Grab-and-Go Empanadas for Busy Days: Boxes of 10 & Office Lunch Hacks

If you live in New York, you already know what it feels like to be hungry in between meetings, subway rides, and last-minute errands. There’s never enough time, and somehow food always ends up being whatever’s fastest instead of whatever’s best. We’ve all been there with a cold bagel or a rushed slice of pizza. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Empanadas are the city’s quiet food hero. They’re small enough to fit in your hand but filling enough to carry you through the day. And when you find the right spot, like Empanada Mama, they’re not just quick,  they’re food you actually look forward to eating. That’s where the Box of 10 comes in. It’s more than just a to-go order. It’s a solution for busy days, office lunches, and honestly, life in New York. In this blog, we share why our Boxes of 10 are perfect for office lunches, busy days, and late-night cravings.

Why Empanadas Just Work on the Go

Empanadas were almost made for travelers. That golden crust that doesn't crumble, the warm, filling contents that don't spill all over the place, and the combination of crunch and softness in each bite that's just right. No forks, no napkins, no fuss. You can see just how fun and versatile they are by checking out our story here.

Compared to most grab-and-go foods in NYC, they're almost too good to be true. And unlike a protein bar that's hunger-inducing after an hour or a soggy sandwich languishing in your bag, an empanada is like a real meal. One or two does the trick, and the numerous filling possibilities mean you never get tired of eating it.

What we love the most is that they work for everyone. A parent rushing with kids, a student stuck in the library all day, or someone like me trying to grab something between emails and subway transfers always fits. They’re comfort food that adapts to your schedule.

The Box of 10: A Simple Win for Groups

If you’ve ever tried to plan food for coworkers, you know the pain. Pizza is predictable, salads feel like an afterthought, and no one ever seems to agree on just one dish when ordering from a delivery app.

With the Box of 10, you don’t have to overthink it. Ten empanadas, hot and ready, with a mix of flavors so everyone’s happy. Spinach and cheese for the vegetarian, chicken or beef for the hearty eaters, even sweet ones for dessert if you want to switch it up. It’s a little bit of everything in one box.

We’ve seen this box save office lunches more than once. It’s noon, people are cranky, and you walk in with a bag of warm empanadas. Suddenly, no one’s complaining anymore. The same goes for a house party or even a casual hangout. Set them out, and people gather, eat, and relax. No plates, no cutlery, no mess. Just food that makes everyone stop talking about being hungry.

Everyday Hacks: Making Empanadas Work for You

The best part about empanadas is how easy they are to fit into your day. A few small hacks, and they can cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even dinner.

At Work

Buy a Box of 10 at the start of the week. Eat two for lunch, stash a couple in the fridge for later, and you’ve basically meal-prepped without any effort. It saves money, and you don’t end up ordering a random takeout that leaves you feeling heavy.

At Home

Empanadas can be dinner with almost zero prep. Toss together a quick salad or heat a simple soup, and suddenly you’ve got a complete meal. The variety of fillings makes it easy to keep the whole table happy.

On the Move

Wrap one in foil, throw it in your bag, and you’re set. Whether it’s a long subway ride or a late-night walk home, that one empanada feels like the best decision you made all day.

Anytime, anywhere, empanadas fit right in. They’re the kind of food that doesn’t just feed you, it makes life a little simpler and a lot more delicious.

Easy Ordering in NYC

The other reason they work so well? Ordering from Empanada Mama couldn’t be easier. You can pop in, grab what you need, and be out in minutes. Delivery is just as smooth, and since some locations are open 24/7, those late-night cravings don’t stand a chance.

With multiple NYC locations, it’s easy to grab fresh empanadas anywhere in town.

So whether you’re powering through a workday, setting up for a team lunch, or finally heading home after midnight, the answer doesn’t change. Empanadas are right there, and you don’t have to pick between fast and delicious.

At the end of it, food in New York should make things easier, not stressful. That’s exactly what empanadas do. They’re portable, filling, and actually taste like something you want to eat. The Box of 10 just takes it up a notch, making it easy for groups, family dinners, or even just stocking up for yourself.

Next time hunger hits, skip the boring options, order your empanadas from Empanada Mama today.