mozzarella, and caramelized onions. Top your order off with their dessert option filled with fresh apples, cinnamon, and caramel." - team infatuation

"The New York Times reports that restaurants across the city are looking to chicha morada — a Peruvian drink made with purple corn, lime, apples, pineapple, and spices, simmered over hours — for cocktail menu inspiration. Interpretations of the drink are offered at Claudy’s Kitchen in Riverdale." - Emma Orlow