By Rachael Shugars, AAP Food Writer
I love those food places that I discover by accident. I wouldn’t say it happens often as I’m normally someone who likes to look at the menu and have an idea on what I what to order once I arrive somewhere. But in those rare moments I find a food gem it’s a pleasant thrill. I had visited the Rite Aid on Westfield Avenue recently and as I was coming out; I noticed an incredibly colorful place called La Mangonada Snack Bar at 4926 Westfield Avenue owned and operated by Mrs. Miranda and her family.
I thought to myself, how did I not know about them?! The snack bar opened in the Fall of 2021. They offer a fantastic list of unique treats that are sweet, or savory, or spicy, or ALL THREE! I had to bring my family to visit this place. Also, it’s easier to order a bunch of stuff and not feel like a glutton if there are multiple people present. I went with my son and my mother. I ordered the Esquite (eh-skee-tay). This is a very popular Latin dish known as street corn that includes, corn, spices, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. It’s beautiful and tasty. You can order the dish without any of these ingredients, but I highly recommend trying it as suggested. It was sweet and salty and the Cotija cheese helps hold it all together. The serving size was perfectly shareable. I also ordered a Horchata which a Latin cinnamon and rice milk drink that I’m a huge fan of. For those unfamiliar imagine having the taste of rice pudding but in a smooth, ice-cold drink. It’s awesome. My son got a strawberry smoothie (his fav). There is a long list of available flavors for the smoothies. My mother ordered fruit and cream with cinnamon, and it was decadent. The fruit was fresh and cool, and the cinnamon and cream paired with it fantastically.
In February 2022 La Mangonada got voted “Most Loved on Doordash” and currently hold a review score over 4.5 stars. There are so many things available here including dessert waffles, ceviche, ice cream, specialty candies, fruit and veggie dishes, and their signature Mangonada Chamoyada which has fresh mango, peanuts, chamoy seasoning, tajin seasoning, a tamarind straw, and other various spices. This drink is intended to be spicy but is just at tasty sans spice.
The food is stellar, and the offerings are vast. There is catering available here as well but what stood out to me the most is the artwork. All of the art and the painting was done by the owner herself, Mrs. Miranda, and this place is family owned and operated. I adore local joint and family-owned places. You have to imagine the incredible amount of work it takes to bring your vision to life and serve the community around you. I encourage my fellow food adventurers to visit La Mangonada not only to grab some ice cream or a smoothie, but to enjoy the beauty and color within. New places like this need our support and La Mangonada is just a great place to hang out and grab a bite.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am until 9pm. You can reach them by phone at 856-345-4692 or via email at lamangonadasnackbar@gmail.com. Their snack bar is able to host private events upon request as well. Be sure to follow them on Facebook because they post specials all the time for holiday arrangements, special food items, and more. Don’t forget to share your adventure on my Facebook page AAP Food Adventures when you go and visit. Get some selfies near their La Mangonada mural! And as always enjoy your Food Adventures.
